Cricket Matters.

Northland Age, Volume 1, Issue 12, 1 November 1904, Page 2

Cricket Matters.

TO THE EDITOR. Dear Sir, —I have before me a copy of your excellent little paper, of the 11th instant, and I notice a report of the Victoria Valley C.C. in it, and it brings back to my memory the good old fights on the cricket field that the Mangonui C.C. used to have with this club. Is it that the coming generation are not enthusiasts, that Mangonui cannot put a team into the field to do battle for -them, or is it because of the declining birthrate ? Such names as Panther brothers and Thompson brothers still going make me wonder who

will take their places when they retire. I have seen a lot of first-class players here since I left the Far North, and am

satisfied in my own mind that many of those with whom I played, and many of my then opponents, would havo gained representative honours for any of our provinces had they been lucky enough to get the practice we get at the nets here

in a town. For instance, take the wicketkeep for Victoria Valley—“ All” Panther I think, if my memory is light; I consider that if lie is the “Alf” of old, he would gain senior honors here easily. Of course, I know too well the difficulties there are to contend with re ground, getting away to Kaitaia, Victoria Valley, etc., only too well, but at the same time I think that some effort ought to be made to put up a fight for the honor and glory of good old Mangonui. Some may say the expense and time cannot bo spared to indulge in. this pastime; but I say, all work together and you will find the expense comparatively small, and the time taken will be paid back by an absence from the doctor, for such a pastime will always keep one fit and healthy. Now, sir, I hope you will do your best in furthering .the cause, and through the medium of your paper point out that Mangonui must do as my club here intends to do—“ rise out of the ashes.'* In signing as hereunder my old friends and players who did battle with and against me •will remember me better as “ WHITE.” Wellington, N.Z., 21/10/04.