SUNDAY GAMES.

Waikato Times, Volume 107, Issue 17974, 20 March 1930, Page 10

SUNDAY GAMES.

PROPOSAL AT TE AROHA. STRONG PROTEST ENTERED. (Special to Times.) TB AROHA, Wednesday. That public opinion is not at all favourable to the institution of Sunday sports here was shown when a deputation of over twenty leading citizens waited on the Mayor, Mr R. Coulter. The justification of the deputation was the fact that last week a statement was published to the effect that Sunday sports would have an important bearing on the future progress of Te Aroha. Mr C. Ravner, president of the Chamber of Commerce, strongly protested against any movement to institute Sunday games in Te Aroha. The .statement that had gone forth was a libel on the township and its people. Mr A. F. Burton said they had a right to regulate their own affairs, but the dignity of Te Aroha and its reputation should not be interfered with, lie strongly objected lo Sunday sports. Rev. R. L. Connolly objected to any proposals to have public parks opened for Sunday games, as there should always be a proper observance of the Sabbath Day. Mr P. Gilchrist referred to the sanctity of the Sabbath. The matter of Sunday sports was the concern of the people, but the sanctity of the Sabbath should not be encroached upon. They should give an example lo the younger generation. Protests against any suggestion in the direction of having sports on Sunday were voiced by Cr. D. McMahon and Messrs A. D. Wallace and E. A. Bruce.

The Mayor said he was In accord with the protests voiced by members of the deputation. He did not know of any public demand for facilities for Sunday play, and he did not believe that such would add to Ihe prosperity of Te Aroha. In any case material prosperity should not be the only consideration, and the line had to be drawn somewhere. In his opinion it should be drawn to exclude organised games on Sunday.