J. B. HOBBS

Hokitika Guardian, 29 December 1928, Page 6

J. B. HOBBS

CRICKET CROWD’S IDOL.

REMARKABLE SCENES IN SYDNEY.

SYDNEY, Dec. 20.

Even though in batting prowess lie may not be the J. B. Hobbs of yore, England’s great opening batsman is stiJl the- idol of the Australian cricket crowds. This was made more evident than ever last Saturday, his 40tli. birthday, when lie went out to bat in the second Test match before the great crowd that had gathered at the Sydney Cricket Ground. But that demonstration was inild compared with the demonstration he received when his birthday was marked by a presentation for which the cricketing public had subscribed so generously at very short notice.

Not a week before the event somebody, wrote to the Sydney “Sun” dirqpting attention to tile fact that Hobbs would be celebrating‘his birthday last Saturday, and he enclosed Is towards a birthday present, and suggested that the cricket fans of Sydney should contribute a like amount. They did so willingly and witnin a few days the shilling fund amounted to £SO. The presentation was made at 4 o’clock while nearly 50,000 people looked on, and Hobbs, cool, enough at the wickets before sue): a vast crowd, •was plainly bewildered at the enthusiastic nature of the reception that was acorded to him. The crowd cheered as no cricket, crowd has ever cheered before, and when thatt vast concourse took up 'the strains of “For He’s a Jolly Good Fellow,” singing as though they really meant every word they said, the scene was a remarkable one, and will live long in the memory of those who witnessed it. The roar of the crowd was so insistent that there was. nothing for Hobbs to do but walk round the great arena, so arm in arm with Air A. Noble, one of Ausraiia’s greatest captains of bv-gone days, the two walked around to the enthusiastic greetings of “Many Happy Returns.”

The reception given to Hobbs was spontaneous and wonderful. Cheer upon cheer rang out to the accompaniment of resounding hand clapping. Hands were stretched over the fence to shake with the man who was being honoured, and some of the bolder spirits leapt the fence to greet their idol. It was a triumphant parade, and the cheering did not cease until he returned to the front of the meiilbers’ stand. There he was presented with a silver boomerang on which was a gold shield inscribed: “To John Berry Hobbs, on his 46th. ...birthday, from friends and admirers in Noav South AA’ales.” In addition ho received a wallet of notes which lie said lie would use for the purchase of a portable wireloss set.

“I was deeply touched bv the magnificent reception,” said Hobbs subsequently. “Words fail me to express that which I would like to say. I never dreamed that people would do such a thing for a visiting cricketer, and it rather takes the wind out- of one’s sails. I cannot imagine it happening in any other part of the world. It certainly never happened to me in England. For my part I have always tried to please the cricket public, but in Test games the circumstances always compel restraint. Thus I have failed the people at times, but Tests do not allow free batting, and I think they recognise that. I can assure you that I will never forget my friendly enemies on “The Hill” at Sydney.