Lives in Cricket No 21 - Walter Read

68 buffoonery when crossing the Line. It was jolly having twenty- six first class cricketers on a long trip, and many a cricket yarn was told and many a match discussed. Remembering what a distinguished actor C Aubrey Smith has become, it is interesting in my scrap-book to find a play-bill of amateur theatricals on board. Byron’s farcical comedy “Old Soldiers” was performed and he it was who played the leading part, WW Read and Monty Bowden also being included in the cast. 121 The party stopped briefly in Western Australia, spending time in the developing town of Albany where long walks and billiards filled in the afternoon. It was a less than fully fit team which eventually arrived at its destination, Read having sprained his ankle and Vernon having cut his ear as a result of falling down some steps. There was the usual welcome from civic dignitaries and representatives of the South Australian and Victorian Cricket Associations and the Melbourne Cricket Club. In the absence of the captain, the Hon M.B.Hawke, addressing a large public audience for the first time in his life (but certainly not the last), was upbeat and optimistic. Speaking about the rival teams, he said that they had been on the most amicable terms on the voyage, in fact, had agreed that if arrangements could be made they would combine to meet the full strength of Australia in a series of test matches. Great applause greeted this remark. The suggestion had already been made in Melbourne and the MCC had stated they would have no objection. Mr Walter Read also responded in a few well-chosen words. 122 They then adjourned to the Adelaide Oval for practice. WW took no part because of his injury, nor did he play in the opening match of the tour against South Australia, his first appearance being in the next against Victoria where he made a modest dozen in an innings victory. His reputation had preceded him, however; ‘Felix’ (Thomas Horan), writing in the Australasian anticipated more significant contributions. The great disappointment was W W Read who was then bowled by Boyle for 12. But then it should be remembered that this was his first appearance since he left the old country. When Australia 1882/83 and 1887/88 121 Recollections and Reminiscences p 100 et seq 122 Cricket 29 December 1887