The Globe. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 1875.

Globe, Volume IV, Issue 401, 24 September 1875, Page 2

The Globe. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 1875.

The two principal cricket clubs of Canterbury appear to be unable to agree. The senior club has made a certain claim for rent, and the junior club refuses either to pay the amount claimed, or to submit to the decision of the Park and Domain Board, to which body the question was submitted for decision, in accordance with the arrangements entered into with regard to the cricket ground. It is a great pity that this misunderstanding has occurred, but, according to the printed reports of the meetings of the two clubs, it is hard to see what possible grounds the C.C.C. can have fur their refusal to pay a fair rent for the use of the cricket ground. They appear to wish to be the arbiters as to wbafc rent they ought to pay, and

though there is a tribunal which has jurisdiction in the case they refuse to be bound by its decisions. This is evidently absurd. It was never intended that any club should have the use of the ground, and then offer exactly what they thought lit for the privilege. The club might just as well refuse to pay any rent, as refuse to pay, what we may call the law, in this instance, has decided to be a legitimate demand. It is not as if the increased rental was a new matter. The club knew of the intention to raise the rent on the part of the U.C.C.C., and if they had decided to resist the claim, then and there, nothing could have been said against their action in the matter. But instead of this, they continue using the ground up to the very end of the season, and now decline to pay anything more than seems good to them. Of course this cannot go on, as if the C.C.C. prove successful in their attempt to evade payment, every other club that might use the ground, would claim exemption from contributing its share towards its maintenance. The ground itself has been well kept, thanks to the energy of certain members of the senior club, and it must be most annoying to these members to find their efforts met, and partially thwarted, by such conduct on the part of fellow cricketers. The wholesome rivalry of the game of cricket is lost by such a line of action, and in its place there springs up a jealousy between the members of the clubs that does much to destroy the progress of the game. The selection of our best players to represent the province in the annual match with Otago, becomes a matter of difficulty, as private feelings are introduced into the matter, and personal dislikes are allowed to influence those who should be unbiassed in their choice. We hope the matter may be brought to a satisfactory termination, but it cannot be denied that, on the face of it, there appears to be a determination on the part of the C.C.C. to create a great split amongst the cricketers of the province. The members of the club must be taught that they must submit to the decision of those appointed to act in such cases, and that the sooner this is done, and with a good grace, the better.