PLAYING ON SUNDAYS.

CHILDREN'S SWINGS IN PARK MINISTERS VOICE OBJECTION. COUNCIL TAKES NO ACTION. [BV telegraph.—own correspondent.] THAMES. Thursday. A deputation, consisting of the Rev. J. Milne, chairman, and Pastor Cooney, secretary of the.. Thames Ministers' Association, waited on the Thames Borough Council last evening to discuss the matter of locking up the swings and other apparatus in the children's playground on Sundays. My. Milne said they came in no antagonistic spirit, but he hoped the council would sympathise with their request. Tho courlcil was a public body that did its work well and tho association was also a public body. The latter was unanimously of the opinion that the playthings in Jubilee Park shoiild be locked up on Sundays. It was of importance for the sanctity of that day that playthings should bo denied to the children. A responsibility rested on the council in this matter. Tho churches had their work to do in the Sunnday School and the park was a great temptation to the young folk. Their request was in the highest interests of the children.

Pastor Cooney supported Mr. Milne and said the ministers were doing their best to train the children to be good citizens. The pioneers of Thames had remembered the sanctity of Sunday,, and in remembering them in the institution of the park they should also endeavour to coincide with the way their lives were lived. In reply to a member of the council, who said that the use of tho swings and chutes was a harmless occupation, Mr. Milue said tho action was not immoral, but it was the thin end of the wedge that would lead to worse . things.

The council later considered the matter. Members said they considered that the issue lay with the parents and not With the council, which should not exercise jurisdiction on the point raised. There was nothing at tho playground that would corrupt a child's morals. It was unanimously resolved that no action be taken.