SUNDAY SPORT CRITICISED

Press, Volume XCVIII, Issue 29008, 24 September 1959, Page 15

SUNDAY SPORT CRITICISED

Nelson Synod’s Discussion

(New Zealand Press Association) BLENHEIM. September 22

Organised Sunday sport, and home gardeners with noisy lawn-| mowers who cut their lawns ! when church services were being I held, were discussed today by I the Nelson Diocesan Synod, which is meeting in Blenheim. The question was raised by a former Rugby All Black, Mr D S. Max. who said that although he felt humble about taking such a move “it might be better coming from me as one who has spent a lifetime in sport and who has a great love for it.” Mr Max’s motion originally read: “That this Synod views with concern the holding of organised sporting events on Sundays and urges all church people to take a strong stand against this practice.” After full discussion, however, the word “commercialised” was substituted for “organised” and in its amended form the motion was carried.

The Dean of Nelson (the Very Rev. W. F. Bretton), opposing the resolution, said he was afraid Synod was getting away from Scripture. They were becoming “Sabbatarian.” He warned that they would be doing more harm than good by trying to prohibit Sunday sport. Mr Mas said he felt people in New Zealand had too much spare time on their hands. They had Saturday and Sunday to fill in. “and that is where the trouble begins.” He criticised the number of lawn-mowers used on a Sunday by people who had no consideration for those attending Ichurch.

The Rev. M. Catway (Nelson) said it became difficult to draw a distinction between organised sport and organised travel on a Sunday.