EFFECT OF WAR

Waikato Times, Volume 125, Issue 20922, 29 September 1939, Page 9

EFFECT OF WAR

CRICKET IN WAIKATO REPRESENTATIVE FIXTURES DISCUSSION AT MEETING Plans for the coming cricket season in the district have been disorganised as a result of the outbreak of war, according to reports made to the annual meeting of the Waikato Cricket Association last night. Petrol restrictions had made travelling a difficult undertaking and that would possibly be reflected in the attendance of country teams at headquarters on Saturday, and would also cause difficulty in arranging representative fixtures in Hamilton. There was a possibility of Hawke Cup matches being affected by the present conditions, also the Provincial tournament, which was to be held in Hamilton between Christmas and New Year. Mr C. G. Hunt, chairman of the management committee, presided in the absence of the president, Mr A. E. Sandford, who sent an apology. Opening the meeting, which was well attended, Mr Hunt said the last annual gathering was held under similar conditions to those ruling last night. The 1938 meeting was held on the eve of the Czechoslovakian crisis and this year the country was actually at war. He expressed the hope that cricket would continue as usual, although some men might be called up for service with the forces. Petrol restrictions would no doubt affect the game to some extent, but he hoped players would endeavour to carry on. Australian Tour The cancellation of the Australian tour of New Zealand when the team was scheduled to play a match in Hamilton, appeared inevitable, said Mr Hunt. There was, however, a possibility of Hawke Cup matches being continued, although it would be difficult arranging one in February. The speaker considered that it would be impossible to hold the Provincial tournament in Hamilton, as North Auckland and Poverty Bay would probably be unable to attend owing to the petrol restrictions. He doubted if the attraction would prove a success under those conditions. It had been the intention of the association, continued Mr Hunt, to issue a Centennial booklet on cricket in the Waikato. This had been compiled, involving a good deal of work, and now there seemed little likelihood of it appearing. “Regarding these difficulties,” said Mr Hunt, “It is my opinion that the Provincial tournament at least should be cancelled, also representative matches after New Year.” Hawke Cup Matches Mr L. F. Casey suggested that as it appeared only two representative matches could be played, these be confined to Manawatu and the next strongest cup contender. It was decided to approach the sponsors of the Provincial tournament, the Auckland Association, in the matter, stating that the Waikato Association could not see its way clear to hold the fixture. All matters dealing with the Hawke Cup competition were left in the hands of the management committee. The following officers were elected:— Patron, Mr A. E. Manning; president, Mr A. E. Sandford; vice-pre-sidents, Messrs H. G. Sergei, W. Everest, S. T. Cooper, J. F. Strang, N. Winger, J. B. Pomeroy, R. Johnston, F. Hawke, A. Taylor, H. H. Howden, A. J. Shepherd, A. E. Gibbons, W. B. Pomeroy, S. E. Senior, L. F. Casey, Drs. M. M. Hockin and H. Douglas; secretary and treasurer, Mr K* L. Sandford; auditor, Mr N. McKean; official scorer, Mr R. Acres; assistant scorer, Mr S. Buckland.