Obituaries in 1934

ABEL, WILLIAM JOHN, a capable all-round cricketer who played for Surrey twenty-five years ago, died in London, on March 23. Born on August 29, 1887, Abel, who was the eldest surviving son of the famous Bobby Abel, of Surrey, first played for Surrey in 1909. His last appearance in the County team was in 1926 and, after a few games with the Second Eleven, he joined Accrington, the Lancashire League Club. A batsman of the unorthodox school, Abel was a pleasing, forcing player and, even though he never gained the distinction of obtaining a century in County matches, he put together many useful scores. His best season was 1923 when he had an aggregate of 957, while in 1914--when Surrey last won the County Championship--he hit up 524 runs in sixteen County games with a highest score of 87. As a bowler, Abel began as fast-medium, but lessening his pace he exploited the leg-break and the googly. In his most successful season as a bowler 1919, he took thirty-seven wickets. He was a first-rate slip fielder. After serving in the War, Abel did not enjoy good health.

ASHBY, DAVID ALEXANDER, who died at Chirstchurch, New Zealand, on June 2, was born at Beddington, Surrey in 1852 and graduated to County cricket with Croydon Amateurs. He played for Surrey for several seasons and, when only 19, turned out for All England Colts against M.C.C. He sailed for New Zealand in 1875 and for 15 years represented Canterbury. In 1878 he took five wickets for two runs and so helped to dismiss Auckland for 13, eight of which were byes--the lowest score recorded in an Inter-Provincial match. He played against various English touring teams and took part in the match of 1878 when Murdoch's Australian eleven were beaten by Canterbury. In addition, he visited Australia with a Canterbury side which won three matches out of six. Ashby, besides being a dashing batsman, bowled fast round arm.

ASHTON, CAPTAIN PERCY M.C., one of the famous brothers died on September 18, at Rockhaven, Bigbury-on-Sea. Born on February 27, 1895, he was educated at Winchester but failed to get a place in the eleven at cricket, although he played in the Association Football team of 1913. He appeared once for Essex.

BAINBRIDGE, BRIG.-GENERAL PERCY AGNEW C.B., C.M.G., who figured in the Wellington College eleven of 1882, died on August 22, at Woodhall Spa. He was born in 1864.

BLACKLOCK, MR. ARTHUR, died on October 21. A member of a famous family, several of whom played for Wellington, New Zealand, he was a sound opening batsman.

BARBOUR, DR. ERIC PITTY, died at Sydney, on December 7, in his 44th year. After making a name when 17, he became so good as to score 113 not out for New South Wales against Victoria in January, 1911, and a year later 122 against South Australia. Considering the difficulties experienced in choosing the next team for England he seemed sure of a place but he was passed over. After a fine innings of 146 against Victoria in January 1913, he made 86 against the Rest of Australia in Victor Trumper's benefit match also played at Sydney. He and Trumper in this game put on 270 together for the eighth partnership--a record for this wicket in Australia. A son of Mr. G. P. Barbour, a member of the Board of Control, Dr. Barbour also exercised considerable influence in Australian cricket and he had many English friends. During the War he played a lot of cricket in Egypt, as well as in England.

BENGOUGH, MR. CLEMENT STUART, a useful, free-hitting batsman and a very good wicket-keeper, who played for Marlborough College in 1879 and 1880, captaining the side in the latter year, died at Laramie, U.S.A., on November 19. Born near Bristol on January 14, 1861, he assisted Gloucestershire on a few occasions.

BLENKIRON, MR. THOMAS WILLIAM, who was born on August 5, 1864, died at Hove on September 19. In the Charterhouse Eleven of 1881 and two following years, he captained the side in 1883. Failed to gain a Blue for cricket at Cambridge, but played in the Association teams of 1885, 1886 and 1887. He was chairman of directors of Kempton Park Racecourse.

BRAIN, MR. WILLIAM HENRY, a sound batsman and first-class wicket-keeper, died on November 20. Born at Clifton, near Bristol, on July 21, 1870, he played in the Clifton College eleven of 1887 and two following years, being captain in 1889. He got his Oxford Blue in 1891, and in 1893 distinguished himself in the Lord's match by catching five Cambridge men at the wicket. Mr. Brain turned out for Gloucestershire in that year but the following season he appeared for Glamorgan under the residential qualification. In 1893, when Somerset's second innings was finished with a hat-trick by C. L. Townsend, he accomplished the rare feat of stumping three men off consecutive balls. His highest score in an important match was 65 not out for M. C. C. and Ground against Somerset at Taunton in 1891. He did much to help promote Glamorgan to first-class status, and one of his sons, Capt. J. H. P. Brain, played for them. W. H. Brain kept goal for Oxford at Association football.

CHANCE, MR. ARTHUR FREDERICK, who played in the Shrewsbury eleven in 1874, 1875 and 1876, died on October 1. Born in London, on December 4, 1858, he was Assistant-Master at Shrewsbury School from 1880.

COLLINS, MR. TOM, the oldest living cricket Blue, died on March 16, at his home at Newport, Salop, in his 94th year. Born on January 31, 1841, at Warwick, for which constituency his grand-father was Member of Parliament, Tom Collins went at an early age to Bury St. Edmunds, and from King Edward the Sixth School he gained an open scholarship at Christ College, Cambridge in 1859. He became Headmaster of Newport Grammar School, Salop, in 1871 and occupied the position for thirty-two years until his retirement. When an assistant master at King Edward School, Birmingham, Mr. Collins became a barrister of the Middle Temple in 1866 but he did not practise at the Bar.

