DIVIDED OPINIONS

Grey River Argus, 11 February 1938, Page 9

DIVIDED OPINIONS

Sunday Tennis AUCKLAND PRESBYTERY'S ACTION. [Per Press Association]. AUCKLAND, February 8. Disapproval of the action of the New Zealand Lawn Tennis Association in holding championship matches last Sunlay 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 that he had taken the precaution of ringing up the officials concerned and asking them what the facts were. Mr. Alley said he hai 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, i (Laughter). The officials had assured him there was not the slightest likelihood of that being taken as a precedent atail. It so happened that of the 16 players in the semi-finals 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 ori Sunday, February 6. Tt believes that it is not in the interests of sport, as it is not conducive to the higher life of the community, to organise games on Sunday, especially games' in whose popularity the controlling association has a pecuniary interest. It trusts that 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 arranging fine weather?” asked the Rev. G. Budd. 1 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 the 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 the motion. There were a lot of side issues involved. How rhanv 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 Sahbath observance, but they had to be con sistent. The motion was carried. Methodist Censure FOR SUNDAY PLAYING. AUCKLAND, February 7. Regret at the action of the New Zealand Lawn Tennis Association in continuing its championship tournament on Sunday was expressed, at a meeting of the Methodist Ministers' Fraternal. There was a representative gathering of ministers from Auckland and surrounding districts, and their views were expressed in the following motion: “That this meeting of the Methodist Fraternal regrets that the management committee of the New Zealand Lawn Tennis Association, by continuing its championship meeting on Sunday, departed from the recognised rule of reputable sports bodies that no organised games shall be held on Sundays in the Dominion. “We draw attention to the danger of such precedent, in that it tends to lower the sacred place that Sunday holds in our national life. “That the Fraternal reminds the committee that the churches foster the game of tennis and are loyal supporters of the association.”