CRICKET ASSOCIATIONS.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 9, Issue 571, 1 October 1920, Page 2

CRICKET ASSOCIATIONS.

VALUABLE INSTITUTIONS. FOSTERING THE GAME. Some time about 1900 Mr. Ehos S. Pegler, then at Palmerston North, formed the Manawatu Association. At that time he Had the active co-operation of Mr. Fred. Pirani, then editor and proprietor of the Manawatu Standard, and now the following facts are recounted to show the advantages to be gained by an association to govern sport in a district, be it ever so small. It is a fact that prior to the formation of this association Palmerston North could only count on two cricket clubs. With the advent of the cricket association cricket was the dominant summer sport in the centre of Manawatu, and for years the association controlled nine active clubs The local body, the Palmerston North Borough Council, improved their reserves, built up a very fine pavilion and stand, and when about this time an all-English eleven visited Palmerston North the association decided to invite Lord Hawke's team to play a two days' match at Palmerston North. Mr. Pegler, secretary of the association since its inception, canvassed and obtained guarantees from the citizens for the amount of about £2OO. The visit was a great success; no guarantors were called on, but there was a small profit on the undertaking, and now, about 20 years later (in the whirligig of times), the M.C.C.A is probably the first association in New Zealand to "put their money up," and thus the advantages of association and co-operation in sport and the result of early effort are to be seen in the fostering of healthy recreation, and the national game of England.