Lives in Cricket No 25 - Tom Richardson

116 Bout-du-Monde the amount Richardson had with him would have bought 4,000 of them. More scientifically perhaps, there is a website on inter alia the purchasing power of the franc at different dates 272 which suggests 1 franc in 1912 would be equivalent to €3.1753. The tables are accompanied by a caveat that the figures may be less reliable for further distant periods and while tolerably accurate for domestic consumption, they are somewhat more fragile as a measure of inflation. Nevertheless, even allowing for all that and fluctuating exchange rates, it is safe to say that Tom’s 400 francs can be valued at over £1,000 in today’s money. It is a sum that most people would not take out with them. Had he perhaps become hopelessly lost and dehydrated in the midsummer, midday heat (perhaps between 25 and 30° at that time of year)? Are the ‘signes d’aliénation mentales’ the euphemistic equivalent of being tired and emotional? His previously diagnosed heart condition may have also have been a contributory factor. It is all highly speculative and many pieces of the jigsaw are missing, but those that remain do begin to form a consistent and credible picture. His family – press reports are not specific as to which members – were alerted by telegram and immediately travelled to Chambéry. 273 It was a sad irony that the information reached England during ‘Razor’ Smith’s benefit match. On the same front page that Richardson’s death was announced, the Sporting Life reported: 272 Institut national de la statistique et des études économiques: Pouvoir d’achat de l’euro et du franc. 273 Richmond Herald 6 July 1912 View of St Jean d’Arvey: “Molliene” is to the left. Aix-les-Bains the other side of the mountain. [Marie de St Jean d’Arvey]