Lives in Cricket No 21 - Walter Read

102 Chapter Nine Negotiations…no broken Read, he The testimonial match against England in 1895 was meant to signal if not the end, then certainly the beginning of the end of Walter Read’s first-class playing career. He did not go quietly, the discussions were prolonged over almost three years, involving a number of members of the Surrey hierarchy and his negotiating skills were demonstrated to the full. The saga began as early as February 1894 when John Shuter approached the Committee with the suggestion of a testimonial match. In October of the same year, it had been agreed that there should be one, but with an important proviso. It was arranged that a complimentary match be arranged for Mr W W Read in 1895 and that if possible Surrey and England be played and that the Secretary be instructed to approach the other Counties on the subject. It was resolved that it be an understanding in the arrangement between the Committee and Mr W W Read that the Assistant Secretaryship of the Club come to an end on his ceasing to be a member of the Surrey Eleven. 177 There was absolutely no pretence that the Assistant Secretaryship was anything other than a device to enable him to play cricket full-time and be paid for it, though Read was clearly unwilling to consider the termination of either, nor any other arrangement, notwithstanding a firm resolution by the Committee before the start of the 1895 season. It was resolved that Mr Read be informed that the existing arrangement between the Club and him would cease at the end of the year and that the question of any further arrangement for the future could then be considered. 178 The Club’s publicity machine was mobilised. Every member received a letter from the Secretary in the following terms: 177 Surrey CCC minutes 18 October 1894 178 Surrey CCC minutes 21 March 1895