Manawatu Cricket Association.

Feilding Star, Volume XVIII, Issue 71, 21 September 1896, Page 2

Manawatu Cricket Association.

Tbe annual treeting of delegates to the Manawatu Cricket Association was held in the Manchester Hotel, Feilding, on Saturday evening last. PresentMessrs F. Y. Lethbridge (in the chair), A. H. Toinpkius (secretary i, A. G. Carfcy (treasurer) ; and the following delegates, viz., H. C. Stewart and W. Dickson, FeildiDg Club ; L. K. Reade and D.Ent wislc. Colvton ; F. D. Opie aud Ooombe, Eongotea; J. E. Withers and T. B. Crump. Palmerston; C. A. J. Levett, Birmingham. The annual report was read stating, \nt> r alia, that this was by far the most successful season since the inauguration of the Association, which was a gratify, ing fact. One of the moat enjoyable features of the past year was the trip to Napier, which was the first trip undertaken by a responsible cricket body, though the team was not so representative as it might have been. Still, the record was a rir^c rate one ; the matches were — Against Napier Combined which was lost by 9 wickets ; against County Club, won by an iunings and 49 runs; against llawkes Bay Province, drawn, Mauawatu 193 and 150, Hawke's Bay 131 and 4 wickets for 121; against Woodyille and Pahiafcua Combined, won on Ist innings by 8 runs, Manawaiu 61 and 66 for 6 wickets, combined team 58 and [ 96. Ou March (3th a team went to Wangauui and was beaten easily, but it was not in reality a representative team. A return match was played with VVoodville Pahiatua at Feilding, the local reps winniug. The championship matcbea practically resolved themselves into a contest between the Colyton and Birmiu«liam Clubn ; each of these Clubs winmng all the matches against other teams and only losfc against each other. They had to tight out an exciting contest; victory resulting with Colyton and they thus gained the championship for the second season in succession. A hearty vote of thanks was due to the ladies who so kindly provided afternoons tea for the players and the enjoyment of 1 matches was in no small measure to be traced to the kindness of Mesdames Lethbridge, Sorley, and other ladies in this respect. The balaiico - sheet, particulars of which have already been published, was read, showing a credit balance of £6 10s 9d. It was resolved, That Messrs Tornpkins, Stewart aad Carty be a sub committee to revise the rules and report at the next meeting of the Association. Mr Lethbridge having to leave before the meeting terminated Mr Levett was voted to the chair. Mr Crump having been invited to do so, explained the circular issued by him relative to the amalgamation of all existing cricket associations between Otaki and Marton and the formation of one association with its headquarters at Palmerston. Hg did not think any alteration would be possible this season, but something might be done to put the idea into practical form before next sea^ son. It was not the intention to play all matches at Palmerston. He had not received favorable replies to the proposal from any of the clubs. No action was taken in the matter by the association, the delegates present not being favorably disposed to the suggestion as they considered it impracticable. The Palmerston delegates announced their club intended to remain in the Union. The following officers were elected : — President, Mr F. Y. Lcthbridge ; vicepresidents, Messrs C. J. G. Still (Palmerston), C. An J. Levett (Birmingham), C. H. Burnett (Colyton) ; secretary, A. H. lompkins ; treasurer, A. G. Carty. Resolved, Thafc Messrs Tompkins, Stewart and Carty be a committee to draw up fixtures and report at next m eeting. The secretary reported having written to Nelson to enquire if matches could be arranged there for a touring team from this Association, but had not yet reply. The secretary, also, brought up the question of the Wellington provincial team to play against the Australians. He presumed the latter would play a twenty-two and, in that ease, thought the Wellington Association might be requested to give players connected with country clubs an opportunity to be included. He would liko them to affirm the principle of including players from country unions in provincial teams. It was resolved, on the motion of Mr Tompkins, and seconded by Mr Eeade, That the secretary write to the Wellingtou Association suggesting that country unions are entitled to representation in the selection of a team to play against the Australians. Resolred, That ths rule in force last season with reference to the three leading ctubs playing off the final round be in force for tbe present season. With reference to the certificate for last year's championship team, it was resolved that Mr Tompkins be author* ised to procure certificate for last season, cost not to exceed 21s. Resolved, That a hearty vote of thanks be accorded to the officers for the past season. Resolved, That a hearty vote of thanks be accorded to the ladies who so kindly provided refreshments during the past season. The meeting then adjourned.