THE CRICKET MATCH OF THE SEASON.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXIX, Issue 8361, 18 February 1907, Page 4

THE CRICKET MATCH OF THE SEASON.

The cricket enthusiasts of the Wairarapa have done well in arrangihg a match between the Wairarapa representatives and the team sent out to New Zealand by the Marylebone Cricket Club. Cricket is steadily becoming more popular in this district, and it is to be ho(jed that the attendance of the public at the match, which commences to-morrow on the Masterton Park Oval, will tend to encourage our cricketers "to play the game" for all they are worth, and not to dishearten them by creating in their minds the impression that the public generally have no interest in what the cricketers are doing. Cricket is an excellent and scientific game, and demands from those who would excel at it certain qualities which it is desirable should be fostered, and developed in the masculine portion of the community. We believe it is only a-matter of time until cricket in New Zealand will become as popular; as it is in Australia and England, and we should certainly like to see it rank level with football in popular favour. The Wairarapa team, which comprises fifteen players, is a fairly strong combination. As already mentioned, the English team was sent to the colony by that famous club, the Marylebone ! Cricket Club, on the invitation of the New Zealand Cricket Council, and owing to the energetic efforts of the local Association, which subscribed £SO for the purpose, a visit to this district was secured. In the interests of Wairarapa cricket, it is desirable that the venture Should prove a financial success, and as the match will be the most important cricket event yet witnessed in Masterton, a large crowd N of spectators may be anticipated. It is true that the dates are the same as those for the Masterton Show, but this coincidence should not militate against the attendance at the cricket match, but should have rather the contrary effect, as visitors from the country will be able to enjoy both the Show and the cricket match when visiting Masterton this week.