In the cricket field Mr.Collins was remembered best for the part he took, inadvertently, in bringing about the alteration in Law Ten, which until June, 1864, prevented a bowler from delivering the ball from above the height of his shoulder. In 1862 Edgar Willsher, when playing for England against Surrey at Kennington Oval, was no-balled six times consecutively by John Lillywhite for having his hand above the shoulder at the moment of delivery. On the same ground a year later Tom Collins and Mr. H. M. Plowden, who subsequently became a famous metropolitan magistrate, disposed of Surrey for 99 runs, and so took a prominent part in Cambridge beating the very powerful Surrey Eleven.

Directly after this came the University Match at Lord's and on a wet pitch Cambridge, thanks to Plowden and Collins, gained a lead on the first innings of six runs with a total of 65. Collins disposed of such famous batsmen as R. D. Walker and R. A. H. Mitchell early in the innings, and then, to everyone's astonishment, he was no-balled five times in succession. The occurrence was influenced by an instruction just issued directing umpires to attend particularly to the height of the bowler's hand. Collins was so upset that he did not get another wicket and failed with the bat, being dismissed for nought and one. Oxford, set to get 68, won comfortably by eight wickets. Collins regarded his bad luck on his only appearance for Cambridge against Oxford as a distinct misfortune which he did not deserve to undergo. Still, his experience helped to make cricket history; his being called went a long way towards the removal of all restrictions as to the height from which a bowler delivered the ball.

Tom Collins played for Suffolk County from 1862 to 1869. Over six feet in height, of powerful build and dark complexion, he was a conspicuous figure on the field. About medium-pace, with swerve and spin from leg, he accomplished many notable performances in those days of low scoring. In addition to his ability as an all-round cricketer he was a fine player at billiards, representing Cambridge against Oxford both in the Singles and Doubles matches.

Early in 1933, he received the very rare distinction of being elected to Honorary Membership of the M.C.C. in recognition of his being the oldest living cricket Blue. This seniority now belongs to the Rev. A. H. Winter of Westminster School and Cambridge who was born on December 4, 1844 and played against Oxford in 1865-66-67.

COLLINS, MR. WILLIAM EDWARD M.B., M.R.C.S., C.M.G.,, born October 14, 1853, died on August 11 at Wellington, New Zealand. An excellent free-hitting batsman and a good wicket-keeper, he was in the Cheltenham College Eleven of 1870 and 1871. He earned greater fame as a half-back at Rugby football, playing for England against Scotland in 1874 and the next two years and also against Ireland in 1875-76. He went to New Zealand in 1878 and was a member of the Legislative Council in 1907. It was a nephew of his, A. E. J. Collins, who made the highest score on record 628 not out in a junior house match at Clifton College in 1899.

CORBETT, MR. ALEXANDER MERLIN, died on October 7. Born at Aston, near Rotherham on November 25, 1854, he appeared for Yorkshire v. Gloucestershire at Bramall Lane, Sheffield, in 1881 when, in his one match for the county, he was dismissed twice without scoring. In the first innings he had an unusual experience, for he played forward to a ball which got up, went off his bat to his forehead and straight in to the hands of W. G. Grace; the bowler was W. Midwinter. A pattern maker by trade, he retired in 1929.

COVENTRY, THE HON. HENRY THOMAS third son of the 9th Earl of Coventry, born on May 3, 1868, was in the Eton elevens of 1886 and 1887. Against Winchester in 1886 he scored 119; two years later he assisted Worcestershire. A hard-hitting batsman and keen fielder, he also represented Eton at Rackets. Died in London on August 2.

CURGENVEN, MR. GILBERT, died on May 26, aged 51. A free batsman with attractive style he headed the Repton averages in 1901 when he started playing for Derbyshire and continued helping his county intermittently until 1922. In 1904 he scored 822 runs in all matches, with an average of 24, his best innings being 124 against Surrey at Derby. He also did well in 1921 with 765 runs, average 20. Altogether in first-class cricket he made 3,568 with an average of over 20.

DAFT, MR. RICHARD PARR, the elder son of the celebrated Dick Daft--most elegant of batsmen--who died on March 27, in his 70th year, played once for Nottinghamshire in 1886 against Surrey at Trent Bridge being caught by Wood at the wicket off Beaumont for five runs.

DISNEY, JAMES, born on November 20, 1861, died on June 25 at Ripley, Derbyshire. A good wicket-keeper he was in the County Eleven from 1881 to 1890 before Derbyshire ranked as first-class, though most of their fixtures were with the more important counties. He did good service until replaced by the famous William Storer.

DRUCE, ELIOT ALBERT CROSS, born June 20, 1876, died on October 24. He was educated at Marlborough but, unlike his famous cousins, W. G. and N. F., he failed to get a place in the College Eleven and at Cambridge was not a Blue although sometimes tried in the Eleven. He appeared in a few matches for Kent. Played hockey for Cambridge against Oxford in 1897-98.

DUCKWORTH, SIR GEORGE HERBERT C. B., died on April 27. Born March 5, 1868, he played for Eton in 1886 but did not represent Cambridge.

EVANS, MR. ALFRED HENRY, died on March 26, at the age of 75. He collapsed when playing golf near Barnstaple.

Born at Madras on June 14, 1858, Mr. Evans was educated at Rossall, Clifton and Oriel College, Oxford. One of the best fast bowlers of his time he took thirty-six wickets for 471 runs in the four University matches from 1878 to 1881. In the first game he claimed twelve wickets at a cost of 141, among his opponents being such notable batsmen as A. P. Lucas, the Hon.Alfred Lyttelton, the Hon. Edward Lyttelton, A. G. Steel and the Hon. Ivo Bligh. During the first innings, by holding two catches at slip he had a hand in the dismissal of seven batsmen consecutively, and at one period four wickets fell to him in eleven deliveries.

