The Manawatu Herald. Thursday, February 20, 1913. SUNDAY BOWLING.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXV, Issue 1066, 20 February 1913, Page 2

The Manawatu Herald. Thursday, February 20, 1913. SUNDAY BOWLING.

In every community in this country there is to be found a not inconsiderable number of people who jealously guard the sanctity of the Sabbath, and when any attempt is made by athletic clubs or other institutions which exist for the promotion of healthy competitive sports, to continue such games on the Sabbath, a vigorous protest is entered by the Sabbatarians. Municipal authorities and other public governing bodies which control public playgrounds in this country, and many private clubs, almost without exception, prohibit the use of such playgrounds on the Sabbathi Their reasons for doing so, we presume, is not that they see any sin in the playing of innocent and healthgiving games on the day in question —although to some it is a very real sin—but on the broad principle that such games presage a Continental Sabbath—which would be disastrous to the health and morality of the people. In this young country our people—young and old—cannot complain that they have not sufficient time for recreation on six days in the week. The law provides an eight-hour

day for labour and a statutory weekly half-holiday, which should allow ample time for an abundance of healthy recreation without encroaching upon the Sabbath. If municipal authorities and clubs sanction Sunday pastimes, then we must not protest against the day being used for commercial purposes, and Sunday as a day of rest in the widest term, will soon become a thing of the past. It is for the people to make choice in these matters, and if they demand the throwing open of public play grounds on Sunday it will only be a matter of time when Sunday will be scoffed at as a Divine Institution. These remarks are apropos of Sunday bowling on the local club’s green. We have nothing to do with the religious aspect of the question—that is a matter for the church and the individual conscience—but on the broad principle enunciated, we are of opinion that the club would be well advised to close its gates on Sunday. We believe our local bowlers, as true sports, will settle the matter amicably among themselves, and not allow selfishness or prejudice to create a split, which would be disastrous to the club’s welfare.