CANTERBURY CRICKET ASSOCIATION.

Globe, Volume XXIV, Issue 2621, 31 August 1882, Page 3

CANTERBURY CRICKET ASSOCIATION.

A meeting of the above took place on Wednesday night at the City Hotel. Present -—Messrs A, 0. Wilson (in the chair) O. O. Oorfe, Puller, Ataok, Wilding, P. Loughnan, W. P. Beeves, Bdser, E. J. Ootterill, A. Longden, Hartland, Eobiaon, ' O. Beeves, W. J. Ootterill, Hassal, T. Penwiok, Chapman, Aynsley, Buchanan, Lodge, Whiting, Potts, B. Fenwick, E. D. Harman, Hjman, Ollivier, Washer and Watson. The Chairman explained that the meeting bad been called to consider the propriety of forthwith establishing cup matches. There had been a meeting of the committee at which the same question bad been discussed. Some difference of opinion having been shown, they were now as a body finally to de. cide upon the course to be taken i Though the system of onp matches was now here, and in England, it did not follow that they were therefore inadvisable. The assertion that such matches would stir up jealousy among the various clubs might be at once dismissed j the fear was groundless. On the other hand, bo believed that the matches would create more friendly emulation and zeal for the game. He believed, if ■noh matches were established, and bowlers would take up a more liberal method by admitting fresh blood in their ranks, the result would be a great revival of cricket in Canterbury. Mr Ollivier gave a history of the establishment of onp matches in Melbourne, He said they were the outoome of the decay of cricket there. It was true that at first the larger clubs had obtained preponderance, which roused ill feeling j but this had been remedied by the formation of a oup committee selected from many clubs, who arranged the play, and since then matters had been conducted with groat smoothness and success. He was sure that the friendly rivalry which would be excited by the holding of match meetings would have the very best effect on cricket here. The want of some such incentive had caused great indolence and carelessness among their players, and the time seemed to have arrived for a rectification of this state of affairs. It was not necessary to have very valuable stakes: there should be trophies of a kind which would induce play for th, love of the game and the honour of victory. The system would lead to the encouragement of the formation of small olubs and the improvement of young cricketers. He moved—“ That cup matches bo forthwith established.” Mr E. T. A. Puller seconded the motion.

Mr Hartland was strongly opposed to the system of oup matches. He was quite aware that cricket bad declined in Canterbury, but he thought that cricketers could get up enthusiasm enough without the inducement spoken of. A trophy might stir them up for a year or two, but the effect would soon be lost. If cups were to be played for they would have to go to the public for funds, when the first thing they would receive would be a recommendation to first pay off their debts and then think about instituting trophy matches. The system had been productive of ill feeling in Otago, and the same would be case here. The matches would be of no pecuniary benefit to the association, so that there could be no reason to adopt the system on that score.

Mr W. P. Beeves complimented the lost speaker on the good taste and moderation displayed in his remarks. There was, however, no danger of cup matches exciting illfeeling ; indeed, the system would be the best refuge from it; and there could be no doubt that it would bring to the front the best players. It would foster the efforts of the junior members of clubs, and enable them to appear in future interprovincial matches with a measure of success which unfortunately bad not been the case for some time. He hoped the motion would be carried. The rules could easily be arranged to suit their circumstances.

Mr Oorfe thought the question was would the adoption of the system enable them to turn out a better team to uphold the honor of the province egsinst all comers. If that would be the result he would be glad to vote for it. He did not believe for a moment that such matches would propagate ill feeling. Mr Wilding thought that the main object of cricketers should be the promotion of apart, and not solely the creation of a strong team. Beyond the fear expressed about illfeeling by Mr Hartland, there really had been no argument advanced in opposition of the idea contained in the proposal, and that should not be taken into account. Ho thought some arrangement might be made so as to ensure from the matches some benefit to the funds of the association,

Mr Hartland said if the meeting passed this resolution it would bo tantamount to a vote of want of confidence in the general committee, who had already decided that it was not advisable to adopt the system. After some further remarks by Mr Ollivier, the motion was put to the meeting and declared carried. Ayes, 17 ; noea, 10 The result was received with applause. The meeting then went into committee to consider rules for the regulation of oup matches, and on resuming passed a vote of thanks to the chairman and adjourned.