PLAYING FIELDS FUND

Evening Post, Volume CXXVI, Issue 82, 4 October 1938, Page 17

PLAYING FIELDS FUND

ROUND-THE-TABLE TALK

A round-the-table discussion on the proposed scheme for the playing of cricket matches on December 3, for the benefit of the Playing Fields Fund, was held last night at a meeting of the I management committee of the Wellington Cricket Association, with representatives of other cricket bodies in Wellington attending. Messrs. J. Young and L. E. Downes represented the Mercantile League, and Messrs. J. Sharpe and J. F. May represented the Hutt Valley Cricket Association. Mr. J. H. Phillipps (chairman), in welcoming the delegates, pointed out that the majority of sports bodies in Wellington had been approached by the City Council with a view tb the raising of funds for the provision of extra playing areas in the district. As the Mercantile League and Wellington Association, particularly, were in a very unfortunate position regarding the shortage of grounds, it behoved them to make a special effort. There were approximately 2000 cricketers under the jurisdiction of the two bodies. Mr. Young said the Mercantile League had discussed the matter and was-entirely at one with the Wellington Association in the matter. Mr. May remarked that a similar position existed on the Hutt executive. "We can only absorb the sixty-six teams we have at present," said Mr. Young. "We have thirty-three Wickets by the grace of God and we cannot extend any further, simply on account of lack of grounds." General satisfaction was expressed by the management committee at the way the other two bodies had offered to co-operate on the special day, and possible matches were briefly discussed. As far as the Hutt was concerned, Mr. Sharpe said, the feeling of the Hutt Association was that as many players should be incorporated as possible. It would be willing to abandon competition matches on the day. It was decided that two representatives from each body should be appointed at a later date to go into the matter further. "The various bodies should indicate to. the players," said Mr. Phillipps, "that on that day they should make some contribution to the Playing Fields Fund. The only restriction to the forwarding of cricket at the moment is the lack of grounds and players should be willing to contribute something to a scheme which is definitely for their benefit." The delegates were thanked for their constructive views on the matter.