BRADMAN’S GIFTS

Hokitika Guardian, 22 September 1932, Page 2

BRADMAN’S GIFTS

TWO BATS FOR BOY CRICKETERS WELLINGTON CHEERS HIM. WELLINGTON, September 20. Don Bradman did not spend yesterday batting, as many had expected and liope'd. Heavy, drenching rain pr.even.ted that. Instead he visited several places of scenic interest in company with other members of the team. All the same, thousands of Wellington people . saw Bradman. He’ was recognised time and again in front of his hotel and elsewhere and given a rousing reception befitting a national hero. For' the small hoys it was a memorable occasion—the nearer they could get to'Bradman the more lasting, no doubt, “the impression upon their minds. " ;

A sequel was the announcement that the famous Australian had given two ia’ts for presentation to, schoolboy cricketers—one for the primary grade player in Wellington making the highest average in funs this season, -and the other for the secondary school player* making the best average, provided he is under 16 at the close of the season. /These gifts were gratefully accepted by the Wellington Cricket Association.

The .bat that Bxadmah. had Used in America arid which lie had intended to use in Wellington yesterday has been autographed by himself and - all the other members of: the Australian team. Bradman has now handed this bat over to the head of the “Smith family,” a charitable organisation for disposal by art union or otherwise, in the interests of distressed cricketers in New Zealand.

Bradman does not hanker after the. prominence usually given to one so famous j in fact, < lie is of a retiring disposition—except when at the batting "crease. Still, he takes it all with a smile—a broad 'smile which reflects his genuine feelings of appreciation of tributes paid to him. His cricketing.- achievements , are left ;to others to relate. -'' • / '

: conversation with a reporter, Don Bradman stated that both he and his wife -had thoroughly enjoyed; the tour; of Canada and. America. The cricket programme, had been a strenuous one, but no doubt, the < lifprts. of the team would serve a .good purpose, although cricket in Canada and Ampj’ica had a very long way to go before reaching, a*high plane! For one thing, the wickefs were net; up to-’ require" rnents, and in many cases the playing areas were not great. “You! do not have to hit' the' ball very far for' a boundary over there,” lies remarked. The tour had; attracted a good deal of interest, but there was no gpeat. enthusiasm for the game of cricket. The' Americans were all for baseball.