CRICKET.

Taranaki Daily News, 21 September 1922, Page 3

CRICKET.

NEW PLYMOUTH CLUB. THE ANNUAL MEETING. The annual meeting of the New Plymouth Cricket Club was Xeld last night, the club president (Mr. H. A. Stratford) presiding over a fair attendance. The annual report chronicled a fairly successful season. One senior and one junior team were entered in the Saturday competitions. and though neither team won its grade premiership, both acquitted themselves very successfully. The junior team owed -much of Its success to the enthusiasm of Messrs. Stephenson and W. L. Hughes, who, considering the difficulties they had to contend with, must be congratulated nn the showing of their teain. Attention was drawn to the fact that subscriptions should be paid at the commencement of the season. During the season Mr. T. H. Bates again donated a trophy to the bowler securing the most wickets during the season. This trophy was won by Mr. W. L. Hughes, who took 39 wickets for an average of four runs each. Regarding grounds, it was understood that the Pukekura Park would again be available, and preparation would have to be made immediately on a imatch and a practice wicket. The materials in hand were not in good condition, and no little expenditure would be required to restore them to working order. Thanks were expressed to members for their co-operation during the past season, to the Press for their generous reports and publicity given to the game, and to the umpires, whose services were looked forward to during the coming season. The balance-sheet showed a credit balance in the bank of £4 10s sd, and cash in hand Bs. The chairman moved the adoption of the report and balance-sheet. Mr. P. Stainton seconding. Following a discussion, which centred chiefly round the matter of subscriptions being paid promptly, the motion was carried. Messrs. H. Lambert, C. Kingston, M. May. and M. O’Donnell were elected members of the club. Office-bearers for the ensuing year were sleeted as follows : Patron. Mr. E. Whittle (reelected) ; president. Mr. H. A. Stratford (reelected) ; vice-presidents. Messrs. T. H. Bates, R. A. Large, W. T. Hookham, Rev. W. J. Elliott, Drs. Milroy and Walker; club captain. Mr. G. H. Saunders: hon. secretary and treasurer. Mr. W’. L. Hughes; auditor, Mr. E. Lash; management committee, Messrs. F. C. Ferry, W. N. Stephenson. F. Newbold, H. Lambert, P, E Srainton, with the president, club captain and secretary ex officio ; delegates to the North Taranaki Cricket Association, Messrs. P. Sheppard, F. C. Ferry, and W. N. Stephenson ; vice-president nf the North Taranaki Cricket Association, Mr. T. H. Bates. The fixing of the opening day was left in the hands of the committee. It was made a recommendation to the management committee to negotiate immediately with the Sports Ground Committee so that an exclusive practice wicket could be formed at Pukekura Park: also that the purchasing and overhauling nf gear should be taken in band ns early as possible. Regret was expressed at the loss to the club of the retiring secretary (Mr. W. H. Quickfall). who was joining the Western Park Club, which had recently been formed in his suburb. Mr. Stain ton later mentioned that members wished to present a slight token of esteem to Mr. Quickfall nn the occasion of his recent marriage. This would be forwarded In due course. The appointment of a selection committee was left to the general committee. It was made a recommendation to the general committee that the selection committee select players for matches from financial members only, and that the committee exercise its discretion as to the amount of grace to be allowed. The Cricket Association’s proposal to levy a fee of 2s 6d per player was endorsed, the club’s delegates being recommended to support the levy, as It was recognised that it was only right that the association’s finance should be placed on a proper footing. The subscription was fixed at £1 Is ana 10s 6d for those under 21, this being exclusive of any levy that might be imposed by the association. Votes of thanks were accorded the Press and the umpires. A special letter of thanks will be sent to the Rev. W. J. Elliott expressing appreciation of his sporting spirit and keenness In freely offering Ms services as umpire. A letter of thanks will also be sent to Mr. T. H. Bates for his generous donation of a t ’ln' ! the event of the Shorts Ground C«r> mtttoo not favoring an exclusive J rnc "'' wicket it was decided to make application for Tuesday and Thursday tot practice nlgMs A recommendation was made from the meeting to the North Taranaki Cricket Association that two competition matches should be played at Pukekura Park at one time. A discussion on the proposals to hold two day matches and to fonm town and eountrj associations arose, the feeling of the meeting being somewhat divided, and the «=’««« to the association were given a free hand the matter.