In the following year he did little, but in 1880 he again bowled so well as to take ten wickets for 133 runs. Next year, when captain, Mr. Evans, on a pitch that just suited his type of bowling, proved most destructive, securing thirteen wickets at an average of 10 runs apiece, and led his side to victory, after a sequence of three Cambridge wins. It was confidently expected that Cambridge would then repeat their previous three triumphs as they included in their team seven of the successful side of 1880. Mr. Evans, however, upset all calculations, for when Cambridge, after leading on the first innings by 48 went in to get 259 runs, his pace had most of the batsmen in such difficulties that the Light Blues were all out for 123, Evans taking six wickets for 56. Besides bowling Ivo Bligh, G. B. Studd, C. T. Studd, A. G. Steel and C. P. Wilson, he caught H. Whitfield and J. E. K. Studd in the first innings.

While at Oxford, Evans had the distinction of assisting the Gentlemen against the Players. Occasionally he played for Somerset and Hampshire. A clever half-back, Evans got his Rugby Blue in 1877 and 1878, and was elected captain in 1879, but resigned at Christmas before the match with Cambridge took place, frost having compelled a postponement. An assistant master at Winchester College for six years, he was subsequently appointed Head Master of Horris Hill Preparatory School, Newtown, Newbury.

FIELD, FRANK E., died on August 25, at his home in Droitwich. Born near Alcester on September 23, 1875, he played first for Warwickshire in 1897 and steadily improved as a fast bowler, but not until 1908, at the age of 32 did he accomplish anything out of the ordinary. In that season Field took 106 wickets in county matches at a cost of 20 runs apiece, and three years later, in company with his captain, F. R. Foster, he played a leading part in carrying off the County Championship--the only time that this honour has come to Warwickshire. That was Frank Foster's first year as captain, and his fast left-hand bowling round the wicket, coupled with Field's extra pace, with good easy right-hand delivery and off-break, caused many sides to collapse. Proving slightly more effective than did Foster, Field took 122 wickets at 19 runs apiece in Championship matches. He met with special success against Yorkshire at Harrogate, where in the second innings he dismissed seven men for 20 runs. He was unchanged with Foster, Yorkshire, on a worn pitch, failing so completely before the two fast bowlers, that they were all out for 58, and suffered defeat by 198 runs. Rather above medium-height, Field did not always deliver the ball at the full extent of his arm above his head, but ability to impart spin made him very fast off the pitch, and in the hot season of 1911 the dry turf suited his style perfectly. He and Foster kept up their form with remarkable energy day after day in the heat and never seemed to tire. Each sent down more than seven hundred overs, and as a combination they were invariably effective.

Field accomplished a remarkable feat in the match between Worcestershire and Warwickshire at Dudley on June 1, 2 and 3, 1914. In the second innings of Worcestershire he went on to bowl with the score at 85 for four, and took the six remaining wickets in eight overs and four balls, seven maidens, at a cost of two runs, the only scoring stroke made off him being lucky from the second ball of the second over before he had taken a wicket. While finishing off the Worcestershire innings in this startling fashion Field delivered five no-balls, with one of which he clean-bowled M. K. Foster. In taking these six wickets Field received no assistance, three batsmen being bowled, two caught and bowled, and one leg-before wicket.

For the Players at Scarborough in 1911 he dismissed eight of a powerful side of Gentlemen in the first innings for 94 runs. Field was very smart in stopping hard return strokes from his own bowling. When he ceased to play for Warwickshire in 1920 he had taken in first-class cricket 1,024 wickets at a cost of 23 runs each. He made no pretensions to being a batsman. In recent years he acted as a first-class umpire, until chronic rheumatism ruined his health.

FORT, MR. JAMES ALFRED, who died on June 24, when nearly 75, was in the Winchester Eleven 1876-7-8.

FOWLER, MR. HOWARD, died on May 6, aged 75. Born on October 20, 1857 he was in the Clifton College Eleven in 1874-6, being captain in his last year. Going up to Oxford he at once got his Blue but did little against Cambridge until 1880 when he scored 43. He assisted Essex in 1886-7-8. A noted Rugby forward he captained the Oxford Fifteen in 1878 and also played for England.

GRAINGER, MR. CHARLES EDWARD, died on September 19. Born on November 22, 1858, he was in the Marlborough College Eleven in 1876 and 1877. Going to Cambridge he played for the University against Surrey at the Oval in 1879 but did not obtain his Blue.

HAND, CECIL RIDGES ( Reg) who died at Pinetown, Natal, in October, played for the Transvaal in 1912-13 and Natal in 1919-20.

HEADLAM, MR. CECIL, died on August 12. Born September 12, 1872, he was in the Rugby School Eleven 1889-90-91 as wicket-keeper, and played for Oxford Seniors in 1895 besides one match for the University--v. M. C. C. and Ground at Lord's--in 1895, when R. P. Lewis the regular wicket-keeper rested.

HEASMAN, DR. WILLIAM GRATWICKE, who died on January 25 when 71 years old, played occasionally for Sussex between 1885 and 1895. A useful hard-hitting batsman, he had the good average for those days of 21.17 with 66 against Oxford in 1893 as his best score. In club cricket he stood out as a most capable all-round player. He scored 207 for United Hospitals against Chiswick Park, 200 for Arundel against a scratch side and 236 not out for Aldborough against Gunton Park in 1890. Dr. Heasman played sometimes for Berkshire and Norfolk, and in 1907 went with a Philadelphian team to Bermuda. A fast bowler, he was very keen in the field and a safe man at point. Born at Angmering in Sussex on December 9, 1862.

