CRICKET

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLIII, Issue 2331, 20 September 1921, Page 3

CRICKET

A general meeting of all interested in cricket is to be held in the Anglican /schoolroom on Thursday evening. An endeavour is to be made to resuscitate the Foxton Cricket Club, and from the enthusiasm shown in local cricket circles efuring the latter part of last season, it is anticipated that a complete revival of the favourite summer sport will take place. There are in Foxton a good many young men who show promise at cricket, but owing to the absence of organising during late years, have had no opportunity of following the game. It is anticipated that the “old hands” will rally this year and put a local club on a sound footing, which will enable younger players to take the field with a proper backing, and thus afford them opportunity to develop. Want of enthusiasm in recent years seems the only cause for the lapse of cricket in our town, and it is suggested that past and future supporters should make a special point of being present at Thursday night’s meeting, in order that the right spirit should 'be established for a strong start early this year. The following is a report that will be submitted at the meeting : “An endeavour was made in February last, mainly through the efforts of Mr L. J. Furrie, to enliven local cricketers to the necessity of organising a local team. Although (he day of our first match proved somewhat disappointing as regards the number of supporters who assembled at Victoria Park to meet Levin Y.M.C.A. team, subsequent events proved very pleasing, and, through a little organising, developed into quite a series of matches with Levin and Whitaunui-. “On February Bth last a meeting was called by Mr Furrie, but was poorly attended. At (his meeting, however, it was decided to push on with cricket, and donations were solicited among prospective players, in order to provide sufficient material to proceed with. An amount of £4 8s 6d was subscribed, including one guinea generously donated by die Mayor (Mr J. Chrystall). One bat was purchased, and a compo. ball or two for practice, and, with (lie material from the old defunct club, which was in the keeping of the State School, a satisfactory commencement was made. Mr Furrie generously donated a leather ball, and other practice balls were given by Messrs A. Stevenson, Bullard and Mercer.

“We regret to say that during the year we have lost two of our valued players, in the persons of Messrs Claris and Mercer, through change of abode, and much regret to state (fiat owing to. indisposition the services of Mr Furrie will not be available for the present. We anticipate however, that the coming season will be successful, and with the inauguration of a full-fledged club, cricket will again occupy the position it should among local sport,

“During the past year consideration was given to the matter of laying down a pitch in Easton Park, and to this end permission was obtained from the Borough Council. Owing to the operations of the Beautifying Society on this reserve, it i., necessary to delay this matter until next year at least, and in the meantime Victoria Park will have to be utilised. It is a recommendation lo the incoming Committee to keep this matter before the Borough Council when the time is appropriate. The incoming Committee is recommended lo stress on members the necessity of paying their subscriptions forthwith, otherwise no capital will be available for purchasing the necessary material to commence the season.

“The accounts show on the credit side: Donations £4 8s (id, subs, to refreshments £1 18s Od, total £(i 6s Cd. Expenses: Advertising meeting 6s, refreshments £2 6s Od, bat £2 Os 6d, balls 7s, incidentals 3s, total £5 2s 6d, leaving a credit balance of £1 4s Od.

“It behoves all cricketers to pull together, and work enthusiastically for the establishment of cricket definitely once more, and if this is done we can look forward to a good time and a successful season.”