The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 5, 1927. THE GAME’S THE THING.

Hokitika Guardian, 5 October 1927, Page 2

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 5, 1927. THE GAME’S THE THING.

A distinguished English visitor to New Zealand, the Rt. Hon. E. Shortt, K.C., has been talking in Wellington on the value of sport to the nation, and the part it played in nation-building. For the most part, said a contemporary, lie addressed himself to the task of dissecting an impression which appeared to exist largely in the minds of pessimistic writers', that the British had entered upon a stage of national decadence. This lie did most effectively. .As a former member of the British Cabinet, in charge of the Department of Home Affairs, lie was very well qualified to do so. The speech was in no sense what one would catalogue, colloquially, as of the “buck-up” variety. On the contrary, it was an earnest and painstaking attempt to reveal to a New Zealand audience, very sincerely concerned about their Homeland, the true temper nnd spirit of the Old Country as exemplified by presentday facts. As reported, it carried conviction and stimulation in every line of it. In our own occasional fits of depression, when times are difficult., money is scarce, and people are out of work, it should encourage us to reflect that our troubles, compared to the Old Country’s, are as a mere speck in the ocean, and that the doggedness and pluck with which the people in Britain are pulling through is splendid proof that the Empire is sound at heart. There is one part of Mr Shortt'? speech, however, which should have a special interest to a people so much addicted to sport as we are: “As for not being able to play our own games” be said, “I don’t judge a nation on the number of champions she produces, but on the proportion of the people who play themselves. It leaves me quite co’d to learn that our English champion sculler, Barry, was defeated by an Australian. What gives me great satisfaction is the fact that thousands of our young nren at Home are iruTiiTg:ing in that healthy exercise. I can assure you that no one was prouder of the All Black footballers than we were at Home. I don’t mind that you can put up a better fifteen so long as I know that thousands of Englishmen are playing the game. We have more sportsmen in England to-day than we have ever had before.” That exactly the sentiment we desire to see preserved in this country. The game should he played for the game’s sake, whether, on the football field, the cricket ground, the tennis court, the boxing ring, or the billiard table. St. Marton’s Review, which quite frequently

presents its little circle of readers with same very line articles, published m its May issue a contribution from “Old Blue,” in which the vogue of cups and championships was roundly condemned. His views in this connection may sound rather extreme to a country such as ours, where the authorities who control amateur sport have resolutely set their faces against- any form of professionalism, but they emphasise the undesirnbloness of any community going to extremes either in amateur or professional sport. To this danger we ourselves are exposed. “It seems to me,” he says, “that in these days of hustle and efficiency we are losing both our sense of humor and our sense of proportion. Games are treated with pompous solemnity as affairs of international importance. Wo are submerged in a nauseating flood of championships and records, and trophies and cups, and the game, whatever it may be, is becoming entirely subordinated to its result It is no longer a recreation, but an event which must he won at all costs, and it is this greed for victory which is bringing the wrong spirit into our sport. Everywhere this is evident, and the outcome of it is not pleasant. Sporting writers howl at us that we are a decadent race, that we have no tennis or boxing or athletic champions, that other nations beat us at all forms of games, and that we must systematise and train the youth of the country up to championship form. If wo are decadent it is because we are becoming a nation of spectators seeking victory among specialists, for wo are Undoubtedly tending to specialisation, and if we are players we follow our games as if they were the sole business of life.” A nation may he known, and famously known, by its football, as is New Zealand; or its cricket, as is Australia; hut it is not, as a nation, judged by these attributes. We should, therefore, be careful to see that wo keep our sport in its right perspective, lost we become a nation of spectators rather than a nation of players. On this point. Air Shortl’s remarks have arrived with timely emphasis. At the same time we may expect that with the arrival of daylight saving next month, that summer sports will receive a special impetus. That will he altogether good and in keeping with the ideal Mr Sliortt has in mind. Afore sportsmen will be created. for cricket and tennis alike will have a great fillip, and the outdoor life and recreation should tend to create Letter citizens. Afore will ho playing tho game, and the game’s the thing, ns British sportsmanship has long demonstrated.