HENDERSON, MR. PERCY ELMES, came to England with Canadian Zingari Team in 1910, and with Norman Seagram's team in 1922. He did at Toronto on Jan. 16, aged 55.

HERVEY, MR. ALGERNON CHARLES GEORGE, who was in the Marlborough Eleven 1869 and 1870, died on February 24 in his 83rd year, having been born on September 28, 1851.

HICKMOTT, EDWARD, was groundsman at The Mote, Maidstone for 27 years. Born on March 20, 1850 he died on January 7 at the age of 83. He played eleven times for Kent between 1875 and 1888 with 44 as his best score. A hard-hitting, right-handed batsman, he was tried as a wicket-keeper by Lord Harris.

HORNBY, DR. CHARLES H., president of the New York Cricket Club from 1904 to 1914, died on June 3. Born in Manchester he was a Guy's Hospital student. A good bat he played for New York Club when first going to U.S.A. He retired from medical practice in 1923.

HUBBARD, THE HON. EVELYN, fifth son of the first Lord Addington, died suddenly on August 24th while walking in the street at Harrogate. Born March 18, 1852. Educated at Radley, he was in the cricket Eleven of 1870. He went to Christ Church, Oxford, and in 1896 entered the House of Commons as member for Brixton.

JAFFRAY, MR. JAMES P., who died on July 16, aged 79, was a well-known Canadian journalist. A good medium paced bowler he played for the Garfield club in Chicago and when returning to Galt, his native city, he organised the Ontario Cricket League, being President for several years.

JOHNS, MR. ALFRED E.,who was born on January 22, 1868 and died in February, had as contemporaries such great wicket-keepers as J. J. Kelly and A. H. Jarvis. Consequently he never played for Australia in a Test match. He succeeded the famous J. McC. Blackham as Victoria's wicket-keeper in 1896, and did good service as a left-handed batsman when in 1897 he went in last with J. O' Halloran and added 136 against South Australia at Melbourne. This partnership stood as an Australian record for the tenth wicket during fifteen years. Then M. Ellis and T. Hastings put on 211 in the corresponding match. He came to England with the Australian Teams in 1896 and 1899 as reserve wicket-keeper to Kelly. In 1922 he was appointed a trustee of the Melbourne cricket ground.

KEENAN, MR. WALTER F., played for several clubs in the United States including Chicago for whom he bowled with some success against Lord Hawke's team in 1891. A steady batsman his best score was 103 not out for Belmont in 1901. He died on April 2, aged 78.

KERMODE, ALEXANDER, died at Sydney on July 17, aged 58. Discovered by M. A. Noble when playing junior cricket, Kermode was chosen for New South Wales in 1901 and during the same season A. C. MacLaren, captain of the English touring team, was so impressed with his form that he induced him to come to England and qualify for Lancashire. From 1904 to 1908 Kermode remained with Lancashire but his fast bowling against first-class batsmen never reached the standard expected. He met with most success in 1905 when 107 wickets fell to him at 21.43 runs apiece as compared with Walter Brearley's 121 at 18.64. Of tall and ungainly build Kermode ended his term with Lancashire as his ability suddenly deteriorated. When in league cricket moderate batsmen fell ready victims to his speed and off-break. The importation of Kermode to qualify for Lancashire received severe criticism in many quarters. The case of Albert Trott--one of the best all-round cricketers ever produced by Australia or England--coming to Middlesex, was cited as a precedent, but the example of Yorkshire and Nottinghamshire relying entirely upon native talent was urged as desirable to be copied by all counties.

LANCASHIRE, MR. OSWALD PHILIP, who died on July 23, was in the Lancing College eleven from 1873 to 1877 and captain in the last three years. Going to Cambridge he played against Oxford in 1880 and with 29 in the second innings helped in a victory for a very powerful side by 115 runs. For Lancashire he scored over 2,000 runs with an average of 14 his highest innings being 119 against Cheshire in 1884 when of his colleagues Dick Barlow alone got as many runs in an innings for the County. He was the Lancashire president in 1923 and 1924. Although a short man Mr.Lancashire hit very hard and was a fine fieldsman in any position. He played Association football against Oxford three times, finishing as captain, and on each occasion Cambridge won. Born on Dec. 10, 1857, Mr. Lancashire reached the good age of 76.

LATHAM, MR. ALEXANDER MERE, whose death took place on April 2 at the age of 71 was very well known in cricket circles. He played for Wellington College and Cheshire, and for many years recently had taken special interest in the game at the Oval and Lord's. When Mr. John Shuter died in 1920 Mr. Latham undertook the duties of secretary to the Surrey County Club until the appointment of Mr. R. C. N. Palairet. He was Recorder of Birkenhead, and a prominent Freemason.

LAWTON, MR. JOSEPH CLEMENT, who died on January 20, at the age of 76, played regularly for the Blackpool club until 65. A native of Moseley, Birmingham, he appeared occasionally for Warwickshire, in company with three of his brothers, before going to New Zealand whence he returned in 1906. On his 57th birthday, playing for Blackpool against Fylde, he took seven wickets for one run, five men falling to consecutive balls. Against Burnley Crusaders he dismissed the whole side by taking nine wickets and catching the other batsman. As a professional for Otago in a New Zealand interprovincial match all ten wickets fell to him at a cost of 71 runs. He was also a good free batsman.

