SPOONER, R. H. (1880-1961) -- A 2pp. a.l.s., dated Golf Hotel, Woodhall Spa, Lincolnshire, Friday, November 14th 1958, from Spooner to Robin McConnell: "Your very nice & well written letter reached me this morning forwarded from Lord's and I am now answering your questions about my opinion of the best cricketers that I played with & against. Australia: M.A. Noble, C.G. Macartney & Victor Trumper but the latter was not quite at his brilliant best in my time. S. Africa: G.A Faulkner, England: Jack Hobbs, J.T. Tyldesley, Sydney Barnes, Wilfred Rhodes. S.F. Barnes being the best bowler on all wickets that I have ever played with or against. George Hirst of Yorkshire was a grand fellow & all rounder with a most difficult swerve-left Hand bowler. As you know probably no test match in England was allowed to last more than three days so the game has changed a good deal now in Test cricket & of course the L.B.W. rule that was altered a few years ago has added to batsmens difficulties, but on the other hand pitches have become much easier & docile," together with its original s.a.e; another 1p a.l.s. by Spooner, dated Golf Hotel, Woodhall Spa, Lincolnshire, September 29th 1958, thanking McConnell for his letter and stating that: "We over here felt very sorry that the New Zealand tour had such a wet and cold time to contend with it was indeed bad luck" and commiserating with "the death of that great cricketer and excellent fellow Charlie Macartney;" together with a page signed by Spooner three times. (3)