The English Cricketers

Radio Record, Volume III, Issue 23, 20 December 1929, Page 7

The English Cricketers

An Interesting Broadcast ‘from 2YA ian VERY enjoyable broadcast of special. interest to all lovers of cricket took place from 2YA, Wellington, on the evening of December 12, when themembers of the English M.C.C. team who are at present touring New Zea--land were introduced to listeners. Mr. A. A. J. Gilligan, the captain of the team, at the commencement of his address remarked that he was glad of opportunity to speak to. New Zealanders, many of whom he would meet during the ensuing tour. Before leaving England the team were entertained by the New. Zealand Association at a Juncheon given in their honour at the Savoy Hotel in London, There he met New Zealind’s future Governor-General, Lord Bledislu:, who remarked that he too would shortly be leaving for New Zealand in charge of a party of agriculturists, who intended to study..farming under New Zealand conditions. Lord Bledisloe at _ that time had received no indication of ‘ his subsequent appointment as Gover-nor-General of New Zealand. "While in Australia," continued the captain, "we: had' a very strenuous time. We were there five weeks, travelfed over five thousand miles, and played five matches. We were rather un-lucky-as regards casualties, for we lost ‘Tom Bowley, the only member of the team who has ever visited New: Zealand. He left for New Zealand a week or so ahead of us, and is no.y undergoing treatment for sciatica at Rotorua." Mr. Gilligan stated that they had a splendid team, and that’the members composing it were all good: cricketers. They expected varied conditions, and _ though the tour would be very strenuous they were anticipating a pleasant time. The team had already heard niuich about New Zealand scenery and fishing, and most of the descriptions had sounded too good to be true, Ih conclusion, Mr. Gilligan stated that the people of New Zealand were, judging by both the spelendid civic. and unofficial welcomes extended to them, yery friendly and hospitable. "New " he remarked, "is the best wintry we have yet visited, ‘and we are all looking forward to a very pleasant tour," Mr. Duleepsinhji then spoke, remarking that he had heard much about New Zealand, and was very pleased to be here at last. The team had experienced a very strenuous time in Australia, and practically all the scenery they had been able to see. consisted of cricket grounds, railway stations, and the hotels they stayed at. He discussed the state of cricket in Australia. and mentioned several well-known cricketers from that country who were likely to be included in the Test Team against England next year. "I was very pleased," he said in conclusion, "when. I heard that the New Zealand Cricket \ Association had sent a special request, ‘to the M.C.C. asking them to include myself in the team." The next member of the team. to speak was Mr. Woolley. "It has always been my desire," he .stated. "to visit. New Zealand, and now that .wish has. been fulfilled." He remarked that as

he had sailed from Australia a week or so ahead of the rest of the team he had had the opportunity to visit many cricket grounds around Wellington. He stated that many of these are situated in’ beautiful spots, and in his opinion were good grounds. "With such-grounds as these at their disposal," he concluded, "young New Zealanders have no cause for not making themselves famous at the national game of cricket." -- The whole of the speechmaking was aecompanied by much cheering and hilarity from; the remainder of the team, and who were evidently outside. the studio watching the performance with interest. At the conclusion of speeches each of the remaining. members of the teani was introduced.