CRICKET.

Taranaki Daily News, 18 September 1915, Page 7

CRICKET.

NEW PLYMOUTH COUNCIL. Following is the first annual report of the New Plymouth Cricket Council: The existence of the council has indeed brought about a revival of interest in the grand old game, notably in the town of New Plymouth. We have to acknowledge and appreciate the work of the special committee set up to consider the matter of grounds towards the end of September last year. It was their efforts that led to the formation of the council. Although somewhat late in getting a start with the preparation of the Recreation and Western Park grounds that season, it was openly acknowledged that the cricket pitches and the outfield were a decided improvement on the previous season. Owing to the large entry of senior teams in the competition, steps were taken to secure the Western Park as an additional cricket ground. Whilst this ground afforded much-needed accommodation, the late acquirement of the ground prevented the council from getting the pitch in anything like good order, and the wicket likely to give the best satisfaction under those conditions was selected at one end of the ground instead of in the middle, as would have been the case if time had permitted. The top dressing of the Recreation Ground was also left too late; but it must be remembered that owing to social football matches in the after-sea-son the ground is not always available for the cricketers when they require to put same in order. We appreciate the splendid work and assistance, the curator, Mr. Smith, has given at all times. It was mainly due to his efforts that a fairly good wicket was secured for the North v. South Taranaki match. The approximate cost of labour and horse hire fcr Recreation Ground for last season was £l2, and that of Western Park £lO. The council at the beginning of the season fixed the groundrent of each club at £4 and wicket rents at Es 6d. for each match played. The former producea' a revenue of £l2 from three out of five clubs, two having failed to pay the levy. The wicket rents, which proved a splendid innovation, afforded a means of ready cash from week to week, and brought in an income of £ls lfls, only two clubs being in arrears to the extent of £1 13s, Messrs. R. H. QuiUiam and R. H. Espiner, who were keen members of the council, had perforce to resign their .seats owing to more important work ahead—that of upholding the honour of our flag and Empire. We desire to place on record Mr. Quilliam's invaluable work while on the council. Since its inception he had devoted a good deal of time and labor particularly to the question of a permanent cricket ground. While regretting their departure, we wish them God-speed and a safe return. Seven meetings of the council were held during the season, all of which were well attended. The matter of acquiring , a permanent ground for cricket has been definitely discussed and some conclusions have been reached. Owing to the outbreak of war, however, nothing definite has been done, but members have been keeping touch with the question from all points of view, and we hope as soon as the war is over to put forward a scheme to achieve the purpose they have had in view so long. In conclusion, we beg to thank the Rev. S. S. Osborne for his kindly interest in the welfare of the game and for tak-' ing charge of the council's material, etc., for safe custody at the close of the season. We also desire to thank all those who have done so much in the past the game, and express the hope that they will continue to do so in the future.