CRICKET MATCH.

Dunstan Times, Issue 716, 7 January 1876, Page 3

CRICKET MATCH.

Alexandra v. Clyde. This match—the result of a challenge • by the Alexandra Club—came off on Now Year’s Day, cm the Alexandra ground, resulting, to the amazement of the winners, and to the unconcealed chagrin of the defeated, in a most unqualified victory for the challengers. That no game is 'won until it is lost was never more plainly exemplified than during the one under notice, as, from the pitching of the wickets it appeared to bo a gone conclusion in the minds of many that the termination of the game would have been directly the reverse of what it was. We will not say that fortune to a degree favored the Alexandraiana, yet we cannot help but think theClydeites were in very bad trim, or that holding their opponents too cheap they suffered for their conceit. As there will doubtless bo a return match this point will be sot at rest; however, we would, now that we have seen the strength of their opponents, advise our Clyde friends to remodel their team (they have better men than represented them) or they will have to submit to a second defeat. Space will not admit of our going into the merits of each player, but of the Alexandra team it was evident that Rees, Ratcliffe, Brown, Forrest, and Eatnos, immediately on handling the willow, were no novices at the noble game, and though neither made any great score in their first innings, in.the second they showed themselves well. The bowling of Rees, Simmonds, and Murphy, and the wicket-keeping of Ratcliffo was also good. The bowling, especially of Roes, was dead on the wicket, and to that, may we think, fairly be ascribed the defeat of their opponents. Of the Clyde men wo can say nothing in particular, in no ono part did they show themselves ; but of this there is no wonder, as we do not think tho whole team were ever together in the field before. Wo can but repeat our advise “practice,” as without it no team, however g,yod they they may bo individually, can expect to make a respectable stand. Each team having played an innings, lunch was called, and a general move was made to the Geelong Hotel, where Host Robertson had provided as good a spread as it could be our wish to sit down to, comprising flesh and fowl of every description, backed up by many niceties and every delicacy of the season. Justice having been done to the good things,

