DAYLIGHT SAVING

Press, Volume LIX, Issue 17807, 5 July 1923, Page 4

DAYLIGHT SAVING

MEETING OF SPORTS

BODIES.

There was a very large attendance of delegates of sports bodies at the meeting convened by the Beckentam Bowling Club, held in the Art Gallery last night, to discuss the question, of daylight saving.

Mr A. J. Manning, president of ths Beckenham Club, expressed Ms pleasure at the large attendance, and asked his Worship the Mayor to preside. The Mayor stated that the question of daylight saving was a very complex one. It was not easy to changa ths habits of a lifetime, and there were wide issues to be discussed. The subject must bo discussed not merely from the point of view of sport and recreation. 'These were not the things that counted most, though they were very important. Experiments in daylight saving had been made in New Zealand. Personally he had no fixed opinion on the matter as yet. Mr A. W. Beaven said that he had personal experience of daylight saving in Canada and England. In Canada the universal opinion of business men was in favour of it, and in England it was almost unanimous. The younger people seemed to advocate the measure most enthusiastically, but that was probably because old people were more conservative. The proposed measure would give so much more time at the end of the day, and in England sports bodies were unanimous in its favour. Mr Beaven then moved the following resolution: — That this meeting, representing all . the aummer sports bodies in and around Chrißtchurch, and the citizens generally, urges upon the Government to give early effect to legislation introducing throughout the Dominion daylight saving, i.e., the putting of the clock forward one hour on October Ist, and back one hour on March 31st following. The meeting considers that such a measure would have a beneficial effect on the health of the community generally, and is in the interests of economy, and will consequently result in increased efficiency throughout New Zealand.

Mr W. N. Seay, president of the Canterbury Lawn Tennis Association,: seconded the motion. Exercise was: necessary for the well-being of the community, and sport was the best Sana, of exercise. Tbo proposed change wculdi hardly be noticed by the community. In. Canada-'he had seen no objection to< davlight saving, and the same was ihei csiss in England and the Continent, The main difficulty appeared to. be getting the clock put back on the first. day. If the matter were taken up enthusiastically, there was no reason, why daylight saving should not be instituted in New Zealand and 1& a. huge suecess.

Mr J. S. Barrett, chairman of thsi New Zealand Cricket Council, said that he felt cricket would be most benefited by the proposed progressive mensure. Cricket was tine game, "I do not know whether it was Kipling, St. Paul, or I who said that wherever there were three or four I&glishmen,, there there was-cricket." He would ha much surprised if there would he greals opposition in the House. Apart from' Mr Mafcsey's personal disinclination fair! the measure, there would be little protest. It wns- a very democratic system,, and should he supported by all Tharacing bodies, he knew, would.support the movement. .The Mayor stated that a letter hac6 been received from Mr T. JL. Sidey, M.P., ©spressingthe opinion that'.While' Mr Miissey was in power it waa hopeless tor expect even a., trial of the proposal in New Zealand. MrU. J. Hcjbbs (rowing and Mr J.' Wyn Irwin (life-saving) and a, representative of surf clubs supported the resolution. • .

The motion'was put • and carried' unanimously, amidst applause. The meeting decided to pledge iteelf to support the movement until daylight saving was an accomplished fact. This following executive committee was set •ip ?—His Worship th* Mayor, Messrs W. N. Seay, J. Wyn Irwin, J. I>. Cot ville, J. S. Barrett. C. P. Agar. K. J. Bobbs, L. G. Blackwell, W. F. F«w nek, C. S. Booth and H. 8. Batchelor.'

Mr Seay expressed the opinion that the movement would benefit the whole community, not merely th% spores bodies. .