CRICKET

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 190, 9 February 1912, Page 8

CRICKET

SPOFFORTH'S VIEWS. I By Cable—Press Association—Copyright. ] \ London, February 7. S The Pall Mall Gazette interviewed # Spofforth, who said that the Board of 1 Control is composed of cricketers who ' think they know a great deal, but it is impossible to judge players from the pavilion. The board should comprise more playing members and the teams should be selected by three players who are certainties.

THE TEAM FOR ENGLAND. Sydney, February 8. The secretary of the Board of Control has notified the ten players selected for England, and given them ten days to reply. Iredale has resigned from the Australian selection committee, giving as his reason that he was ill-disposed to sit on the committee'with Hill after the'recent episode. HORDERN. Received 8, 9.45 p.m. Sydney, February 8. < Hordern has informed the Board of Control that he will be unable to accompany the team to England owing to business considerations, CRICKETERS J.RATERNISE. THREE PRESENTATIONS MADE.' There was a convivial evening at the Red House Hotel-last night under the auspices of the North Taranaki Cricket Association, to do honor to three of its prominent cricketers—Messrs. Pe: ham, Matthews and Gwillim. Mr. \V. Bewley was in the chair, and there was a large representation of various sports bodies in the town. Among the healths drunk was that of the North Taranaki Cricket Association. In proposing this toast Mr. Matthews (Inglewood) wished that body every success, but at the same time said ther« was a certain amount of room for improvement in the conduct of its affairs. The Association was lucky to have as chairman Mr. W. Bewley, who was a good old sport; .likewise Mr. Whittle, but it could do with plenty more. Proceeding, he regretted that very often New Plymouth teams went into the field short of their proper complement. Why in the world should New Plymouth, out at Carrington Road, have to play Inglewood with six men short ? He then went on to say that things were a bit slow in the cricket world just now. Cricketers should "buck up!" Possibly the season, the weather, or their livers, were responsible, but things were not as 'snappy" as they might be. We could, he said, afford to "brisk up" a bit. Mr. Matthews then spoke in favor of a universal half-holi-day. The want of it was killing cricket. The sooner it came along the better. Things were rough on juniors, and Inglewood juniors had only played'one match in nine- Thursdays. THE PRESENTATIONS. Responding, Mr. Bewley said those present no doubt appreciated the hint wihich induced Mr. Matthews to endeavor to put things right. The chief trouble was Want of funds. That would be put right as time went on. Until there were more funds available "you can't have grounds on which really good cricket can be played." Some seven or eight years ago players never made such scores as they got now. They could congratulate themselves in this respect. Mr. Bewley then made a presentation of a bat to Mr. Gwillim in token of the enthusiasm he had put into cricket and the lending of the ground. Mr. Gwillim should always have a pleasant recollection of it having been given in connection with the largest score made on the ground. Continuing, the chairman said he had also great pleasure in presenting an interesting memento—a medal—to Mr. Walter Matthews—another first class sport, in recognition of his feat in knocking up five "sixes" in succession. In returning thanks Mr. Owillim stressed the importance of devoting more attention to the boys, and also of the Association securing a ground of its own. Mr. Matthews also briefly returned thanks. "The toast of the evening," that of "our guest, Mr. Perham," was drunk with enthusiasm. Speaking to the toast, Mr. Bewley said it was in appreciation of the good qualities which Mr. Perham so largely possessed that the toast was proposed. He had always found him a first-class sport. Mr. Perham was one of those men local cricketers would miss very much indeed. Very few in the community were willing to sacrifice time and pleasure to the good of the sporting world. As regard his play, he improved with his age. Mr. Bewley then presented Mr. Perham with a smali token of the high esteem in which he was held by the whole of the sporting community. Mr. Perham feelingly returned thank's. A lengthy toast list was gone through, and during the evening a musical and vocal programme was contributed to by Messrs. Blythe, Hooker, Fenton, Matthews and others.