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Dominion, Volume 37, Issue 5, 1 October 1943, Page 4

A matter which may prove to lie of deep importance to the youth of this country was discussed in YVellington on YVednesdny at the conference held to discuss the formation of a New Zealand Council of Sport. Seioi.il delegates representing long-established sports bodies expressed concern over the possibility of some undesirable element of State control nnd regimentation entering the domain of organized sport as a result of the formation of a politically-sponsored national body. This feeling undoubtedly is widespread. It was expressed bluntly by the chairman of the New Zealand Rugby Union council (Mr. S. S. Dean) who asked for an assurance that there'would be no political control of. or interference with,, the proposed Council. That is a very necessary stipulation, and one which should >o met not merely by some loose assurance, but by so constituting the nationa body that! its policy nnd 'programme ■shall be wholly m the hands o members who are direct and responsible representatives of recognized sports organizations. Even though the present intentions of the Government may h'e’non-political, it would be unwise to permit the creation of mnehinery hv which political or bureaucratic pressure could be exerted in the futaro. As Mr. Dean pointed out. European History of the past decade provides examples of the evils which can spring from the national regimentation (•' vouth under the banner of sport and pastimes. This Dominion is fortunate in possessing strong, experienced executive bodies in almost every field of sport Their co-ordinated effort, through a national council, without dictation or interference in policy, might, well lend to valuable post-war expansion.