N.Z. SPORTS PROTECTION LEAGUE.

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 14 August 1912, Page 3

N.Z. SPORTS PROTECTION LEAGUE.

The meeting held in the Foresters' Hall Supper Room on Thursday last to form a local branch of the above League was attended by a fair number of enthusiasts. Mr A ; A. Paape, General Secretary, and Mr F, W. Edwards, Secretary Auckland Province, were present. Mr Jas. Stewart occupied the chair, and after explain^ ing the nature of the meeting introduced Mr Paape, who addressed the meeting at some length, laying the objects of the League before those present in an able manner. At the conclusion of the address (which appears below), a hearty vote of thanks was accorded the speaker. It wa3 resolved on the motion of Mr Evans, seconded by Mr Willis, " That a branch of the League be formed in Helensvillo." ELECTION OF OFFICERS. The following officers were then elected:—President, Mr Jas. Stewart; Vice-presidents (each representing a branch of sport), Messrs Jas. McLeod (bowling), Jas. Hand (racing). A. J. Hill (angling), D. Donovan (athletics), F. LoGrice (cycling), Tui McEwin (swimming;, WW, L. Bradly (motor launches), G. Willis ("hunting"1), R. F. Park (billiards). C. G. Sandin (cricket) H. White (hockey), J. E. Page (row* ing), W.Allen (iennis), T. (jjolc), P. A. Monk (rabbits), A. J. Garry (football), J. A, Wilson (shooting), G. Wharton (golfj, Capt. Sellers (regatta club), F. Tucker "(yachting). T. Evans (deerstalking), F. Dye (dancing). Committee, Messrs W. A. Laird, John Hand, W. H. Stringer, Logan McLeod, and E. H. Cucksey. Secretary, Mr E. F. Park. The General Secretary read the petition to be forwarded to Parliament through the Hon. F. M. B. Fisher, to repeal the present prohibition against the publication of racing dividends, and asking for a reasonable increase o*l racing days. It was resolved that the Helensville branch support the resolutions, Votes of thanks were accorded to the chairman, Mr l Jaape, organiser, and Mr Edwards, district secretary, MR PAAPE'S ADDRESS, After thanking the Chairman for his introduction Mr. Paape gave the ] following address, which was attentively listened ro by those present : Mr Paape, said the League :for which he was General Secretary was a particularly strong organisation and was rapidly growing, and he hoped they would form a strong branch in Helensville, Sportsmen generally have come to reab'se that the only effective way to combat the pernicious influence of extremists is by organisation. For years past certain members of the communit}- have been skating round the outside edge of many sporting clubs and those engaged in athletic pastimes, trying to circumscribe the actions of those engaged in. them, trying to confine them to days and hours that seem suitable to the oppressor. Gradually the small band of extremists have been influencing .legislation and sportsmen realise that the time has arrived when a determined stand must be taken in defence of their interests. The wave of sentimentalism. against sport has been felt in almost every English speaking country. Once our zealous but misguided opponents are aware that they have to face a solid body of enthusitic opposition, composed of every rank of the (ommunity, bounded together in a powerful organisation, their iniluence will wane, and they will find it prudent to reflect before they commit themselves to an onslaught against the great weight of public opinion. At the inaugural meeting held in Wellington last July, which was attended by delegates representative of all branches of sport in the Dominion, the following- resolution was carried unanimously :—" That this conference of New Zealand sports organisations, realising the necessity for safeguarding- our rational sports and pastimes, resolves that a New Zealand Sports Protection Le:igue be formed with Branches throughout the Dominion, and that a Central Board of Control in tlio City of Wellington, consisting of Messrs C. P. Skeirett, K.C., J. H. B. Coat.es. H. I). 8011, K.C., and Hon. Dr, Collins, M,L.C, and another be set up to draft a constitution. At that meeting Mr Bel] pointed out that the chief object of the League was to unite throughout tli© Dominion, the men who wished to have the realm and area of sport not conlinod further. Mr Paape outlined the objects of the League : (1) To influence public opinion, without regard to party politics, in the. interests of sport, so as to j enable the people to amuse them- | selves in future without molestation. (2) To promote any alterations of the law that may be necessary for the i better prol option of sports and pas- J times, (o) To tako up and defend any actions that the Council may cunsider important as test ca'-.os. (4) To discourage iill malpractice;-; m connection with sport, ar.d to rinse its tone wherever it is consi/lercd necessary, (5) Generally to do whatever may j from time to time soem advisable to i extend the facilities for ev;;iy honestLy conducted sport, exorcise and amuseI rxK-iit. IN'pw that the work if. Hearing' com plotion tho Board of eunL'o.l intend placing matters cuiierming tho alterj ation of tho coiisr.it tiuun before the branches. In future uherever possible) questions concerning tho subsequent operation of thy !•■ .igue will be placed before the brain hns. We have GO branch oh throughout, the Dominion and -these branches represent every brancli of spot in their respective districts. The Leagues obieets are clearly delined, neve/the less wo have and must expect opposition from those

who, from conscientious motives, or on economical grounds, object to amusement as demoralising or extravagant. Fair criticism of its objects and methods is welcomed, but fair criticism being difficult, oppon-^ ents of the League have resorted to" misrepresentation, and from time to time the Board of Control have found it necessary to refute certain allegations. We have throughout the Dominion between 100,000 and 200,000 sportsmen and it is obvious that they are divided, even as members of the Board of control hold diverse views on the liquor question and party politics, The league is not for the totalisator alone as some of our op^ ponents contend. We are formed to defend sports and games of all kinds and not racing alone or even specially. The great weight of public opinion is against the bookmaker and any effortto have them reinstated is, in my opinion absolutely futile. The League will defend recreation on Sundays. The League is in favour of the people acting in accordance with the dictates of their conscience, but is opposed to organised games entailing the employment of labour or that will give offence to any Considerable sec tion of the community. The league is defensive not defient, it will itself in* terfere with no one, but will endeavour to prevent interference with its members. The blanches have full jurisdiction concerning all matters that do not conflict with the policy of ' the league. Such questions will repuire to be decided by the Board of j Control so as to preserve unity of action, The desire is that .each branch of the League shall represent all the Sports organisations in its particular District. Encroachments on grounds available for sport must be registed and generally the interests of sports bodies should be their constant oaie. In Wellington a deputation from the Ministers Association waited upon the Council and asked that the Town Hall.be not let to the Wellington Boxing Association for Boxing Conteste. The League took up the case and organised a monster deputation which enlightened the Council on the question, addressed arguments in fay« (Continued on next page.)