Early “Goat Herders” at French Farm, Banks Peninsula, 1882
Despite the isolation and transportation issues of the time there was no shortage of interest and enthusiasm for cricket in such rural areas. Nothing has really changed since. As one cricket historian wrote: “The pitches were rough, and the bowling ragged, the batsmen had one aim: to send the ball soaring over woolshed or plantation”. Sentiments head herder, Bob Masefield, would endorse 100% today!
We are pleased to have been granted permission to reproduce the photo by the FJ Hamilton Collection, Canterbury Museum.