and a certain uneasiness manifesting it self To get again in the field, Mr Samson, Mayor of Alexandra, who was at the head of the table, to well-primed glasses gave the toast of the visitors “The Clyde Eleven," and wishing all a happy New Year. Mr Richmond, captain of the Clyde Eleven, briefly responded, returning thanks for good wishes expressed, and said though his team were in the minority in the first innings, ho hoped the tables would bo turned in the second. Wo had almost forgotten to mention a slight casualty that occurred during the second innings, and which for the time created some alarm, and afterwards some little misunderstanding. The facts are these, Mr Rees hit a ball which, running up his bat struck his eye and stunned him, and in falling the wicket was knocked down ; the question arose “ out,” or “ not out," and the umpire giving it as “ out ” Mr Rees retired. Though it was given out by the umpire, all were not of that mind, aud the question is to be submitted to ttie Australasian. The following are the scores : Alexandra.—First Innings. Ratcliffe, I 12,1 bw, b Fache ... 4 Rice, 221 1, hit wicket, b Richmond... 6 Murphy, run out ... ... ... 0 Simmonds, c and b Fache ... ... 1 Eames, 1 3 1 1 3 2, c Simpson, b Richmond .. ... .. ..11 E. Ryan, I 1 112, b Bourchier ... 6 P. Brown, c Parke, b Richmond ... 0 Forrest, 2 111, not out ... ... 5 Dewar, 111 3, c and b Bourchier ... 0 Rees, 22, b Fache ... .. ... 4 Cameron, 1, bFache ... ... 1 Leg Byes, 1 1 ... ... ... 2 Wides, 11111111111 ... 11 Byes, 1112 ... ... ... 5 Total (2 Clyde.—First Innings. Bourchier, Ibw, b Rees ... ... 0 Denniston, 3 1113 112 4 1 ... IS Richmond, b Rees ... ... 0 J. Parke, 1, b Murphy .. ... 1 Hendry, b Murphy ~ ... ... 0 Stevens, 112, b Murphy ... ... 4 Fache, st. by Ratcliffe, b Murphy ... 0 Simpson, 1 1, c Ryan, bßces ... 2 Maekav, 2, b Roes ... ... ... 2 H Parkes, b Rees ... ... ... 0 Webb, 2, b Simmonds ... 2 Wide, 1 ... ... ... 1 Total ..30 Alexandra.—Second Innings. Forrest, 11113111, b Richmond ... 10 Rees, 11123222 3 2222134 1, b Richmond ... ... .. 34 Ratcliffe, 211422111124 2, c H. Parke, b Richmond ... ... 24 Murphy, 2 3 2 1 1 1, c Denniston, b Hendry ... ... ... ... 10 Rice, 321 1, b Hendry ... ... 7 Simmonds, 1 1 1 1, b Stevens ... 4 Brown, 1, runout ... ... ... 1 Eames, 1 1 2 1 3 1 2, b Stevens ... 11 G. Ryan, 11, not out ... ... 2 Dewar, c Bourchier, b Heudry ... 0 Cameron, b Hendry ~ .. . 0 Wides, 111111 6 Byes, 111112 111 ... ~.10 Total ... 119 Clyde.—Second Innings. Stevens, 1 c Rees, b Simmonds ... 1 Denniston, 1, run out ... ... 1 Bourchier, 212 4, bSimmonds ... 9 Hendry, 3, gt. by Ratcliffe, b Rees ... 3 j Fache, c Ryan, b Rees ... ... 0 | Simpson, 1, c Rees, hj Simmonds ... 1 | Maekay, 212, c Murphy, b Simmonds 5 j Richmond, b andst. Simmonds 0 J. Parke, 112, b Simmonds ... ... 4 Wehh, 21, run out ... ... 3 H. Parke, not out . . ... ... 0 Wides. 11,'... ... .. 2 Byes, 112 111 7 Total ... ... ... 30 CROMWELL.' —o—(FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.) The old year has passed away, and the present issue is the only chance I have had had of congratulating vour Cromwell sup. porters upon the encouraging condition of the district. A correspondent, like all others connected with a newspaper, cannot please every one, and must, to be truthful, occasionally tread upon the toes of some. To those whom I have in the past offended, I believe, the very head and front of my offending consisted in the fearless expression of opinion and faithful reporting of public procedings, evidenced by the fact that, notwithstanding the efforts of an isolated few, the subscription list is being swelled, and every issue adds additional names thereto. Satisfied that I am ever able to substantiate what I assert, and defend myself, I shall continue to place your readers in possession of the latest district news, and learn to deride the critic’s stark decree. Nor care when crowds applaud or hiss. The action of pub'io men will be narrowly watched, and the doings of the municipal body will occasionally be scanned, more especially the appointment of their officers and the performance by them of their respective duties. From the public at large I have nothing to ask but a fair field and no favor.

It is usual, in fact it has become a universal custom, to herald in the new year with a display of fireworks, street minstrelsy, etc., and to make the pubs shell out, but the present new year was allowed to pass as though it had been forgotten, and at one minute past 12 o’clock (telegrayh time) on the evening of the 31st of December last, there was not a living soul to be seen in Melmoro Terraco or on the streets of Cromwell. Mr Starkey liberally treated the few wanderers who were out from home, while Mr Kidd vigorously rang the bell, and in a voice of thunder, roared out, “Roll up boys fora cheap liquor," but all in vain, the surrounding hills replied, “ Roll up boys, etc.,” but not none appeared. This extraordinary quietude may bo mainly ascribed to one of two reasons : Templary having made such rapid strides. Another reason, that the Good Templars had the Athenaeum Hall engaged for a dance, and moat of the town’s folk were there tripping away to the strains of the Cromwell Brass Band. By tho way, this brings mo to tho bill of amusements provided by tho Templars on Now Year’s Eve, consisting of a concert and dramatic representation. In tho concert 1 must give credit to Mrs Tippett, who accompanied the several songs upon the pianoforte with

