LORD HAWKE’S TEAM.

Gisborne Times, Volume VIII, Issue 533, 29 September 1902, Page 2

LORD HAWKE’S TEAM.

(To the Editor of the Times.) Sir, —Would you kindly allow mo space in your valuablo columns to offor an ambitious suggestion to tho public of Poverty Bay, though one which, aftor long and careful consideration, I havo como to tho conclusion is well within tha bounds of possibility, and only roquirea energetic and combined efforts on tho part of tho residents of this district to carry it into effect. It is that effort bo rnado to securo a visit to Gisborne of tho English cricket team which Lord Ilawko is bringing out to this colony this season. I am awaro that I render myself open to a charge of insanity in offering tho suggestion ; yet, I am quite willing to run tho risk, and am confident that there is no valid reason why Poverty Bay should not have tho honor of entortaiuing tho English team, and engaging them in an eleven a-sido match. Just think, Sir, what a world of good it would do cricket in this district if we could securo a visit from Lord Hawke’s team. What a splendid advertisement it would bo for the district as a wholo. Poverty Bay has historical interest which would make the Englishmen anxious to visit it, and has besides many spots of exceptional beauty, a glimpse at which would amply repay the distinguished visitors in calling in here. Ono never knows what can bo done till energetic and combined effort is made. Had anyone three years ago ventured to assert that Albert Trott, one of the greatest crickoters in the world, would in a few years’ time be dwelling on the Napier Recreation Ground and instructing the youngsters of Hawke’s Bay how to wield the willow and turn the ball, he would only havo been laughed at, and most assuredly would have been considered as insane as

I probably shall be by some people for offering the suggestion that Lord Ilawko’s * team should be invited to visit Gisborne. All that is required is that tho I Poverty Bay Cricket Association should i affiliate with tho New Zealand Cricket I Council, and that a draft of £IOO should be forwarded to the Council to guarantee that no financial losb would result from the visit. I feel sure, sir, that were Messrs Julius Cmsar, James Maefarlane, J. W. Nolan, Reynolds, C. Evans, C. J. Parker, W. Acland Hood, W. D. Lysnar, Major Winter, and many other gentlemen of this district who havo tho welfare of cricket at heart, to take the matter up, the guarantee would bo forthcoming in a week. The providing of a suitable ground would not be a great difficulty, as Mr Cesar, I feel certain, would place his fine Ormond ground at the disposal of tho authorities for such a match, or Mr MacI farlane would give the use of Te Hapara I ground. How astounded the Englishmen would be on visiting the historical spot at which, Captain Cook first landed, to], find instead of adeqer) which provided neither food nor water a rich and fertile tract of country, blossoming like tbe rose. The visitors could be taken to Waikaremoana if time permitted. Why should Poverty Bay be behind other less important communities in the colony in the way of public spirit ? I should be glad to have an expression of opinion through your columns from the leading cricketers of the district as to the advisability of making an effort to induce Lord Hawke to bring, his team here. Thanking you in anticipation,—l am, etc., W. J. Barlow. Gisborne, Sept. 27th.