NO INTERFERENCE.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1275, 2 November 1911, Page 4

NO INTERFERENCE.

SPORTS' PROTECTION LEAGUE. CANDID STATEMENT OF POLICY. MISREPRESENTATIONS REFUTKDi What the real objects arc of tlio New Zealand Sports Protection League, and more especially certain tilings which nro not the object of the league, were fully explained by Mr. 11. 1). Hell, K.C., president of the Board of Control, at the first general meeting of the Wellington branch of tho league, held last night for the purpose of electing a district president and coniinittes. Mr. Hell was voted to tho chair, and made an interesting speech in regard to tho objects of the league, which are:—

1. To influence public opinion, without regard to party politics, in the interests ot sport, so to as enable the people to amuse themselves in future without molestation.

2. To promote any alterations of law that may 1» necessary lor the better protection of sports and pastimes.

3. To take up and defend any actions that the council may consider "important u.s k-.it cases.

i. To discourage all malpractices in connection with sport, and to raise its tono wherever it is considered accessary. 5. Generally to do whatever may from time to time seem advisable to extend tlm facilities for every honestly conducted sport, exerciso, and amusement

Dcfence, Not Defiancs. "A league formed for such purposes as* were set out in the constitution of i.ha New Zealand Sports Protection League," said Mr. Hell, "must anticipate opposition from many who, from consoicntiou« motives or on economical grounds, object (o amusement as demoralising or extravagant. If there were not numerous opponents—if those opponent; were not active—there would be no necessity to create and support an organisation for tho defence. The leapne's attitude is defensive. It will itself interfere with no one, but will endeavour to prevent interference with its members. Fair criticism of its objccts and methods is wcloomed; but fair criticism being difficult, their opixmenb have reported to misrepresentation, which I take this opportunity c£ refuting. Liquor and the Totalisatar. "The first of the untrue statement* against tho .league is that it is supported by those engaged in the trade in liquor, and thst tho league is ooneerned to defend that trade. The league has not solicited or received a shilling from that tri'd'.', nor has it any concern, direct or indirect in tho continuance of that trade, nor docs the No-License question intcres-t it. Many members of the league, myself included, vote No-License, and many vote for continuance. Surely it is absurd to suggest that the Hoard of Control would hnvo included me amongst its members, if the organisation which the board controls included in its purposes or aims a defcnca of tho trade in liquor? "Tho second mis-statement is that tho solo purpose of the. league is to ensure ths continuance of the totalisator at raca meetings. That is necessarily one purpose, but it is by no moans the sole, or even tho principal, purpose. We aro formed to defend sport and games of all kinds, and not racing alone or even specially. Encroachment on grounds available for games will be resisted; legislation promoted against amusements will bs Bcrutinisod and opposed.

Sunday Rccrcations, "Recreation on Sundays will bo defended, and, where reasonable, extended, and generally athletic exercise and tho amusements of the people will bo our care. For instance, in Wellington, taking tho main street through tho middlo of tho Basin Reserve is a jieril—it is demanded by those who put utility first always and recreation easily last. Again,_ in 'Wellington, the site of the boatsheds is a Nabotlya vineyard to tho utilitarians. The public, as well as tho cricketers and tho rowing men, will benefit by. ~tho ,organisation of. this body for tho dcfenco iii both tho instances 1 have given. Tho cricketers and tho rowing men will find our officers at their service, and our funds freely expended in their support. Again, to suggest another instance, if an effort is raado to prevent tho playing of such games qa golf and tennis on Sundays, surely it will bo found an advantage to havo reasonable men ready and organised to resist tho attack. Tho possibility of such' an attack is not so remote as somo of you think. Good Fellows Against Dullards. "Pleaso lx»r in mind that wo havo adopted tho objects of tho English Sjioits Leaguo as ours. In England there is no totalisator, and no local option. Yet in England tho Sports League has proved a groat success. So will ours be, if, as I hope, wo can band together tho fairminded men against the prejudiced, and; tho good fellows against the dullards." Officers Elccted. There wero no ballots for tho election of officers and committee, all being elected unopposed. Tho following gentlemen will havo control of tho affairs of tho Wellington branch for the first year of its existence:—President, Mr. C. P. Skerrott, K. 0.; vico-prcsidonts, Messrs. C. W. Tringliam, M. l'orde, and Martin Luckie; committee, Messrs. S. lirown, W. J. Organ, J, Fuller, A. Marryatt, and Major F. J. L'ourtcney. In answer to a question as to whether the leaguo thought of taking any part in tho next election, 'Mr. ISell said that the league would not, except in the direclions that lie had spoken of. For instance, if there were two candidates offering, one of whom wished to stop Sunday golf, and another who would allow it, tho leaguo would, other things being equal, endeavour to inllnence votes in favour of the latter candidate.

Mr. Hell explained to another questioner that tlio Sports' Protection League was an entirely diit'eront body from the National League, although ho believed the National League supported all tho aims of tho Sports League. Tho National League was formed to support liberty generally—was, to speak vulgarly, an "anti-wowser" league. It was even against him in one particular, because ho voted No-License. Ho informed Mr. Martin Luckie that the Sports' Protection Leaguo would support tho Daylight Saving Bill.