LIDDELL, MAJOR JOHN STEWART, R.E., D.S.O., C.M.G., who died on September 19, aged 65 was in the Haileybury Eleven of 1885.

MACKENZIE, COLONEL FREDERICK FINCH, C.B., played in the Wellington College eleven being captain in 1867. He died on July 17, at the advanced age of 85.

MACKENZIE, MR. ROBERT THEODORE HOPE, born on October 18, 1886, died on March 20. He was in the Cheltenham Eleven from 1904 to 1906 and at Cambridge, besides playing in Freshmen and Senior matches, occasionally found a place in the University team but did not get his blue.

MAUDE, MR. JOHN, died on November 17, aged 84, having been born on March 17, 1850. Going to Eton when ten as a colleger he was there for nine years under three headmasters--Goodford, Balston, and Hornby. His tutor was the Rev. J. E. Yonge. In his time he had three future Bishops as fags--Welldon (Calcutta), Ryle (Liverpool) and Harmer (Rochester).

He played in the Eton eleven at Lord's as a medium left-hand bowler in 1868 and 1869. In the former year, when Harrow won, he took three wickets for 20 runs. Lord Harris, who was also a member of the team, wrote in his recollections of the match, Our best bowler was John Maude, who probably did not bowl nearly enough. In 1869 Maude, by taking seven wickets for 36 in the second innings, contributed largely to Eton's victory by an innings and 19 runs. Of that famous match Mr. H. S. Salt, in his Memories of Bygone Eton, wrote:-- C. J. Ottaway made a century. Thanks mainly to his patient and skilful batting and to some fine left-hand bowling by John Maude, the match ended in a single innings victory for Eton. Old Stephen Hawtrey is said to have stopped Maude in the street and asked to be allowed to shake `that noble hand,' which by a wonderful `caught and bowled' had disposed of Harrow's most formidable batsman. We all believed the story. It seemed exactly what Stephen Hawtrey would have done. But 57 years later I was told by Maude that he had no recollection of the incident. It ought to have happened, anyhow. Maude also played in the Mixed Wall and Field Elevens in 1868, and won the school fives in 1869. He went up to Oxford, and got his cricket Blue in 1873. At Lord's he took six Cambridge wickets for 39 runs in the second innings. On the first day he caught F. E. R. Fryer, the Light Blue captain, in sensational fashion. He was a member of the Harlequins, and played for the Gentlemen of Warwickshire in 1874.

MORICE, MR. WILLIAM NELSON, who died on March 15, aged 54, played for United States against Canada. He scored several centuries for Merion and came to England in 1914 as a member of that club's team. Besides being a powerful hitter he was a useful bowler and an excellent field. For several years he edited the American Cricketer.

NICHOL, MAURICE, the Worcestershire cricketer, died suddenly at Chelmsford, where Essex were playing Worcestershire on May 21. Born at Hetton, Durham, on September 10, 1905, Nichol was in his 29th year. He played as an amateur for Durham in the Minor Counties competition and had a trial at the Oval for Surrey before qualifying for Worcestershire in 1929. During his period of qualification Nichol had the distinction of making a hundred on his first appearance in first-class cricket--104 for Worcestershire against West Indies in 1928. Playing regularly for the county in 1929 he scored 1,442 runs and the following season he registered the highest innings of his career, 262 not out against Hampshire at Bournemouth. Nichol possessed a neat style and, as he proved himself a consistent run-getter, hopes were entertained that he would become an England cricketer. In 1931 he acted as twelfth man for England in the Test Match against New Zealand at Lord's, and after faring moderately the following season, he jumped into his best form in 1933 when he concluded the summer with three successive hundreds:--116, against Hampshire at Bournemouth; 165 not out against Glamorgan at Worcester and 154 against Yorkshire at Worcester, he and Martin adding 243. Altogether hitting eight centuries he finished third in the county's batting averages with an aggregate of 2,085 runs and with C. F. Walters, who got nine hundreds in an aggregate of 2,165, broke run-getting records for Worcestershire which had been held by R. E. Foster since 1901. Nichol made 17 centuries during his all too brief first-class career.

While his end came unexpectedly, Nichol, in recent years, had not enjoyed the best of health. During the winter of 1931-32 he spent several weeks in Sunderland Royal Infirmary where he was very seriously ill with pneumonia. The following summer he failed to regain his real form, a long day in the field or an effort to put together a big innings being too exacting for his physical resources. Strangely enough during the Whitsuntide fixture of 1933, played at Leyton, he was taken ill at Stratford station and had to retire from the game, so that his death a year later while the Essex match was in progress came as a dramatic coincidence.

PEEL, SIR ROBERT, BART, who died at Tunbridge Wells after an operation in April was in the Harrow eleven of 1916 as a bowler, but did little in the two matches against Eton played on the school grounds--the custom during the war.

PONTIFEX, MR. DUDLEY DAVID, died on September 27, aged 79. A useful batsman for Surrey he did best in 1881, when he came out fifth in the batting list with an aggregate of 303 runs and an average of 18. Probably his most valuable innings was against Nottinghamshire at the Oval in July that season when, going in first, he scored 89 and helped materially towards a Surrey victory by an innings and 22 runs. Born at Bath on February 12, 1855, Mr. Pontifex also played for Somerset.

