LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Chronicle (Levin), 24 January 1947, Page 2

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

"PADS."

EARLY CRICKET HISTORY

Sir, — In your issue of January 20 you have a Test cricket commentary. This begins with the year 1877, when the first English eleven came to New Zealan'd. I happen to have the diary of one of the members of the Auckland team, who later lived and played cricket for many years in Horowhenua. In 1877 he .was living at the Bay of Tslands and on January 16, just 70 i years ago, he received a telegram I from Mr. Dulaur, of Auckland: I "You have unanimously been selected to represent Auckland . . ." 1 (The telegraph line to Russell was ;opened in March, 1875, the cable line to Australia having been opened in February, 1875). ! The match took place at Ellerslie, the visitors staying in all day and scoring 223 for nine wickets, and the innings closing for 224 — Charlwood 65 and Selby 44. The 22 Aucklanders made 109 and 94 against such bowlers as Southerton, Emmett and Wyett. Tom| Emmett was a protege of W. G. i Grace. While bowling in one match in England, he was dropped so often in the field that he threw down thc ball in disgust, remarking: "I won't bowl . any more. i ' Tliere's an epidemic on this | ground, but it isn't catching." Wyett, the Yorkshireman, was a j fast bowler and a big hitter. When the Australian Test team was in England about 1880, and Wyett was taking wickets, C. J. Bonner, the six-foot terrific slogger of the visiting eleven, was sent in to knock ' the dangerous Yorkshireman off. ! He hit the first ball fair and square ! and the spectators behind the bowler began to open out, but the ,ball did not reach there. Wyett had put up one hand and the ball had stuck in it. ' In this match at Auckland Wyett lamed the diarist, who stayed in for an hour for six runs, and nearly killjed a player named Bennett. I The visitors left early next mornling, and while going to Onehunga | Selby and Ellis had a dispute as to who was the quicker over 50 yards. Fifty pounds was the wager, which 'Selby won easily. Yours etc.,

: 'Otaki, Jah. 22.