THE SPIRIT OF SERVICE

Rotorua Morning Post, Volume 1, Issue 107, 28 December 1931, Page 4

THE SPIRIT OF SERVICE

( At the preservation on Saturday night of the trophies won that day by competitors at the Rotorua Amateur Athletic and Cycling Club's sports meeting, both the speakers, His Worship the Mayor, Mr. T. Jackson, and Mr. George Mason, president of the club, emphasised the civic value of amateurism in sport; in sport for its own sake and not for what, in cash, or "kudos," is to be got out of it. The Mayor, who said he was one of those who believe that the world's troubles will not be overcome until the spirit of service replaces the present spirit of selfish competitiveness, emphasised that sports, when followed for their own sake, involved service in some form to others rather than to self and thus might reasonably be looked upon as a valuable adjunct to the training of young men and women toward the icleal of service upon which so many based the world's hope of better things to come. Mr. Mason, in acknowleclging his club's indebtedness to officials, competitors and public, who had together made the day's successes possible, directly, if not specifically, emphasised the Mayor's remarks. A young country club had courageously staged a meeting on one of the principal holidays of the year and had carried through a highly successful programme because the spirit of service had actuated all those connected with the sport. Ath'letes with Dominion reputations from as far distant as Auckland and New Plymouth had entered for the events and one had even consented, in an exhibition event and under conditions far from ideal, to endeavour to lower a Dominion record, in addition to competing in many of the events on the programme. As officials, leading Rotorua business men had at considerable sacrifice at the busiest time of the year given much time and effort to the organisation of the meeting, thus contributing very materially to its success. Last, but not least, the public had supported the club's effort by their attendance at the meeting and their generous interest in*the competitors. Here, then, is an example par excellence of the value of the spirit of service referred to by Mr. Jackson and working through what we call co-operation. If each plays his part, be it great or small, to the best of his ability, the cumulative effect will be such as to ensure success, no matter what obstacles may have to be overcome. This is the lesson the Mayor and Mr. Mason drew from the club's success. It is a lesson worthy of the close attention of every New Zealander who possesses a spark of aifection for or pride in his country, particularly those in positions of national responsibility. From the Prime Minister- downwards it should be s£udied and its precepts applied to the affairs of daily life, national and individual. If this could be achieved, the outcome would probably be as surprising as it certainly would be pleasing. Many of the difficulties which to-day seem almost insuperable and regarding which there is a widespread tendency to sit back and say: "They are due to causes beyond our control," would be found to have lost their terrors and their power for harm. In the final analysis the present depression as'it affects the Dominion is so largely a matter of mental attitude that the new vision which must follow the development of a nation-wide spirit of .service and co-operation would alone inevitably more than half win the battle with circumstance which must "be fought and won before the country can once more be placed firmly on the road to progress.