POPE, DUDLEY FAIRBRIDGE, the well-known Essex batsman, was killed on September 8, when his car and a motor lorry collided at Writtle near Chelmsford. Another car driven by Peter Smith, the Essex bowler, with whom Pope was going to Walton-on-the Naze for the week-end, had passed a little way ahead. Smith heard the crash and when he came back found that Pope had been killed instantly. Previously associated with Gloucestershire for three seasons--1925, 1926 and 1927--Pope first appeared for Essex in 1930 and proved of great value. With an aggregate of 1,224 runs and an average of 34, he enjoyed a highly successful season. During the following summer he scored 342 fewer runs but made some very useful scores. Last season for the third time consecutively Pope obtained over 1,000 runs, getting 1,640 with an average of 34, and put four centuries to his credit. A very restrained batsman, Pope showed special defensive skill under difficult conditions. Against Surrey at the Oval in 1930 when Essex required 342 runs to escape the follow-on, he and Sheffield, going in first, made a great stonewalling effort. The two players kept up their wickets for three hours and a half while scoring 113 runs, thus ensuring a draw. A very good field, Pope could throw the ball from long distances direct to the wicket-keeper's hands. He was most popular both on and off the field. Pope played hockey for Brentham. Born at Barnes in Surrey on October 28, 1908, Pope was 26 years of age.

POYNTZ, MR. E. S. MASSY, died on December 26. A member of the Haileybury eleven in 1901, Mr. Poyntz made his first appearance for Somerset in 1905 and played regularly for the county until the outbreak of the War, being captain in 1913 and 1914. He made a few appearances in 1919. An enterprising batsman, he hit the ball hard and was an excellent fielder. In his first season with Somerset he played in five matches, scoring 307 runs with a highest score of 89 and an average of 34.31. After this promising start he did little of note until 1910 when he made 352 runs in ten matches, while the next summer he scored 597 runs in 14 games. In 1914 his aggregate reached 642 runs, but he averaged only 18.34. It was during his captaincy that J. C. White the famous left hand slow bowler was discovered. Mr. Poyntz played under S. M. J. Woods and John Daniell, whom he succeeded.

PULLIN, MR. ALFRED W., ( Old Ebor), the well known sporting journalist, died on June 23 when traveling to Lord's for the Test Match. Aged 73, Mr. Pullin was one of the foremost authorities on cricket and football in English journalism. In the early nineties when newspapers began to devote space to sport Mr.Pullin soon built up a reputation with the followers of the games he helped to foster. Nurtured in Rugby Football, he never rose to fame, though he played three-quarter back for Cleckheaton and afterwards acted as referee for the Yorkshire Union.

These experiences stood him in good stead when he came to travel all over the Kingdom as the football writer of the Yorkshire Post and Yorkshire Evening Post. For nearly forty years he never missed a Rugby International match in which England were engaged. Similarly, in cricket he was fortunate in accompanying the Yorkshire team all over the country. His writings were at all times discriminative, informative and voluminous. His contributions to his own papers over a term of forty years averaged two columns a day during the summer and at least one column a day during the winter. Mr. Pullin was the author of several books on cricket, including Old English Cricketers, Alfred Shaw, Cricketer, and The History of Yorkshire County Cricket, from 1903-23.

In a foreword to this book, Lord Hawke referred to Mr. Pullin as the non-playing member of the county team. He added His criticisms on our side form an invaluable guide to the captain, his enthusiasm is contagious, but never allows his judgement to become unbalanced, whilst his eloquent writings on cricket have gone to every part of the world in which there are lovers of the game...I feel bound to say to the esteemed author of this book--`Well done, thou faithful friend.'

About ten years ago recognition was paid to him as a leading writer on cricket by the inclusion of his name among the cricket immortals in Wisden's Cricketers' Almanack. His right to be there was generally acknowledged for, along with Sydney Pardon and Stewart Caine, successive Editors of Wisden's, he was regarded as among the greatest authorities on the game.

QUINN, MR. NEVILLE A., the South African cricketer, died suddenly at Kimberley on August 5 at the age of 26. Quinn played for Griqualand West. A left hand medium-paced bowler, he toured England with the South African team in 1929, finishing second in the bowling averages to H. G. Owen-Smith. In the first innings of the third test at Leeds he took six wickets for 92 runs, and for the season headed the South African averages with 65 wickets at 23.89 runs apiece. In a dry summer he found his swerve effective, but could not make the ball get up straight on our turf wickets as he did on matting in South Africa. A moderate batsman he scored only 200 runs in 22 innings. He visited Australasia with the South African team in 1931-32, finishing second to A. J. Bell in the bowling averages for Test Matches with 13 wickets for 512 runs. He headed the bowling figures in all first class matches taking with 42 wickets for just under 24 runs per wicket. Bradman had a high opinion of his capabilities.

RICHARDSON, MR. FREDERICK STUART, who died April 22, aged 79, was in the Repton eleven 1873-74.

ROWE, MR. DUNCAN, died on February 7, aged 76. Born December 9, 1857, he was in the Marlborough College eleven of 1876 and the Football twenty of 1874 being Captain in 1876. He rowed for Oxford in the University Boat Races of 1879 and 1880 being President in the latter year.

SPENS, MAJOR GENERAL JAMES, C. B., C.M.G., was born in India on March 30, 1853 and died on June 19, aged 81. In the Haileybury eleven of 1868 and 1869. Captain Spens, as he then was, played for The Army at Lord's in 1877 scoring 54 and 47 against The Bar who included such famous cricketers as C. J. Ottaway, T. S. Pearson, C. K. Francis, R. D. Walker, and E. Bray. He scored heavily in Army cricket and for United Services against Nondescripts at Portsmouth on August 9, 1882 he hit up 386. First playing for Hampshire in 1884 he began by making 60 but he could not give much time to cricket when Hampshire became a first-class county. Above medium height and of good physique Spens was a free hitter, a clever medium paced round-arm bowler and a very smart cover point. He played Rackets for Haileybury and The Army, besides competing for The Amateur Championship at Queen's Club.

