HAWKE CUP DISPUTE

Waikato Times, Volume 125, Issue 20991, 19 December 1939, Page 6

HAWKE CUP DISPUTE

QUARREL OVER DATES

POVERTY BAYS PROTEST WAIKATO DECISION “ Personally I would rather sacrifice the Hawke Cup than have continual quarrelling over dates,” said Mr C. G. Hunt, chairman of the management committee of the Waikato Cricket Association, at a meeting last night. “ We have decided to play Poverty Bay on the dates it nominated, under protest. As a result of that decision we will have to field a considerably weakened team.” The matter came up for discussion when a considerable amount of correspondence between the Waikato and the Poverty Bay associations in relation to Hawke Cup dates was under consideration. Waikato suggested December 30, January 1 and 2, as the dates for the match with Poverty Bay. However, a telegram from Gisborne re-emphasised the i Poverty Bay Association’s desire to play on January 1,2 and 3, and , stated that it would abide by the New Zealand Council’s decision to have the match played at New Year. At one stage Poverty Bay had threatened to withdraw its team from the Provincial Tournament. As that would leave only three elevens in the competition, each would have to play on alternate days instead of having a full week’s cricket. Mr Hunt said that if, on the other hand, Poverty Bay’s dates were agreed to, Waikato would be without any cricket on New Year Saturday and would also be faced with getting leave for its team and officials. In the past employers had been most tolerant in granting leave, but in this instance it would be imposing on their generosity for players to ask for a special day’s leave when a holiday was available.

Unfair Position “We feel,” said Mr Hunt, “ that it would be unfair to ask the other teams in the provincial tournament to forego a full week’s cricket as the result of a dispute in which they are not concerned.” Mr Hunt explained that when holiday dates were available the challengers failed to avail themselves of the opportunity to play. The holders of the trophy had to obtain special opportunity to play. The holders of the trophy had to obtain special leave for five matches in the season and the challengers only one. Poverty Bay could not obtain leave for four of its players, but, said Mr Hunt, that was liable to happen to any team and coul£ not be helped. “The secretary, the committee and myself have spent a good deal of time settling these disputes,” Mr Hunt stated, “and are considering taking drastic steps if they continue.” Manawatu Dates A letter was received from the Manawatu Association stating that it had been advised by the New Zealand Council that the suggested dates for its match with Waikato were January 27, 29 and 30. However, it would prefer to play on January 20, 22 and 23. Replying, the Waikato association said it realised that difficulties were encountered by Manawatu through playing on January 29, but the holders had to consider their own players and would adhere to the suggested dates.