'Close of Play'

Ivan Julian ‘Jack’ Siedle. Natal & South Africa 1922-1937. Three page handwritten letter in ink from Siedle, written on Anglo-African House, Durban letterhead, dated 10th November 1932. The letter, with original envelope, is addressed to Colonel Harry Sparks of Sydenham, Durban. Siedle writes expressing his concern ‘that your nephew Dudley is reported to have signed for Berea. I wonder if you could throw any light on the matter’. Siedle is concerned ‘that the only thing which would keep him from becoming a member of the D.H.S.O.B. [Durban High School Old Boys] side would be the fact that he would be living away from Durban... I would very much like to keep an eye on Dudley as I think he may go far & always have looked on him as the next S.A. [South Africa] fast bowler’. Very nicely signed ‘Jack Siedle’. A typed copy reply letter dated 12th November 1932, written on behalf of Colonel Sparks by an unknown correspondent, explains that personal reasons were behind the invitation to Dudley to play for the Berea Club, stating ‘I certainly had no idea that my action would lead to misunderstanding of hard-feelings’. Good/ very good condition.