BILLIARDS AT Y.M.C.A. ROOMS.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1578, 23 October 1912, Page 6

BILLIARDS AT Y.M.C.A. ROOMS.

DENOUNCED. BY MINISTER. (By Tolocraph — Special Correspondent.) . Chrlstchurch, October 22. A spirited protest ngainst the use of billiard tables in Y.M.CA. institutions was made by tho Rev. J. If. Jones, of Gore, at tho Baptist Conference publicmeeting in tho Oxford Terrace Church, last night. Ho had been, dealing with tho subject of gambling, and then went on to say Hint there was another thing against which ho must enter ah indignant protest. Ho kne'W''tliht"]ib' , i\'6u)d'Siictii"thb ohnrso of being narrow and puritanical, but ho felt sure that he was right. "We nre, ho said, "erecting fine costly buildings all over tho land for oun young men's Christian associations, and splendid institutions they are, but in these handsome buildings aro well fittcd-up billiard rooms. Is this right?". A voice: Yes. flow Mr. Jones (continuing): I luwo nothing to say against billiards.in itself; It is a game of skill—a gaino in which oyo and hand must bo well (rained, but, though billiards per so may bo very commendable, the associations of tho gamo arc at least questionable—l was going to nso a stronger word. What will be the result of this innovation? Scores of young men who otherwise would not even know how to play tho game will learn, under Christian patronage and with a Christian environment, a gamo which they will very likely be invited to play under different' conditions, and for money, before they nro many years older. Are we sure they will be strong and firm enough to refuse? May this not be the first step towards the gamo for "a shilling up," towards the gambling fever, towards tho suicide a grave? Cards is an intellectual game. Why not havo a oard-room, with tables for whist, bozique, baccarat, and noker? Why on earth should w'o slop at billiard--? Brethren, I protest! If I were a wealthy, man I would not give a sixpence to n professed Christian institution which included a billiard room.