NOW AT AN END

Hokitika Guardian, 16 December 1933, Page 5

NOW AT AN END

THE BODYLINE

TRIUMPH FOR M.C.C. DIPLOMACY

(United Press Association—Electric Telegraph—Copyright.)

LONDON, December yLS

Tile “Daily Telegraph’s” cricket correspondent says: The long drawn controversy on bodyline has come to a happy end. To describe the outcome as a triumph for Marylebone’s tact and diplomacy is no exaggeration. Throughout the eleven months’ negotiations, the English case has been conducted in a spirit equally firm, unequivocal and friendly. Maryldbone lias always firmly adhered to the attitude that it had the fullest confidence in Jardine and the team; also the conviction that nothing was being done to infringe the laws of cricket or the spirit of the game, though its attitude at one time seemed to imperil the future of the Test*.

The, newspapers feature; the end of the bodyline controversy, and express saisfaction at its happy ending. The “News Chronicle” says: “We never desire to hear the word ‘bodyline’ again. We should be surprised if the mass of Australians are not of the

same opinion,” Lord Hawke, interviewed, said he was delighted that the Board had accepted the M..0.C. assurance that cricket would be played in the best traditions of the game. Larwood said: “I am very pleased the Australians are coming. I shall be pleased to bowl against them if I get the opportunity.”

VICTORIA VOICES RESENTMENT

CHAIRMAN’S HASTY ACTION

MELBOURNE, December 15

The Victorian members of the Cricket Board of Control resent what is regarded as the autocratic action and the unseemly haste of the chairman, Mr R. Oxlade, in authorising the despatch of last night’s cablegram to the gdarylebone Chib without giving them any . .proper ’ opportunity of expressing their views. Mr W. Kelly, in expressing this resentment, said that although a majoiaty of the thirteen Board members had agreed to close the controversy with the M.C.C.. the Victorian members objected to the Board’s reply .being sent before the whole of the replies had been received. Mr Kelly added : I deeply regret that the B' oa rd has climbed down, despite the fact that it had an unanswerable ease.”