taste ; in fact she proved herself an excellent accompanist, which is saying a great deal, as a person may bo a first class musician but a very indifferent accompanist. Of this lady’s singing I cannot speak in terms of unqualified praise. Mr Edwards acquitted himself well, but “ Excelsior” was scarcely suitable for him, and I should have preferred “ The Sexton,’ or one or two other songs, for which this gentleman has secured most favorable notices at my hands. Master Stevens (though in the programme styled Mr) did not come up to the mark. Mr Todd rendered the “Egyptian Mummy.” The public were afflicted with an harangue from an enthusiastic Templar, who, after launching out the strongest invectives against those sinners, the vendors of spirituous liquors. I would strongly point out the necessity of using milder language than has been the custom of late, or the publicans may, to several of the “reclaimed,” justly apply the words, “MnlaU nomine de tc fabula narratur." Thedraina “Awaking” was not, to my notion, par excellence, but it would be ingracious to too severely criticise the efforts of amateurs. It may be as well to add that the late performance was not given under the auspices of the Cromwell Dramatic Club. I tuderstand they purpose producing a play in a month or so, and judging from the success by which the Lady of Lyons was attended, a good house may be expected. The Corporation dayman is not very attentive to his duties, and complaints are somewhat general respecting his seeming negligence. It is no unusual thing to proceed to the town race of a morning and find that the water has not been turned on, while ashes and other refuse are permitted to lie too long. Who, then, is to blame? ’Tis true the position of town scavenger is not an enviable one, while it is equally true the remuneration is at least adequate to the unpleasant nature of the services required. If one is not competent to perform the work, let two be employed, as wo do not desire a return to that pestilence that left such sad traces behind. The closets should be more regularly attended to, and one or two more of our industrious citizens might, with becoming propriety, favor the Town Clerk with a visit, and procure some chloride of lime. lam not given to moralising, or quoting scripture, but cannot help repeating the words, “ Cleanliness is next to Godliness.” Cromwell is'at present favored with a visit from young Delaney, the Champion ten mile runner, and young Oleeson, the Champion walker and I understand they will both shortly appear before the public Respecting Delaney, the Southern I’ress speak in favorable terms, and give him the credit of running “ on the square,” an opinion richly deserved, judging from Delaney's recent running at Bendigo, when some of the sharpers were bit, as they wanted him to do a “ cross, ” out the lad was too honest, and went for the money and won. Gieeson is of slight build, and I should think not more than fifteen years of age. “ Have you ever been in love,” was a question put on New Year’s morning (after the Ball) by Miss Highflyer to Miss Cuffs and Frills. As might have been expected theanswer was in the negative. “Then,” continued Miss H., “Never fall in love.” Why ? ‘ ‘ Because there’s that nasty, naughty beaux of mine, who swore to love me and mo only, has now given my the go-bye, and transferred his hand and heart to another. Would you, dear Miss Cuffs and Frills believe him so deceitful ? Only think, he's taken up with Miss Bangaway Slasher, who hasn’t feet as pretty as mine, and who is always laughing and smirking.” At this critical and opportune moment, the truant and abused Lover arrived, but all his efforts to appease the wronged and injured beauty wouldn’t suffice, and when last seen by the writer, who was a disinterested, but unobserved spectator—tears were flowing freely, and the young Bayard was gloomily gazing upon the ground, lost in reverie. I don’t know whether bis conscience ’pricked him or not, but, I must candidly confess that I did feel a little sympathy for the aforesaid Miss Highflyer, as dang it all, a fellow’s but mortal, and— When beauty in distress appears, An irresistloss charm it wears. [ would respectfully recommend this gay Lothario to select some other spot than a public thoroughfare in the heart of the town to give and take mutual explanations, as persons cannot always assume deafness. After this favorable notice, I should think myself secured for an invitation to the happy event, even if the bride should chance to be Miss Bangaway Slasher, and the happy man a, well known, and well-to-do resident of the City. During the last few days numerous enquiries have been made respecting Robert Inglis, a stone-mason, who has been working of late at Mr Perriam’s, Lowburn, and keeping the Christmas holidays too freely. When last seen he was in very depressed spirits, and it is feared by many, that ho has laid violent hands upon himself, although I have good reason to believe that he is still in the land of the living, and that he deemed a change of scene and climate advisable. Several parties having pecuniary claims will be glad to hear of his whereabouts The Clutha River is not inviting at all times, and least of all to such gentlemen as the rumored suicide.

