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Hokitika Guardian, 12 January 1925, Page 2

In view of the two close contests in the test cricket matches in Australia, greater inteitst will centre in the spent for the- remainder ot the season. While the first test was fairly open, the second at one stage was in doubt, and the Englishmen had a possible chance of winning. O’m- caution appears tit have robbed them ol the coveted vie.Vry. Then ’the ’failure of the tail had its ultimate effect. While England is represented by some good hats, who are wonderfully consistent, the tail portion is very uneven. In an analysis of the hatting, more than half the team averaged ten or less runs per innings. On the Australian side only two players averaged less than 20 rims per innings. Five of the Englishmen averaged over forty runs per innings, while seven of the Australians emulated that more respectable total for major cricket. t« hatting, four English howlers failed to take wickets while only one Australian had a like failure. On the figures the better team has won on both occasions, and this week’s third test at Adelaide will Iklooked forward to with greater interest than ever, to see if it will decide the rubber.

The visit of the Hon. R. F. Bollard, Minister of Internal Affairs, to the district, over the week-end. afforded an opportunity for a number of the public men becoming acquainted, with one of the popular men in the House. Mr Bollard has the knack of making friends wherever he goes, and his visit here has not been any exception. His special mission was to insepet the Hokitika racecourse, and the visit no doubt satisfied the Minister as to the general excellence of the appointments and the accommodation. Mr Bollard, it will have been noticed, was anxious to see the provision made for the jockey’s accommodation. It turns out that the arrangements in that respect are very complete. There is a large and airy dressing room, with lavatory attached, and closely adjacent a shower bath for the use of the men. The ambulance accommodation is very complete, so that the Club has fullt ticipnted its obligations in the care for the riders. Visitors invariably express pleasure and gratification at the complete arrangements for all patrons of the local course, ro that on the score of provision the Club has well disehni ged requirements. In doing so, howetei. much expense has been incurred, and in round figures the Club carries a debt of about £5,000. To liquidate or

reduce that amount it is desired to secure an extra days’ racing, and as the Trotting Club applied similarly, it was resolved to join forces ami ask for a permit between the two Clubs to he used alternately. This should make the matter easier for the Minister, though he pointed out the Having Conference and Trotting Association would first have to he reconciled before the arrangement could he taken into serious consideration. The local course has everything to recommend it if it is possible to allocate a permit, and seeing the popularity of the grounds, the .Minister will he doing the right thing if he can in the end find it practicable to allocate one of the available days for the purpose required.