CORRESPONDENCE.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 3383, 25 November 1911, Page 2

CORRESPONDENCE.

THE C-HICKET MATCH AT TE KA RAKA. [TO I'HE EDITOR.] Sir, —Re the above in reply to Mr W. J. Scholium, the captain of the team which played our local eleven on Thursday last. I would like- to refute his statement that there was no agreement made re drawing stumps. When Air Scholium asked me at 10 a.m. could wc start then. I told him I had arranged the match to start at 11 a.m.. but as he was eager to go on 1 agreed to start then (although four men short), and draw stumps at 5 p.m., which was agreed to. Air Scholium sent a man to field for me, and by including my umpire and scorer and also R. Harris, who was on the ground with soft drinks intending to do a little business, we began the match at 10.15 a.m. AVb.cn at 2.20 p.m. our team had a lead of 10 runs on tho first' innings, [Mr Scholium asked me when would we draw stumps, which took me by surprise, and T told, him so, as our agreement was as above. How can Air Scholium persist in saying 5 p.m. was not stipulated when they themselves had arranged with Air AYillinms to have tea before returning to town, which is on at 5.30 p.m., and must have meant leaving the cricket ground at five at the latest. That should satisfy your leaders who have any doubts about the matter whether his action was sportsmanlike or not. Again, why does he try to shield himself under the ‘'mantle" of his Vmb captain, “Tiny” Olsen, who was not there at all. Then he goes on to say I should have been a sport. “Sport, on." Was there anything sportsmanlike in their action by bringing players not members of their Club when we were playing only our own financial members, although by including outsiders could have gathered a much stronger team ? I will leave your readers to judge ior themselves. Then Air Scholium says to save time lie sent in two men to bat, chile they discussed the situation. It was not much of a discussion (although it took an hour and a-half) as they were too eager watching the futile and ludicrous efforts of their colleagues trying to knock up a score. AVlien we adjourned for afternoon tea at 3.45 p.m. he asked me to extend the time to 6 p.m. I replied “no,” as the agreement was made, and I considered that final. Air Rehollum complains of some “gentleman” calling them “cocktails,” winch he took as a mild exposition of ignorance. I might state that by leading his men off the field without as much as thanking the ladies who supplied afternoon tea, we took it in the same light. - —I am etc., AI. AIeAIAHOX.