CRICKET.

Taranaki Daily News, 12 September 1922, Page 3

CRICKET.

WESTERN PARK CLUB. f THE ANNUAL MEETING. The annual meeting of the Western Park Cricket Club was held .in the Soldiers’ Club last night. Mr. Fred Bayly presided over an attendance of about twenty members. The report stated: "The senior team, after several hard battles, were able to finish tne season runners-up to the Urenui Club in the competition, whilst the juniors finished in third position. The Seniors played 10 cup matches, of which 6 were won, 3 were lost, and one drawn. The juniors played 14, won 8, lost 5, and 1 was drawn. Through the club having ta purchase a complete set of material for the season, the financial position does not show a great surplus, but, in this respect, members are indeed fortunate In being able to come through the year without showing a loss. All material now on hand is in good condition. It will be necessary to at once obtain matting, as that used last season is hopelessly done. Financially, we are greatly indebted to supporters of the club, who oonated £lO 17s towards the funds. In addition to the subscriptions paid, eleven members also donated £ll 5s to the funds. "In the> senior competition the president (Mr. Fred Bayly) donated a bat and ball for the best batting and bowling averages respectively. Mr. Bon Macdonald secured both the bat (with an average of 17.8 runs per innings), and the ball, by taking 39 wickets at an average of 9.3 runs per wicket. Quite recently this keen and popular member removed from the district, and a small presentation was made to him from his club mates.” The committee placed on record their appreciation of assistance received from the Western Park Board. Hearty thanks were expressed to supporters for dofiat’oMs, those who loaned their motor cars for country matches, and the country clubs for their excellent hospitality when visiting them, and the Press for their generous assistance during the year. In moving the adoption of the report and balance-sheet. Mr. Bayly said the club were to be congratulated upon the success of their first year’s operations. In starting a new club there were always many unforeseen difficulties with which to contend, but thanks to generous assistance all had gone well. One of the chib’s most promising players, Mr. R. B. Macdonald, had left the district. This good performer would he hard to replace, but he would like to see several other players equal his record next season. The ground was now considered to be in fairly good order, and as the club had now paid for most of their material, he hoped to see the coming season | eclipse the record of the past. Mr. A. Russell seconded, and the report and balance-sheet were adopted. ELECTION OF OFFICERS. The election of officers resulted: President, Mr. Fred Bayly (re-elected) ; vice-presidents, Messrs. A. L. Humphries, A. Alexander, H. S. Brookman, E. Hine, G. W. Palmer, Rev. W. .1. Elliott, A. E. Horne; club captain, Mr. F. Robertson; vice-captain, Mr. G. E. Denniss; secretary and treasurer, Mr. C. Fairbrother: auditor, Mr. E. L. Humphries; management committee, Messrs. A. B. Macdonald. W. Oakley, C. Lawrey, W. H. Qulckfall, captain, vicecaptain and president ex officio; delegates, Messrs. F. Robertson and A. B. Macdonald; selectors for senior players. Messrs. A. B. Macdonald and G. E. Dinniss. • Two junior selectors are to be appointed. The following new members were elected : Messrs. E. L Mason, W. H. Quickfall, C. Lawrey, L. Machu, C. J. Way. GENERAL. It was decided that it be a recommendation to the North Taranaki Association that each member of any club pay a subscription of 2s 6d to the association. Mr. A. B. Macdonald proposed that the crab colors be blue and white.—Carried. Mr. C. Fairbrother moved and Mr. W. Oakley seconded that the subscription be £2 for seniors and £1 for juniors.—Carried. Mr. F. Bayly intimated that this year he intended to donate a .trophy for the most improved player. Members expressed their appreciation of the keen interest taken in cricket by Mr. Bayly, and accorded him a vote of thanks. Messrs. F. Robertson and G. E. Dinniss were appointed a deputation to wait upon the Western Park Board. Mr. Robertson remarked that in the Interests of cricket he would like to see two or even four day matches take the place of the present one day fixtures. He also advocated dividing town and country into separate groups, promising a prosperous future for New Plymouth enthusiasts, because the town was growing and clubs were increasing in strength.