CRICKET ASSOCIATION.

Taranaki Daily News, 29 September 1915, Page 8

CRICKET ASSOCIATION.

. ANNUAL MEETING. The annual meeting of the North Taranaki Cricket Association was held in the Town Hall last night, Mr. J. B. Quilliam presiding over a fair attendance. ■The report stated than an Important matter tending greatly to the improvement of the game was the appointment of the New Plymouth Cricket Council, which had done good service in connection with the upkeep of the grounds. The Association had asked the New Zealand Cricket Council to support the Daylight Saving Bill. This had passed the Lower House, but had been thrown out in the Upper House. More would probably be heard of it. The matter of umpires had been before the different clubs, but- was still in an unsatisfactory condition and required attention. Junior cricket was yet in an unhealthy state. Mr. Sullivan took a very lively interest in this, but, unfortunately, he had left the town, and in the schools, with the exception of Mr. Bottrill, none of the masters appeared to take a lively interest in the game. Last season showed a great improvement in senior cricket, Six teams entered for the Saturday competition which was won by New Flymouth. Four teams took part in the Thursday competition, which was won by Phoenix. The new method of awarding points proved very satisfactory, carrying interest right through. They were most fortunate regarding the weather, very few matches requiring to be postponed or abandoned. At the beginning of the season, a friendly j match was played with Hawera, whici j was woo by 119 to 61 runs. On Christ- j mas T>ay, in a scratch match, the Saturday representatives defeated the Thursday players by 160 runs to 87. Two representative matches were played with South Taranaki. At Hawera, the Southerners won by an innings and 41 runs, whilst at New Plymouth, North Taranaki won by three wickets. A friendly game at the conclusion of the Hawera match was won by the Northerners by 185 to 162 runa. A friendly match, at the end of the season, resulted in a win for the single players who defeated the benedicts by an innings and 18 runs. The great event of the season was the match against Wanganui for the Hawke Cup. They were unfortunate, as through accident and inability to get away, three representative cricketers were unable to take part. North Taranaki suffered defeat by an innings and 49 runs. The ground at Wanganui was in excellent order and played much faster than any ground on which they were accustomed to play. They could not but fail to note thit they were outclassed in batting and bowling, but in fielding their men were, in the opinion of those capable of judging, quite equal to the Wanganui team. Though the cup was not brought to New Plymouth, yet the experience gained would be of lasting benefit. Cricket opened this season, concluded the report, under the shadow of the great war. Many cricketers had gone to the front and some had lost their lives or been wounded. The balance-sheet showed receipts to be £lO 10s, and expenditure £ll 0s 3d. There was a balance in hand of £4 lis ; 4d. 1 In moving the adoption of the report, the chairman referred to the good work done by the Cricket Council. He expressed regret at the way in which junior cricket had been neglected, and thought that some of the prominent players should endeavour to attend it the schools and coach the lads, thus creating a love for the game. The question as to whether competition matches should be played this year was one for each individual club to decide. There was a good deal to say on both sides. The report was seconded by Mr. McGie and carried. THE SEASON'S PROGRAMME. Considerable discussion ensued over the question of playing or not playing > repesentative and championship matches ■ this season. ' On the motion of Rev. Chappell, and 1 Mr. Bottrill, it was decided not to challenge for the Hawke Shield, and to recommend the New Zealand Associa-

tion to abandon all shield matches for J the year. The matter of playing friendly i matches with South Taranaki was left I in abeyance. I In connection with club matches it 1 was resolved, on the motion of Hers. Osborne and Chappcll, that as it is unadvisable this year to continue the championship matches, a small committee be appointed to arrange for a series of matches to be played. Teams to be chosen from list of players submitted by secretaries of clubs. This will retain the entity of the present clubs. Inglewood and Tikorangi are to be asked to nominate complete teams if possible. OFFICIALS. ' Officials for the ensuing season were elected as follows:—President, Mr. J. H. Quilliam; vice-presidents, Presidents of Affiliated Clubs; lion, secretary, Mr. A. H. [Osborne; lion, treasurer, Mr. E. Laßh; delegates Cricket Council, Mr. Hardie; sub-selector, Mr. K. B. Bain; the following committee was appointed to arrange the Saturday matches: Messrs. E. Lash (Law), Rev. Chappell (N;P.), K. B. Bain (United Service), Bottrill (High School), Hassell (Plioenix). Martin (Albion). Inglewood and Tikorangi are to be asked to appoint representatives; auditor, Mr. H. Stocker. GENERAL. The secretary of the Cricket Council notified that two of the clubs had failed to pay ground rent and wicket fees, amounting to £9 13s. The clubs will be written to on the matter.

It was resolved to place on record the names of those cricketers belonging to the Association, who have already gone to the front, or who leave with future contingents. It was resolved to instruct the Assoction delegate to the New Plymouth Cricket Council to support Mr. Weston's motion that no other allowance or payment shall be made by the Council to any player, save for actual travelling expenses, though in especially deserving

cases, payment for loss of wages may be made, if authorised by the Association to whic hhe belonged. Votes of than kg were accorded to Mr. EL Stockcr for his services as auditor, Mr. Bardie for acting as delegate tie Press for their assistance in the past, and the retiring officials and the chairman.