The cricketers' fund friendly society

We are glad to hear that the efforts which have been made in various ways to improve the position of this society have not been without effect. We still think that, considering the wealth and position of thousands who take a pleasure in cricket, the subscription-list is deplorably small, and that if the county clubs whose professionals, if debarred by accident from their profession, benefit by it, would organise a systematic application for pecuniary support, the subscription-list would be rapidly increased, with but little trouble. However something has been done. Subscriptions and donations from honorary subscribers amount this year to £170, as against, in last year, £152 8s. The M.C.C. has, with its invariable liberality, given to the society 20 per cent of the gate at the Australian matches on Lord"s Ground, and though the wet season curtailed the sum that might have been expected, the cheque was for £283 9s. 3d. But, in addition to this kindly help, the society has this year to thank the Surrey County for a most handsome donation in the shape of £7l 18s. 5d., the nett proceeds of the Surrey and Sussex match. The Incogniti have also been extremely generous, sending a donation of £15 15s., and we find that Gloucestershire, Cheshire, and Hampshire, in addition to Kent, are this year amongst the counties subscribing.

Altogether the society is to be congratulated on a more healthy financial condition. We find on the other side of the balance-sheet that fourteen professional cricketers have benefited by their membership, and we are glad to see that amongst these is poor Bates, whose sad accident in Australia prevented his playing for Yorkshire during the past season. Surely such an instance of sudden disability as this may well appeal to lovers of cricket to come forward and help the society. They should remember that, but for the necessity forced on the society two years ago of reducing the benefits, these poor fellows would have been drawing larger sums, and been so much the better off.

We shall be unfeignedly glad if these words catch the eyes of some lovers of the game, and remind them of the many pleasant hours they spend in admiring, condemning, criticising the play of professional cricketers. If they do, we hope they will not be oblivious of the dangers and chances of a cricketer's life, of the temptations and hardships of the winter months if he can get no work to do, and will add their names to the list of honorary subscribers to the Cricketers' Fund Friendly Society.

Any application for information to Mr. H. Luff, 21, Cranbourn-street, Leicester-square, will receive prompt attention.