Jack Phillipps

Phillipps served as a rifleman with the New Zealand forces in the First World War,[2] and in the Transport Corps in the Second World War as a lieutenant colonel. He was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire in the 1946 New Year Honours.[3]

Of his management of the 1949 team, Wisden commented: "No more efficient or courteous manager of a touring side can be imagined than Mr J.H. Phillipps."[4] He also played in the two-day match against Durham but did not bat or bowl.[5]

A benefit match for him was played in Wellington in December 1956, between Wellington and "J.H. Phillipps' XI", a team of players from the 1949 touring team. It was regarded as a first-class match at the time but was later downgraded by the New Zealand authorities,[6] perhaps because many of the Phillipps XI had by that time retired from first-class cricket.[7]

Phillipps worked for the Shell company in New Zealand for 35 years. He retired in December 1957, at which time he was staff manager.[8] He was also the chairman of the New Zealand Broadcasting Corporation's central advisory program, and was the first executive of Outward Bound New Zealand.[9]

After the ill-will caused during the MCC's tour of New Zealand in 1958-59, an MCC tour of New Zealand by a young side of Test aspirants was organised for the 1960–61 season, captained by the diplomatic Dennis Silk and managed by Phillipps.[10]

Phillipps was promoted to Commander of the Order of the British Empire in the 1960 New Year Honours.[11] On 5 July 1960 he was one of 63 administrators and former players from overseas countries to be invited to become honorary life members of the MCC.[12]

His brief Wisden obituary described him as "a man universally loved and respected".[1] The Press in Christchurch described him as "efficient, confident, quick-minded and a fluent speaker".[9]

He is the grandfather of Martin Phillipps, founder of the New Zealand band The Chills.