MOTU CRICKET CLUB.

Gisborne Times, Volume X, Issue 1048, 16 November 1903, Page 4

MOTU CRICKET CLUB.

[(From Our Own Correspondent.) A public meeting was held at Motu oir the 9th inst. for the purpose of forming a Cricket ' a good attendance, and Mr A. HicKford was voted to the chair, and briefly explained the object of the meeting. The Chairman called on Mr F. Hansen, who had been exerting himself in the matter, to lay a financial statement before the meeting. This showed that subscriptions amounting to £3 13s had been collected by Mr Hansen. He had expended £2 5s on cricket material, and had £1 8s remaining in hand. This was considered very satisfactory.and the report was unanimously adopted on the motion of Mr Derrycourt. A .vote of thanks was passed to Mr Hansen for his efforts. Mr Small then proposed, and Mr Derrycourt seconded, “ 1 hat a Club be formed, to be known as the Motu Cricket Club.”—Carried unanimousiy The following officers were elected: Patron, Mr Tlios. McGregor ; President, Mr C. Hansen ; Vice-presi-dents, Messrs O. Richmond, A. Hickford, P. Wright, G. Richardson, and E. Thompson; captain, W. Small' secretary and treasurer, F. Hansen , generaFfconunittce, W. R .Gardiner, P. l-lansen, T. Tyreman, A. Hickford, R. Gardiner, J. Hansen, and L. Carron ; selection committee, P. llansen, captain, and secretary. It resolved that the election of vice-captain and umpire be made, if necessary, on the ground. It was decided that four of the general committee form a quorum. The Treasurer was instructed to purchase more cricket material for the use of the Club when the necessary funds came to hand. Considerable discussion arose in regard to the entertainment of visit-ing-teams. Mr IV Hansen said that past experience had proved that there were heavy costs in connection with visiting teams. Such teams had actually been supplied with free dinner, tea, supper, lodgings, and breakfast, and this meant heavy, expenditure to the Club. Mr Derrycourt : It is not a usual thing to supply free lodgings for a •day for visiting teams. Mr Hansen said perhaps not, but ■the Motu teams in the past had been •treated in this way, and he cited the occasion of the visit to Waikohu. There they had received a sumptuous repast at Mr McCredie’s, Poututu, having dinner, tea, breakfast, and lodgings there. The Chairman ; It is wise to encourage the manly sport, and every effort should be made to retain the most kindly feelings existing between visiting teams and locals, but the importance of financial matters must of necessity be carefully considered by; all. A new club cannot afford to waste money, and from my connection with Cricket Associations, I can say that it is an unusual thing for any club to meet visiting .teams with more than a real good complimentary dinner. Mr. W £ Small then proposed that outside “ Cricket Clubs (naming Rakaroa, Te Karaka, and Waikohu), he .written to, with a view to arranging

matches at suitable dates. This was seconded by Mr Derrycourt, who thought that Motu was never in a better position man at present to put a good team in the field. The motion was carried. It was resolved that the Chairman and Secretary at once interview Mr McGregor, re his acceptance of the office of patron. For that purpose a deputation left

tin; meeting, and in a Tew minutes returned, the Chairman announcing that Mr McGregor hac accepted the position.. The intimation was received with applause.

A vote of thanks to the chair terminated an interesting meeting. At night time a social and dance was held in Mr Hansen’s ITall, there being a fair number present., Songs were given by Misses King and M. Hansen, and Messrs Horne, W. Small jDerrycourt, and the latter gentleman ■gave some nice selections on the violin, thus showing that he has musical tastes of no mean value.

Messrs J. Hansen, P. Clarke, and Miss King supplied the music for the dance.