“The Press” In 1866

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31080, 8 June 1966, Page 16

“The Press” In 1866

CHATHAMS CRICKET.—We have received the following letter from a correspondent at the Chatham Islands. It does not contain any very recent news but no doubt many of our readers will be glad to find that the game of cricket flourishes even in such an out-of-the-way spot. “The Great Chathams, or Wharekauri, are now as every one is aware, the home of a portion of the Hau-Haus —a home far too good for them, abounding in everything one can desire, apples, pears, cherries, gooseberries, strawberries &c., growing luxuriantly; also potatoes, onions, beet, and cabbage, the blight having never appeared. In fact, any one with the heart to work, cannot fail to do well. The country is also well adapted for sheep and cattle, both of which are superior to those in New Zealand.

“On Wednesday, April 25, the ceremony of erecting a flag-staff took place, when on hoisting the union jack a salute was fired and three hearty cheers given for her most gracious Majesty. After the ceremony was completed, the whole party adjourned to a cricket match between the Colonial) Forces and the Civilians, but as we found it difficult to muster eleven a-side, we had to content ourselves with nine only. Wickets were pitched at one o’clock. The captain on the Colonial side was Mr. J. Ferris who, 1 may say, is a true cricketer. It really did one good in such an out-of-the-way place to see one of the .old school. The other captain was Mr. J. Marshall, a recent settler in the Chatham Islands, and one of the old Albions from Canterbury. whose bowling and scoring speak for themselves.”