STREATFEILD, MR. ALBERT HAROLD OCTAVIUS, died on November 1. Born March 5, 1878, he was in the Marlborough eleven of 1896. Played Hockey for Cambridge against Oxford in 1899 and 1900.

TANCRED, MR. LOUIS J., the famous Transvaal and South African cricketer, died at Johannnesburg, on July 30, aged 58. He was well-known in England for he made four visits with representative teams, in 1901, 1904, 1907 and 1912. On his last tour he took over the captaincy from Frank Mitchell in three of the six Test matches which his team played against England and Australia in the Triangular Tournament. Possessed of abundant patience, Tancred was an excellent opening batsman for he could wear down the bowling for other players to punish. He also hit powerfully and though a pronounced crouch spoilt his style he was especially good against fast bowling. During his trip to England in 1907 he was handicapped for a long time through illness and was only at his best during the last ten days of the tour. His highest score in a Test match was 97, at Johannesburg, against Australia in 1902, when J. Darling's team visited South Africa on the way home from England. His aggregate in 26 innings against England and Australia was 530 with an average of 21.20.

TAPSCOTT, LIONEL ERIC, one of three brothers, L.G., N.V., and L.E. who all played in cricket of class, had the unusual distinction of representing South Africa both at lawn tennis and cricket. Born on March 8, 1889, L.E. first played for Griqualand West in 1911. His highest innings in Currie Cup matches was 102. Twice he played against England in Test matches making 50 not out at Johannesburg in February 1923. A sparkling batsman and a fielder without a superior in South Africa he was in the running for a place in the 1924 team that visited England. Known as Doodles he was very popular. He died at Capetown on July 7.

TAYLOR, BRIGADIER-GENERAL ARTHUR HENRY MENDEL, D.S.O., who was in the Clifton College eleven of 1886, died on July 14.

TAYLOR, MR. FRANK H., was aged 78 when he died on September 18. An ardent player and supporter of the game for 61 years in United States. He played in the Haverford eleven and in 1931, when the College celebrated it's centenary, he was photographed as Haverford's oldest active cricketer. In 1875 he was the first Haverfordian to score a century--102 not out for the Dorian Club against Mods--and in June 1934 he made the presentation address when the tablet was erected in memory of William Carvill, who introduced cricket at Haverford. He played for the Ardmore Club as recently as 1927.

THRING, MR. LIONEL CHARLES REGINALD, M.A., J.P., born September 5, 1862, died on November 10. In the Marlborough eleven 1880 he played for Wiltshire in 1882 and for Bedfordshire from 1891 to 1908.

TRUELL, THE REV. WILLIAM HENRY AUGUSTUS, who died on January 27, aged 90, was in the Cheltenham College eleven of 1860, 1861 and captain in 1862.

UZIELLI, COLONEL THEODORE JOHN, D.S.O., M.C., Legion of Honour, died on September 8. Born October 10, 1882, he was in the Marlborough eleven 1900.

VORRATH, MR. W., a representative Otago cricketer died on June 7 in his 30th year. During the season 1927-28 he represented Otago in all its matches including the game against the Australian team. His best score was 103 not out against Wellington in the Plunket Shield match. A good Rugby footballer with the Union Club he afterwards joined the Rugby League in which code he represented Otago.

WARD, MR. ERNEST ROOTSEY, a sporting journalist for about half a century, died on June 22 at the age of 68. During many years he was responsible for the sporting columns in The Times and for over thirty years was on the staff of the Morning Post. His wide experience of cricket and players, combined with an individual literary style gave a distinctive mark to his graphic reports and articles. Very well known on all cricket grounds--particularly Lord's and The Oval--Ernest Ward enjoyed the friendship of Henry Perkins, Secretary of M.C.C. from 1876 until 1898 and of C. W. Alcock, the Surrey Secretary who died in 1907 when still in office. Both these gentlemen who did so much for the game often opened their hearts to Ernest Ward on official subjects, trusting to his sense of what was not to be published. From an early age he reported all the big matches and when, late in life, editorial work kept him chiefly in the office he missed very much the more active delights of watching the game, and coming into close contact with the great batsmen and bowlers whose doings he described with such a delightful personal touch. Equally well versed in football Ernest Ward was an authority on Rubgy. His memory revived visits to see Blackheath play on Richardson's field. The only journalist who, never having played Real Tennis, could score and emphasize the intricacies of the game, he could also do full justice to rackets, athletics and rowing. In fact Ernest Ward was the complete sporting journalist. Always called Ernest he enjoyed the intimate friendship of a wide circle of sportsmen and never had an enemy.

WEBB, MR. GEORGE, an old time Wellington, New Zealand, representative cricketer, died on June 7, aged 78. Born in Ireland he came to Wellington in the middle seventies. He was a free batsman, driving particularly well and a fast round arm bowler of the old fashioned type. He represented Wellington against the Australian teams of 1878 and 1880 and played in a few other representative games, the last in 1897.

