PREPARING FOR THE CRICKET SEASON

Rotorua Morning Post, Volume 1, Issue 25, 22 September 1931, Page 3

PREPARING FOR THE CRICKET SEASON

ROTORUA ASSN" MEETS COMPETITIONS TO OPEN THIRD SATURDAY IN OCTOBER ANNUAL REPORT At the annual meeting of the Rotorua Cricket Sub- Association held last evening there was a representative attendance and delegates were present from the Albion, Ngongotaha, Mamaku, City, Old Boys, and High School Clubs. Mfr. H. L. Musgrave presided. Annual Report The annual report, which was adopted without discussion, recorded a very satisfactory season. Meetings had been well attended and an encouraging feature had been the regular attendance of the country delegates. This had been greatly appreeiated by the committee and spoke volumes for the interest in the game taken by the country clubs. The balance sheet showed a cash balance of nearly £12. but it was pointed out that the committee would be faced with extra expenditure in the coming season as a new mat was required. The two day system of games had been continued in the club competitious and it was reeommended that as it had proved entirely satisfactory, it should be continued. A pleasing feature was the encouragement given to young players, many of whom were already showing distinct promise. Six teams had competed for the McLean Cnp last season, the winners being Ngongotaha with High School a point behind. Unfortunately it was found impossible to complete the last match and the committee reeommended that an early start should be obtained this season. The mat and stumps of the association had been hired to the Wednesday Association and the opportunity was. taken to eongratulate the Wednesday players on the increased interest displayed and the enjoyable matches played. The association had also loaned the mat and stumps to the primary schools in order to assist them in encouraging school cricket. Regular matches had been played by the schools and the committee reeommended that this system should he conani.ed during the forthcoming sea: on. A record of the representative matches played dnring the past season was appended and showed very sati sfactory results. 1 he wicket on the Government Grcunds continued to give splendid service and was some recompense for the large amount of time and woik expepded upon it. Apart from this wicket, the association had had the use of the High School, Mamaku and Ngongotaha wickets. After a full discussion of the matter, the committee had decided to tak i no action regarding the suggestion to purchase representative caps. The report concluded with thanks to all who had assisted the association during the season, by donations, loan of cars, etc. Special mention in this connection was made of the good work done by the earetaker of the Government Grounds, Mr. Hesketh. Election of Officers The election of officers for the ensuing ye-ar result'ed: Patron, Mr. A. R. Ryder; president, Mr. D. Steele; vicc-presidents, Messrs J. Higgins, J. Dici son, E. Harvey and Dr. Hay; secretary, Mr R. G. Webb; assistant secretr -y, Mr J. Hinton; treasurer, Mr H. L. Musgrave; auditor, Mr L. J. Dingle. Association Levy Acter a short discussion, it was decided that the 7/6 levy due to the. Bay of Plenty Association should be collected from the individual clubs. It was pointed out that the Bay of Plerty Association might find it necessa *y to raise a further amount than 7/6 and that in this case the further liability would fall upon the Rotorua Association. An amendment moved by Mr. F. G. Reed (Mamaku) that the association pay the full amount of the levy to the Bay of Plenty Association and levy upon the clubs for the amount it required, was lost on s show of hands. High School Players Mr. Reed suggested that the High School players who previously have not paid registration fees, should this season be levied. In doing so he made it plain that he did not suggest that these fees should he drawn from the general sports funds of the school but should be a charge upon each of the school players participating. Mr Webb pointed out that actually the amount would have to be paid by the parents of the boys. It was a mistaken idea that the High School was a gold mine — many parents were having a struggle. to keep their children at school. After further discussion Mr. Reed moved that the school players be requested to pay registration fees but on a show of hands the motion was lost. It was finally decided that the registration fee be 2/- per player and that it be left to the discretion of the *n coming committee whether the High School and the newly formed Old Boys Club be levied or not. It was made a reeommendation to the incoming committee that the season he opened for competition games on October 17. Sole Selector Appointed There was also some discussion jregardlng the appointment of a sole selector as against three. selectors. On a show of hands it was made a reeommendation to the incoming committee that three selectors be appointed, but the decision was close and there was a' margin of only two votes in favour of the motion. Mr F. Simmonds who was present at the meeting, intimated that there was a possibility of forming a Maori team at Whakarewarewa. He had already about 20 names available and he was prepared to coach and organise the club if it could be affiliated. The chairman welcomed the suggestion and it was intimated that affiliation would be granted when the club made application for it.