CORRESPONDENCE.

King Country Chronicle, Volume IV, Issue 211, 25 November 1909, Page 5

CORRESPONDENCE.

To the Editor.

Sir, -It is generally stated and toa fPL great «xtent correctly that Football in the national game of the Dominion anil ia patronised by the public to thousands as spectators or players, and for number of years cricket was kept iroing simply by a few enthusiasts at their own expense. By enthusiasts I rrif in players suppotred by a few good sports whose circket days were over, and Aucklnad ericketers well know how nrvich we owe to these gentlemen. However, during the past few years there has been a vast change. Cricket has crone ahead in leaps and bounds, and as the public interest has increased mi the play has improved. Speaking of Auckland provincial cricket the great strides that have taken place commenced some four or five years ago when with the asistance of their supporters the Auckland Cricket Association and the Grafton District Cricket ('lut> arranged to get the services of a first class coach, whose time was to be principally devoted to coaching the young idea. The selection of Mr Sammy Jnoes was a splendid one, and he has had no small share in the improvement of Aucktnad's cricket. The next move was made by the klrfen District Cricket Club with the assistance of the Auckland Association, who brought out A. E. Relf from Home, and what food has resulted can best be appreci- j a ted by a player who has been absent from cricket in Auckland for five years and who has lately been able to play again in that city. It is not so much the improvement shown by the players | of his day but by the lads of from j sixteen to twenty years of age. From j " watching the younger players one can j see that before long the public will take as much interest in cricket as football. Cricket in Aucklnad city is now on a first class footing, and it is a pity that more is not done in the country districts to make the game popular. In the King there ia splendid material only wanting organisation. In Te Koiti a start has been made, and a good wicket laid down but there is no competition. More players are wanted and more clubs. Another club here wootd give a £reat impetus to the game, and would be welcomed. Also the outside j districts might get a club going. They have the advantage of good roads to travel by and not like football lose days some times for one game. The Auckland Cricket Association is anxious to see the Country Cricket propress and it is now open for any promising players to get a chance there if he desires to by applying to play for any city club, and this will give them an idea of his capabilities. Of course few could avail themselves of this as yet owing to the time and expense, but it is a step in the right direction i which country cricketers fully appreciate. Another good move on the part of the A.C.A. would be the cstaelishment of a country cricket week in Auckland, where all country teams would nru-et

pach other; then a picked country > team play Auckland. This. I contend, would greatly oasts': in getting interest taken in country cricket, and would also give the city men a chance of seeing any good material in the country. lam sure the Auckland Asaocaition would favourably consider thts if the different country associations approached them. The great difficulty would be to determine a suit able week that would suit all country associations,, as, unless we could guarantee that teams would be sent the scheme would fall through. Good teams could be sent from Gotdfields, Wa'kato, King Country. Northern Wairoa, etc.. and I suggest to these Aaaocaitions that we should approach one another and and confer with the Aucklnad body to attain this end. To those spending their Christmas holidays in town a good bill of fare is provided for cricket enthusiasts, as Wellington play Auckland for the Plunket Shield during the holidays, and Canterbury challenge for New Year. As first class cricket wilt be witnessed it is worth the while of country school boys who may happen to be in Auckland at this time to avail themselves of concessions which are available by application of the head masters of various schools. I— am. et., INTERESTED.

To the Editor. Sir,—ls the satary of the poundkeeper so small that he has to employ his days on other work than impounding? If so, it is high time, in the interests of the community, that bis satary should be made sufficient to keep him at! the time on bis duty as poundkeeper. Horses and cattle have been feeding for three' weeks or more on the roads and in the gardens, and no one to make the owrers of same keep them in paddocks. The public should not bavr to suffer because a few people want hacks and cows without sufficient land to keep them on. Moping this state of aaffiw will be speedily remedied. —I am. etc.. A VICTIM.