Lives in Cricket No 21 - Walter Read

94 En route, Read celebrated his thirty-sixth birthday and updating his biography and quoting a contemporary newspaper, Haygarth said: ‘Monday, November 23rd, is Mr W.W. Read’s birthday, and many were the congratulations he received. Our gallant captain is in the height of good humour and spirits, and so are all our men in fact. Just before dinner we made a present to ‘W.W.,’ subscribed for by all our men, and with which Mr. Read seemed greatly pleased. It took the form of a silver match box and referee’s whistle, and with it the following address: ‘Presented to W.W.Read, Esq., by the members of the team of English cricketers, of which he is captain, visiting South Africa in the season of 1891-92, on the occasion of his birthday, during the voyage, on the 23rd November, 1891, as a small token of the esteem and regard in which he is held by them, and wishing him very many happy returns of the day.’ Here followed the signature of each individual player.’ 168 There were the usual deck sports en route which doubtless doubled as bonding exercises and demonstrated that the amateurs were no less fit than the professionals. Of the eighteen competitive 168 Scores and Biographies Vol XIV p xcvi South Africa 1891/92 The team which Read led to South Africa in 1891/92.