Empire Cricket Booklet

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DEAN ALLEN

the tour the South African Review blamed 'the Transvaal crisis [for] having interfered with the original programme, lengthening the tour, and, of course, increasing the expenses'. There was sympathy too for Logan: 'All cricketers and, indeed, all sportsmen will commiserate with Mr. J. D. Logan and George Lohmann, on whom the financial responsibilities rest, on this dismal aspect of the tour.' 57 Such sympathy was misdirected. Logan's objectives for the tour were not all concerned with immediate financial gain. The tour and his association with Hawke increased his profile as South African cricket's leading benefactor and this alone would deliver much sought-after political and commercial benefits. 'In the social sense the team has been a

The Return of Hawke

In August 1898, arrangements for a second tour by Lord Hawke's team were announced. Logan en sured that SACA was relieved of any financial and organisationalresponsibilitybut wasentitledto profits from the tour. He had succeeded in buying influence within the game's hierarchy. George Lohmann, who was still in South Africa, having returned from a spell coaching in Johannesburg, would again be involved as tour manager and provide Logan with the publicity he was seeking. Factors beyond his control, however, affected the Grand Plan. The venture was in doubt barely a month after announcing the tour. In September 1898, the South

James Logan and fellow industrialists photographed on board the RMS Norman prior to Mark Twain's departure in July 1896. Barney Barnato is seated (fourth from right) with Twain (second from right). A relaxed Abe Bailey is pictured front right.

African press raised concerns that a team of 'English tourist cricketers' was still in North America. 'As this will necessitate a couple of months' journeying, it is rather too much to expect them to follow up with a visit here,' lamented one journal. 59 Logan, who was summering in Britain, was aware of the implications of sending a weakened team to South Africa and it appeared that his efforts to raise a worthwhile squad

great success,' declared the South African Review. The match at Matjiesfontein at the end of the tour was indicative of the purpose and sentiment of these colonial exchanges: 'One might go a very long way without finding so enthusiastic a sportsman as the Laird of Matjiesfontein' proclaimed the Cape Argus, as Hawke and his team were entertained by Logan prior to their departure in March 1896. 58