_OR, A MEETING IN EARNEST._
["Perhaps the popularity of the competition in national sport
between the different parts of the Empire is worthy of the
serious attention of statesmen ... Mr. ASTLEY COOPER proposes
rowing, running and cricket ... There is something fascinating
in the idea of such a Pan-Britannic gathering."--_Daily
Paper_.]
The SPEAKER, having taken his seat in the Pavilion, the Minister for
Cricket rose to move the third reading of The Six-balls-to-an-over
Bill.
The Right Hon. Gentleman said that the amount of time wasted in
changing sides, although the field did their best to minimise the
loss by assuming a couple of positions alternately, was very
serious--especially in a first-class match.
The Member for Melbourne begged to ask what _was_ a first-class match?
The Member for Sydney replied, certainly not a match between Canada
and Victoria. (_Laughter.)_ Now everyone was aware that New South
Wales--("_Question! Order! Order!")_ He begged pardon, he was in
order.
The SPEAKER. I really must request silence. The Minister for Cricket
is introducing a most important measure, and the least we can do is to
receive his statement with adequate attention. (_General cheering_.)
The Minister for Cricket continued, and said that the measure he had
the honour to commend to their careful consideration would not only
lengthen the over, but also allow Cricket to be played all the year
round.
The Minister for Football begged to remind his Right Hon. friend
that he had promised to consider that matter in Committee. What would
become of Football were Cricket to be played continuously? ("_Hear,
hear_!")
The Member for Bombay thought that a matter of no moment. In India
Polo was of infinitely more importance than Football, and he could
not help remarking that, in the Imperial Parliament, representing so
many sports, and so many Colonies, where every great interest was
represented, and well represented, Polo was absolutely ignored.
(_Cheers.)_
The Minister for Aquatic Sports agreed with the Hon. Member. Polo was
entirely of sufficient interest to warrant the creation of a special
department for its guardianship. But at present he was responsible for
it. He hoped soon to be able to welcome a colleague who would make its
interests his continual study. (_"Hear, hear!"_)
The Minister for Cricket concluded by thanking the House for the
attention the Hon. Members had given to the subject, and sat down
amidst loud applause.
A division being taken, the Bill was carried by 127 to 96. The
majority were composed of Australians and Canadians, and the minority
were Africans, Indians, and miscellaneous Colonists. The House then
adjourned.
* * * * *
[Illustration: TRUTHFUL BUT NOT CONSCIENTIOUS.
_Elderly Dowager_. "Now, PERKINS, I REQUIRE YOUR HONEST OPINION. DON'T
YOU THINK THIS DRESS SUITS ME?"
_Perkins (who has been cautioned always to speak the truth, on pain of
losing her place, warily_). "OH YES, MY LADY, IT SUITS YOUR LADYSHIP
QUITE--AS ONE MAY SAY--QUITE 'DOWN TO THE GROUND!'"]
* * * * *