TENNIS MATCHES ON SUNDAY

Dominion, Volume 31, Issue 115, 9 February 1938, Page 6

TENNIS MATCHES ON SUNDAY

New Zealand Tournament

AUCKLAND PRESBYTERY’S

DISAPPROVAL

By Telegraph—Press Association,

Auckland, February 8.

Disapproval of the action of the New Zealand Lawn Tennis Association in holding championship matches last Sunday was expressed by the Auckland Presbytery. The subject was introduced by the Rev. R. N. Alley, as convener of the presbytery's public questions committee, who said he had taken the precaution of ringing up the officials concerned and asking them what the facts were. Mr. Alley said he had learned that the committee of the association had been divided about it, but they were in such a difficulty that they did not know how to get out of it. They were trying to keep it as quiet as possible, but some reporter got hold of it and put it in the paper. (Laughter.) The officials had. assured him there was not the slightest likelihood of that being taken as a precedent at all. It so happened that of the 10 players in the semi-final only four lived in Auckland. All the others .had to get away. That was unprecedented and it would not happen again. Mr. Alley moved: “That the presbytery of Auckland deeply regrets the action of the New Zealand Lawn Tennis Association in holding championship games on Sunday, February 6. It believes it is not in the interests of sport, as it is not conducive to the "higher life Of a community, to organise games on a Sunday, especially games in whose popularity the controlling association has a pecuniary interest. It trusts the association’s action on this occasion will not be regarded as a precedent and that due precautions will be taken to prevent its recurrence.” “Do ‘due precautions’ include the arranging of fine weather?” asked the Rev. G. Budd. The Rev. R. F. Fish seconded the motion and expressed appreciation of Mr. Alley’s action in meeting members of the association. The Rev. W. Bower Black questioned whether it was necessary at that stage to send out such a motion. The matter had been given a fair amount of publicity and everybody knew where the presbytery stood. Mr. Alley said he did not mind withdrawing his motion. “I hope Mr. Alley will not withdraw it,” said the Rev. T. N. Guttle. “These people represent New Zealand and not a local, committee. We represent the Presbyterian Church and our people feel very keenly about it.” Mr. Fish: Our people should know that we have taken action. The Rev. D. R. McDonald said he was one of those who hoped Mr. Alley would withdraw his motion. There were a lot of side issues involved. How many of their own people did resent it? he asked. A great many of them played tennis themselves on Sunday. No one was more keen than he on Sabbath observance, but they had gat to be consistent. “What is the use of passing pious resolutions and not carrying them out in the ordinary life of the Church?” he asked. “I do not know whether I have made my point clear.” A member: You have made it too clear. The motion was carried.