Lives in Cricket No 21 - Walter Read

103 April 18th 1895 Dear Sir MR W W READ’S TESTIMONIAL MATCH SURREY v ENGLAND OVAL MAY 27TH 28TH AND 29TH The Committee invite the co-operation of the members generally in their endeavours to make this testimonial to Mr WALTER READ a success in every way. Subscriptions to this end may be sent to the Secretary. By order Yours faithfully C W Alcock Secretary The match left Read over £800 better off (Bobby Abel’s benefit match in the same season yielded £200 less) but he was still determined to hang on as long as possible. At the end of the season, a sub-committee comprising the President, Vice-President, Captain and Secretary, having discussed Mr Read’s position with him recommended: that in their opinion it was fair to Mr Read that the present arrangement as to the Assistant Secretaryship should be continued as long as Mr Read continues to be a regular member of the Surrey eleven. The Assistant Secretaryship to be deemed to commence on the 1st of January in each year and the salary of Assistant Secretary to be paid to the 31st Decr in the year in which he shall cease to be a playing member. 179 The usual courtesies were observed. Read wrote to the Committee at the beginning of the New Year. Reigate Jan 16 1896 Dear Sirs May I take this opportunity of thanking you for the many kindnesses you have extended to me during the many years I have been connected with Surrey Cricket especially for the testimonial and donation granted last season. You may rest assured that in future no effort on my part will be spared to Negotiations...no broken Read, he 179 Surrey CCC minutes 21 November 1895