TO ENCOURAGE SPORT

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 71, 18 December 1918, Page 6

TO ENCOURAGE SPORT

PROTECTION LEAGUE'S IDEAS

CLEAN SPORT AND NATIONAL

CHARACTER

The future policy of the New Zealand Sports Protection League was considered at a recent meeting/if the Board of Control. All resident, members were present, Mr. C. P. Skerrctt, K.C., being in tho chair. Mr. E. Eiddiford was appointed to tho position previously hold on the board by Mr. J. H. B. Coates. A report was submitted. outlining the activities of the. league during the war, and dealing with the future. , This was ador.tc-d on tho niotion of l.lio eliamnnn. "The work of the league in tlifl future," states the adopted report, "will be more, important than ever. While our soldiers have been fighting lo maintain that freedom of action which has been enjoyed and appreciated for generations by all true Britishers, a section of our community has insidiously been using tlio waT in an attempt to bring about a condition of oppression almost approaching Prussinnism. The leacrue stands for tho ri«ht of the people to the free, enjoyment of all legitimate sports and recreation without undufi interference. I here is ii section of the people which desires, by legislation and otherwise, to lmnose. its own code and manner of life on the community.' and while members of snorls bodies" have been fighting for their liberty against, an unscrupulous enemy, this section has been endeavouring in fie name of patriotism to promote its faddy Utopias. . These people must now be told tV't the community resents their methods, and refuses to snennoe. thflt freedom of action in the methods and manner of recreation which, lindpr the British Constitution, is the right of all classesiof the people. We nre_ proud of the magnificent part played in the grent war bv members of sports bodies, and experience has shown that active parlicireition in atMetir 'fames is most conducive to those physical qualities nml hnbits nl' disrin'ine sn necessary in tho preparation of the soldier. Indeed, encouragement in this direction is part of our national eduoalion. The h'-miHiPR of the league throughout New Zealand should nl: nil limes endeavor to promote a public opinion in favour of physical, training in our primary and secondary schools. This can be done by advocating better-equipped plnyhie-urounds in connection with the-public schools. Ino ■position in this respect nl present is quite unsatisfactory, and n great field is offered hero for the activities of the league. . "At the present time a number of sports bodies are finding it. difficult to maintain their existence owing to excessive taxation on their grounds in the way of rates and land tax. Other areas, used exclusively by tho 'public for the purposes of recreation, are also subject to heavy taxation- It is clearly one of the functions of the State to provide recreation grounds for the people, and whore this work is undertaken by organised S'ourts bodies, every enconrogement should* be given and the areas used should, as far as possible, bo relievect from taxation. At. present tho law makes it optional with local bodies to make or refuso a remission of rates, Unfortunately some of these bodies have refused to exercise the statutory power to grant remission of any port of the rates, and now that peace conditions are likely to prevail, the league will, as soon as possible, endeavour to promote ireneral legislation which will have the effect of giving considerable relief to all sports grounds throughout tho Dominion subject to taxation. "The league made frequent protests against jie attitude of the Railway Department, in creating irritating and sometimes absurd restrictions affecting those people who desired to use the service for the purpose of attending sports gatherings. It appeared most extraordinary that what should be a ■ commercial undertaking'was at times used to! promote the prejudices of political clamourers. A reasonable curtailment of services on account of the reduced staff was to be | expected, and. with improved conditions, better facilities will no doubt be installed; but the. league will oppose any. attempt to bring a public department under the influence of those who oppose what we consider to be a useful and reasonable recreation. "The Board of Control supports the return, after the declaration of peace,- of the. statutory privileges which were voluntarily given up by sports bodies during the period of the war, and considers that the special war rn™Hnn imposed on the sporting community should be removed as soon as the finances of the country will permit. "The policy of tlVe league will be to promote a strong pnblio opinion' in favour of the indulgence in sports as part of our national life. We do so because vre believe that active participation iu our national games gives to the youth sound and. healthful bodies, affords the most effective antidote to the temptations which beset tho young, and begets that discipline and control of mind and body so necessary to the building-up of the true man and citizen. The league will oppose any attempts made to restrict wlint we consider the rights, aspirations, and freedom of sportsmen, and any curtailment of the privileges they at present enjoy. To this end, nuestions will be submitted to candidates for election to Parliament, and, if necessary, to local bodies, to. ascertain their views on public, questions affecting the interests of the league, and will exercise, its influence in support of the principles for which it stands. "The league offers itself ns an organisation to promote and protect all classes of outdoor sports, and is entitled to ask that all persons interested join, and by increasing its lnemheTs'hip add to its effectiveness in carrying nut the objects which it has undertaken."