Max Adder, tho humorist, has married a young lady whose weight, verges closely upon 2001b. “My dear,” says he to her, “shall 1 help you over tho fence?” “No,” says sho to him, “ help tho fence.” “No!” ho said, contemptuously, “it's easy enough for a man to make money nowadays. Times arc different from what they was. Then there was solid work about it. Now, all you have to do is to take your surplus and buy things when tliey’re low and sell when they’re high and there it is in a nutshell. A child could do it.” “By the way," ho added, “ could you lend mo half-n-orown for a few days,”

DUNEDIN, —o—• (mOM OUK COBHESPONDENT.) January 2, 1870. Holiday making Las been tho order of the day for Christmas Day was beautifully fine, and largo numbers availed themselves of it to enjoy tho various amusements provided, but tho next day and tho following put a damper on all out-door sports, picnics had to 1)0 postponed, Jupiter Flavius reigning supremo. On Thursday a very heavy thunderstorm occurred with vivid lightning and quite a tropical rain, inundating tho lower portions of the town, then a change took place for tho hotter, finishing up the Old year dry. On Tuesday night at twelve tho new year was ushered in with a great amount of joviality—the Town bell rang out, and a large concourse of people were parading the streets bent on skylarking usual on such occasions—tho utmost cordiality prevailed, some few Chinese crackers were thrown about. The Riugarooma from Victoria arrived on New Year’s eve, bringing later items of English and Colonial news. The Victorian Parliament has passed a Bill increasing the assessment on Stock.—Two children have been drowned in a tan-pit at the Sheepwash near Sandhurst ; also, several persons have been drowned whilst bathing during the hot weather, which set in suddenly, tho thermometer rising from 60 to 90, causing the heat to bo severely felt alter the continued wintry weather.—The break in the Tasmanian cable was speedily repaired.— Tho shore ends of the New Zealand cable have arrived at Adelaide, the ship having another cable on board for the Adoaide line.—There is not much excitement on the forthcoming Champion Pace, with LISOO added ; Richmond, tho Sylvia Colt, now called Robin Hood, and Melbourne are the first favorites. Mrs Colclough, bettor known by tho nom tie plume of Polly Plum, late of Auckland, who advocates women’s rights is in distress in Melbourne efforts are being made to assist her to come to Auckland to her friends.—The non-arri-val of the Colima is causing some anxiety in Sydney ; she is one of the Frisco Line. A young girl named Pratt aged twentytwo, who had been suffering from neuralgia died from the effects of morphia being injected in her ear by Dr Sorley. An inquiry was held by the Coroner. Dr Fcrgusson, who made a post-mortem, stated ho did not find any appearance iu the organs of the body to account for death. The jury concluded that owing to the peculiar constitution of tho girl, the small dose of morphia caused death, and returned a verdict of excusable homicide. This is strongly commented on as a most extraordinary verdict. New Year’s Day being fine, a great number started tor trips to the Clutha by Rail, and several steamers took excursionists to the Maori Kaik at the Heads ; and the Samson was to go as far as Waikouati. The Calodonion Society commenced their Sports —the Stand which is said to hold three thousand was crammed, and tho grounds were thronged—the . whole number of those present is variously estimated at from six to eight thousand. ■ Tho numerous prizes were well contested for, and loud was the applause during the contest for each event. An impromptu game of Kiss in tho Ring was indulged in at the back end of the ground causing much merriment. A number of those gentlemen, who are at once to bo recognized by their visages as belonging to the genus homo who cater three sticks a shilling, lawn billiards, and a host of other little swindles were most unceremoniously tabooed by the Police. Ihe booths seemed to do a good trade, and a fair amount of tightness was publicly displayed by some of the ancient sons of Scotia, who delight to make merry at this season of tho year. Scarlet fever is said to bo on the increase hut 1 have not heard of any more fatal cases. It is said that a case of English cholera has occurred to a young man iu the north end of the city. Mr A. J. Burns was returned for Roslyn, his opponent, J. G. S. Grant, only polling some forty-five.