CRICKET TROPHIES

Evening Post, Volume CXXIII, Issue 85, 12 April 1937, Page 6

CRICKET TROPHIES

HUTT VALLEY FUNCTION

GROWTH OF ASSOCIATION

The end.of the cricket season was marked by .a social function organised by the 'Hult 'Valley '■ Cricket SubAssociation on' Saturday night," when ■trophies won during the past season were presented.by the president (Mr. J Kerr). Also present were Messrs. J. H. Phillipps (chairman) and A. Varney (secretary) of the .Wellington Cricket Association, and Messrs. E. a ■ Casey and G. P. Aldridge, representing the Wellington Mercantile League . After the loyal toast, Mr. Phillipps proposed the toast of "The Hutt Valley Cricket Sub-Association." He said it was hoped that as time went on the affiliation of the Hutt Valley with the Wellington association would result m a great measure of co-operation for the common benefit of ;all:' He was surprised at the growth of' the' association and impressed with'the way in which everything was arranged. Apparently tho» Hutt association, shared Wellington's shortage of grounds, but in the city the council made -every effort to help the cricketers, and he understood that in the Hutt Valley tne local bodies were similarly helpful. The Wellington association hoped next Christmas to establish a cricket week in which teams from the Wellington' Mercantile League and' the Hutt Valley sub-association would compete, said Mr. Phillipps. There must be scores of men playing in one-day cricket who would, .given greater opportunities, go ' much .further in the game. The Wellington association felt it had a duty to perform in giving these cricketers their opportunity. It was also possible that some of the minor, associations would send teams to the cricket week. The' Wellington association had the kindest feelings for the Hutt Valley body. ■ ,

In reply,, Mr. J. Wilson expresset}'pleasure at the proposal to hold a cricket week,' and' said that the Hutt Valley sub-association would be repr*>sented. He thanked Mr. K. Tucker, of Wellington, for his continued interest in cricket, as shown by his presentation of a fine'shield for1 the D grade competition.

In proposing the toast of "Opponents,".Mr.';L. T. Cobcroft. said, that In 1928 there were only five teams in the Hutt Valley- association. ■; The growth since then had been remarkable. Where the Hutt Valley players suffered now was. that they did not secure enough matches' with the Wellington Cricket Association's teams. . -..-. . ; Messrs.'Casey and E. J. Aim replied to vthe toast ■■~' ' PRAISE FOR LOCAL BODIES. 1 The local bodies were a credit to the district, said Mr. Kerr, in .proposing the toast of the, local bodies. He felt sure they were conscientious and doing what they believed to be in the best interests of the people. He hoped .the day would never come when Petohe would be.forced to amalgamate with Lower Hutt. "We want to live our own life and work . out our own destinies;, there is no place in New Zealand better fitted'to do that than the; industrial centre of Petone," said Mr; Kerr. '.' ... v , In reply,, Mr. A. M. Macfarlane,.1 a member, of .the Petone Borough Council, congratulatedthe association, onthe excellent .results achieved during the year. If the ; association had nothing else to' be thankful for, it was 'the condition of North .Park,, 'which was due very-largely to; the'labour, of;.the reserves foreman (Mr.' Mbrgaa). The grounds'problem in. the .Hut; Valley was acute.' 'However;, the Petone club would ■probably "not1-be fielding-as many teams next.-season,.- and;: the chances were that; there would be wickets on ■ the' ' Petone :: Recreation Ground for the .Hutt', Valley "AssociaMr. H.: Wynne! proposed the toast of' "The Artists." and,.Mr: ■ W.." Bishop replied. ■'•..;■ t, -'-.'- -'■■■■■.■■<--.''.-''r-: ■'■■ '■■■ ■':''.. ,'• ■•' .';;• ■: Trophies were" presented follows: Wilford^Kerr ■ Shield; -f^.r; winners. of sA gi-ade,; General Motors; 'Association Shield, for winners;, of B grade,..:Metters United! A; W.;:,R.Tyrrall.Memorial Cup," for winners'of C grade, General Motors C; K. Tucker Shield, for winners of D grade, Metiers United B; special' challenge. shieJd, fos*: winners of- knock-out competition, M.U.1 Oddfellows;. Platt Cup, '.for. the - most outstanding performance in any grade, C. Baylis, .Gracefield Club, for his effort against Todd Motors, when he made 113 runs and took seven wickets -for 17 and five for 30. . ' '

.• During the evening . the gathering was entertained by the following artists:—Messrs. W. McDonagh, - Will Bishop, H. Trowern, J. Evans, and ;R. Rooderkerk.