SPORTS PROTECTION LEAGUE

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 173, 20 January 1912, Page 4

SPORTS PROTECTION LEAGUE

BRANCH TO BE FORMED. A preliminary meeting of representatives of sporting and athletic bodies was held in Mr. E. P. Webster's office last night to consider the advisability or otherwise of establishing a branch of the Sports Protection League. There was an attendance of about twenty. Mr A. A. Paape, brganising secretary for the Dominion, was present, and gave a lengthy address, covering the aims and aspirations of the League. He pointed out that the League was purely & defensive one; it would interfere with no one, but was out to endeavor to prevent its members being unduly interfered with, and was formed for the sole purpose of defending the sports and pastimes of the people. He stated that they had met with a certain amount of opposition from a section of the community, who objected to amusement, as demoralising or extravagant. He further explained away various misconceptions regarding the League's objects. It was not out for the purpose of the restitution of the bookmaker, for the multiplication of the number of racings days, nor for the extension of the totalisator outside of racing. He denied that they were out in the interests of the liquor trade, or of any particular party in politics. At the conclusion, so exhaustive had been the explanation, that everyone was satisfied, and though questions were invited none were forthcoming. A resolution was carried unanimously that it was desirable to form a branch of the League in New Plymouth, and a sub-committee consisting of Messrs. A. N. Bewley, F. J. Hill, J .E. Avery and E. P. Webster was appointed to make the necessary arrangements for a public meeting, at which Mr. Jas. McNaught, provincial secretary, will further explain the objects of the League.