SPORT DURING THE WAR.

Evening Star, Issue 23379, 23 September 1939, Page 12

SPORT DURING THE WAR.

When it was reported to Sir Francis Drake on Plymouth Hoe that the Spanish Armada was sailing up the English Channel, undoubtedly with the intention of sealing England’s fate, the great admiral insisted on finishing the game of bowls m whioh he and some of his cronies were occupied. His attitude was typical of the English spirit. The essence of it has been handed on down the centuries until it has become u characteristic of the whole Anglo-Saxon-Celtic race. Drake knew where his duty lay, and if he had thought that a split second meant all the difference between victory and defeat he would unquestionably have left the bowling green post haste. As things were, he must have deemed it of more importance to present a calm demeanour to the nation, so that in the hour of peril nothing should be lost through sheer ineffectual excitement. in the Great War the United Kingdom and dominion troops did exceptionally well in every task that was required of them. Yet they did not neglect to keep body fit and mind relaxed through indulgence in sport when the opportunity offered. Perhaps, indeed, it was due to the benefits of recreation that they outlasted the enemy in their vital force. Goosestepping and living in a state of perpetual martial fevour—forms of concentration which German leaders invariably see fit to inflict on their people —can be relied upon to produce negative results in a pinch. Even the best trained forces must crack under long continued tension. The French, who were at first horrified at the sight of British soldiers kicking footballs about behind the lines, soon began to see reason in this apparent attitude of “ laissez-faire.”

It will be the same again throughout the Empire in the present time of stress. Duty will be done, and done well, but duty will not unnecessarily be made to last twenty-four hours a day. Although it will be difficult, and in some cases impossible, to maintain important sports fixtures, more or less organised games will continue. Only yesterday it was announced by cablegram that the English Football Association, after conferring with the Home Office, had decided to give the fullest support to friendly and competitive matches in wartime. It is to be hoped that a similar attitude will be taken up in regard to the summer pastimes of New Zealand. Our soldiers in camp and civilians everywhere will be all the fitter to meet a possible, emergency requiring action if they proceed on the principle that sport is still to occupy some of their leisure moments. Naturally it must not be allowed to come between people and their duty. Each individual must first search his conscience to make quite sure that he has found some ways of helping in the great fight to maintain the liberty which a democratic country such as ours can give. Then, if he is perfectly satisfied that he is fulfilling all possible obligations in the form of service, he is free to give mind and body the healthful solace of recreation. Although it is a moot point whether the All Black tour in South Africa will, take place next year, the Rugby authorities have done the right thing in deciding to hold the trial games in Wellington according to plan. There is still some chance in this war of many surprising twists, that peace will come in time to permit the tour to take place. ■