“BAWLING FOOTBALLERS.”

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2159, 15 August 1907, Page 1

“BAWLING FOOTBALLERS.”

[To the Editor.]

Sir, —I was surprised to read in tliis morning’s paper the remarks passed by Cr. Whinray at last night’s meeting of our City Fathers. In speaking of the matter of a national testimonial to the world’s champion sculler, our worthy Councillor remarked: “It seems to me preposterous that men, who should have the affairs of the country at heart, should shut up shop and go and see a lot of rowdy, shouting and bawling footballers. Every Saturday afternoon hundreds go past my door on tlieir way to these exhibitions. I have to stop and work. Who keeps them all, for someone has to pay the pipor.”

The remarks, in the opinion of many, are most uncalled for. Is the Councillor in question award that football is played and watched almost solely by that- section of the community who obtain Saturday half-holi-day p There are certainly a few iollowers of this manly sport who are

not favored with the half day on Saturday, but it is generally found that these attend to their business during the week, and do not stand in their shops “watching the public go by.” AVith regard to the latter jinrt of the slur, if a-mail takes a half day ofl and loses his pay accordingly, it is no business of Cr. AA’hinray or anyone else, provided his employer is agreeable.

In conclusion, I venture to say that if the author of the above remarks indulged in a little sport one half day a week, he would fool much fresher •md more fit to attend to his business and public affairs, and would, 1 think, find less timo to cast slurs on those .who enjoy two hours’ recreation once a wedk.—X am, etc., A BAAVLING FOOTBALLER.