That Extra Hour

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 209, 23 November 1927, Page 7

That Extra Hour

SIDEY TIME AND CRICKET MATCHES PLAYED TOO LATE? Divergent views on the wisdom of playing cricket matches until 7.15 p.m. in order to make the most of the summer time change were expressed by members of the Management Committee of the Auckland Cricket Association, which met last evening. The question was raised by Mr. G. Jackson, delegate for North Shore Club, who said that in a third grade A match at the Shore last Saturday two teams did not observe the rule recently passed that an afternoon tea adjournment was compulsory. He said that the captains had agreed to continue the match without adjournment and to draw stumps at 7 p.m., instead of 7.15 p.m., so that the town players might catch a boat to town at 7.25 p.m. Mr. Jackson sought a definite ruling on the question. Mr. W. S. Smeeton said all games, in his opinion, should terminate at seven o’clock, but the afternoon tea interval should be insisted on. A motion that games at North Shore only should cease at 7 p.m. was lost on the voices. Mr. R. Dow then moved that all cricket should not continue later than 6.45 p.m. He claimed that there were many expression of dissatisfaction among players with the drawing of stumps at 7.15 p.m. As a result of the extended time cricketers arrived home very late for their evening meal and often too late to attend theatres. Mr. Smeeton said that as far as this side of. the harbour was concerned it was too early as yet to decide whether a change should be made. The secretary, Mr. Hockin, held that no change should be made, at least until the end of the round. The chairman, Mr. E. E. Nalder. said that the present arrangement sliouid be given a fair trial, until Christmas, at any rate. Messrs. H. Horspool and L. IT. Saunders agreed that the same finishing times should be adhered to in all matches. “I think complaints will gradually cease as the season goes on.” said Mr. Saunders. There was no seconder to Mr. Dow’s motion and the question could proceed no further.