WATERLOO & AFTER.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1777, 16 June 1913, Page 6

WATERLOO & AFTER.

' ADDRESS BY THE CHAPLAIN OF H.M.S. NEW. ZEALAND. ■ In his sermon ,at St. Paul's Anglican pro-Cathedral l*st night the Hev J. H. Scott (chaplain of H.M.S. New Zealand) reminded txi€» congregation that Wednesday next (June 18) will be the anniversary of the battle of Waterloo in which the great soldier, after whom the city of Wellington wag' named, played so conspicuous a part. That battle put an end to a long war which had been the cause of much misery and national exhaustion, jnm brought in an era of peace, during which a splendid opportunity was opened up lor Britain to spread the blessings of civilisation and Christianity in many parts of the world. It was easy to sneer at the /way in which this opportunity had been fused, but after making allowance for failflire dnd neglect and all other shortcomings it must be, admitted that a great deal had been accomplished during the century that had now almost elapsed since Waterloo was fought. Much, however, still remained to be done, and every individual tad his part to perform. The preacher went on to refer to some of. the dangers which threatened the nation, at, the present time. There had been a decline in idealism in recent years, and an increase in materialism. Parental control and family life were also weakening, and there was also a falling-away as regards Sunday observance'. The growth of professionalism was degrading sport in Britain and he was told that the same evil was threatening to spoil football in New , Zealand. Sport was a splendid thing for a nation, but to shout and bet at a football match was not real sport, and was of no benefit to national life. Crowds of spectators watching paid players was of no use. The benefit came from the actual playing. Before the downfall of Eome, the young men crowded tho amphitheatre and watched the paid gladiators, but did not play themselves. The moral value of sport consisted largely in the, risk—in daring something— not in great crowds watching a few players. The preacher concluded by reminding his - hearers that every individual.Jife was important. Each one was like a linkin a - chain and should be prepared to bear the Btrain- whenever put to the test. Their Teligion should not only bo a mattery for Sundays, but should be the inspiration of their lives evejry-day of the week. The Bishop. of "Wellington (Dr. Sprott) and" the Rev. A. M. Johnson also took part h the service.