WHITBY, MR. HUGH OWEN, died on October 14, aged 70, having been born on April 12, 1864. A very good fast right-hand bowler with an easy action he went from Leamington College to Oxford and got his Blue as a Freshman in 1884. In four matches against Cambridge, three of which he helped to win, Whitby took 20 wickets at an average of 20.30 apiece. More notable than anything he did in the University engagements was the leading part Whitby enjoyed in beating the very powerful Australian team of 1884 by seven wickets. W. L. Murdoch's side late in the season scored 551 at the Oval against England--a total that stood as a record for a test match in this country until 1899 when England made 576--eclipsed in 1930 by Australia's 695. These figures make the performance of Whitby as a Freshman all the more remarkable. After beating in a single innings a strong eleven got together by Lord Sheffield the Australians went to Oxford and, batting first, were dismissed for 148, Whitby taking eight wickets for 82 runs. Oxford secured a lead of 61, thanks mainly to a brilliant 92 by T. C. O'Brien and then got their visitors out for 168; E. W. Bastard with five wickets for 44, and H. V. Page two for 16 doing better this time than Whitby with two for 55. M. C. Kemp, the Oxford captain scored 63 not out in knocking off the runs required for victory. It may be recalled that Cambridge beat Murdoch's previous side in 1882 by six wickets, these being the only occasions when either University has defeated an Australian eleven. In 1886 when the Australians, nothing like so good in batting, were dismissed for 70 and 38, on a rain-ruined pitch, Whitby had a record in the match of nine wickets for 35 runs; but F. R. Spofforth took 15 Oxford wickets for 36 runs and the Australians won the game by 25 runs. Mr. Whitby assisted Warwickshire in a few matches in the seasons 1884 to 1889 and went to America in 1885 with a side captained by Mr. E. J. Sanders. For many years a master at Tonbridge School until his retirement in 1919 Mr. Whitby maintained a close interest in cricket and was a popular figure in the pavilion at Lord's until a few months before his death.

WILSON, MR. GEOFFREY PLUMPTON, M.R.C.S., L.R.C.P., died on July 30. In the Rossall School eleven four years he was captain in 1895 and 1896. Played for England against Wales at Association Football in 1900.

WORK, MR. MILTON C., who died on June 27, aged 70, played cricket, tennis and baseball for Pennsylvania University in 1887. He had edited American Cricketer and died about three months after his younger colleague in this position--Mr. Morice.

SUPPLEMENTARY LIST OF DEATHS IN 1931-32 and 1933.

Particulars of these deaths were received too late for inclusion in the ALMANACK of 1934:

BAKER, CAPTAIN WILLIAM BERESFORD, died on February 20, 1933 in his 86th year. He played for Hertfordshire and M.C.C., last appearing in 1895.

BEVINGTON, MR. JOHN CURREY, twice in the Harrow eleven at Lord's, scored 71 and 12 in the 1891 match when Eton were beaten by seven wickets. He played a little for Essex and Middlesex. Died on April 4, 1933, aged 62.

BRABOURNE, CECIL MARCUS, fourth LORD, died at sea on S.S. Carnarvon Castle on February 15, 1933. As the Hon. Knatchbull-Hugessen he was in the Eton eleven 1881-83, and at Cambridge got his Blue in 1886. Born on November 27,1863 he was 70 years old.

BRUTTON, MR. SEPTIMUS, died at Southsea on September 30, 1933, aged 64. After playing for Northumberland he appeared for Hampshire in 1904, and his son C. P. of Winchester, has played for the Southern County.

FITZGERALD, BRIGADIER GENERAL PERCY DESMOND, D.S.O., who died on August 17, 1933, aged 61, played for M.C.C. in first class matches, the last in 1897.

GARDNER, MR. WALTER, THORNE, who was born on June 13, 1888, died on November 22, 1931. He played for the Transvaal in Currie Cup Cricket in 1919.

GORDON, MR. JOHN HARVEY, who died on April 23, 1933, at Charlottenville, U.S.A., aged 46, was in the Winchester and Oxford Elevens and also played for Surrey. Cambridge won both the matches 1906-07 in which he appeared at Lord's. In 1907 he hit the only century for Oxford-117 against Surrey at the Oval.

HEALING, MR. JOHN ALFRED, M.C., who died on July 4, 1933 aged 59, went to Cambridge from Clifton College, but did not get his Blue. He played for Gloucestershire occasionally.

HILL, MAJOR EUSTACE TICKELL, died on January 11, 1933, aged 63. In the Winchester Eleven of 1887, he played for Somerset in 1898 and 1901. His brother V. T. Hill the famous Oxford and Somerset batsman died in 1932.

MOULDER, J. W. H., who was born on September 29, 1881, died in October, 1933. He played a few times for Surrey from 1902 to 1906, and for Transvaal from 1909 to 1911. In fifty innings he made 682 runs, with an average of 15.50, his highest score being 48 for Surrey against Notts at the Oval in 1903. His slow bowling took thirteen wickets at 30 runs apiece.

RAINSFORD, THE REV. WILLIAM STEPHEN, D.D., died on December 17, 1933, aged 83, in New York. Born in Dublin on October 30, 1850, he went to St. John's College, Cambridge. He was elected President of the Metropolitan District Cricket League of New York when formed in 1890.

RICHARDS, MR. CYRIL JAMES RIDDING, who was born on July 14, 1870 died on October 27, 1933. Educated at Lancing and Oxford where he did not get his Blue, he played a little for Hampshire from 1889 to 1895.

ROSS, MR. NIGEL DOUGLAS CARNE, died on January 27, 1933, aged 50. In the Uppingham eleven 1900-2 he played in the Freshmen and Seniors matches at Cambridge and occasionally for University without getting his Blue.

CORRECTION: Mr. E. L. Bartlett, West Indies, of whom an obituary notice appeared in last year's issue of the Almanack, wrote from Bridgetown in March with the assurance that I am very much alive and fit. It is a pleasure to publish this message sent to me.--S.J.S.