SUNDAY TENNIS

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XXII, Issue 269, 28 October 1932, Page 5

SUNDAY TENNIS

NOT ON CORNWALL PARK COUNCIL’S DECISION. FIVE VOTES TO TWO The subject of playing tennis on Sundays at Cornwall Park was again mscussed at the meeting of the Hastings Borough Council last evening, when in accordance with his notice of motion Cr. C. H. Slater moved; “That the resolution of November 30, 1931, prohibiting the play of tennis at Cornwall Park on Sundays be rescinded and that in future tennis be allowed to be played on that park on Sundays.” After a full! discussion the mo tion was defeated. When formally moving the motion Cr. Slater said that he did so at the request of a good many of the players who wished ta avail themselves of the opportunity to gain healthful recreation. He was personally of the opinion that the playing of tennis at the park on Sunday would benefit a number of those young people, office and shop assistants, who desired more recreation and amusement than could be secured on the one half-day of the week that was allowed them. One afternoon a week was not sufficient. Cr. Slater mentioned that the last time the subject was before the council it was contended that all the churches objected to Sunday play. Just recently, he said, an eminent Bishop at Auckland had stated at a public gathering that he had no objection to healthy recreation on a Sunday. He was referring to hiking, but Cr. Slater thought that tennis was every bit as healthful as hiking. The young people would be much better off INCONSISTENCY ALLEGED. "Sunday is recognised as a day of rest,” he said, “but at the same time everybody is entitled to his or her own religious views. This is a free country and if playing tennis at the park offends certain people who stick to the strict letter of keeping the day as one of rest, then they can go elsewhere. There is nothing offensive or hilarious about tennis. “Then again, the council should be consistent,” he said. “Tennis is allowed at Ebbett Park and golf at Beatson’s Park If it is right to play there, then why is it not right to have play at Cornwall Park? Bowling, golf and other tennis clubs play on Sundays. Why shout'd not the park club members do likewise?” Cr. G. W. McCormick endorsed Cr Slater’s remarks and seconded the motion. Cr. T. Donovan; Will you please read the letter Miss Williams, one of the donors of Cornwall Park, sent to the Mayor? The Deputy Mayor (Cr. R. Henderson): There is no letter to put before the meeting. Cr Donovan: Miss Williams is dead against the proposal and I know that if tennis is allowed at Cornwall Park on Sundays she will be very much hurt. PLENTY OF OTHER COURTS. “I voted against it last year and I haven’t heard anything since then to alter my convictions,” stated Cr. P. M. Cohr. "There are plenty of other courts where they can go to. I have always favoured having Cornwall Park as a quiet place for people to go for a quiet peaceful walk or rest.” Cr. J. Simmons said that he was against the proposal in view of Miss Williams’ objection to it. "If we give the tennis people permission we will have to give it to football, cricket and other sports clubs. Incidently, the council has never at any time given permission for sports to be played on Sundays at any of the parks.” "I have never favoured tennis or any other sport being played on Sundays,” said Cr R. Baker. ' l l cannot go against my conscience, ’ ’ said Cr. P. Loach. "I have always objected to Sunday play. There are two very good reasons put forward against the proposal. One is the objection of one of the donors, whose wishes I think should be respected. The second reason is, if tennis is allowed where will it end? We will have cricket and other sport all over the park.” “ONE REST PARK.” Cr. F. Smith said that he thought there should be one rest park in Hastings. "There should be one park where the aged people can go and be assured of a quiet restful time. Cornwall Park is eminently suited for such a purpose. I feel that the day is not far distant when we will have to take away the sports area there and put them somewhere else.” Cr McCormick: If the people with money can play behind high walls, then why should those who are not so fortunate financially be debarred from playing on a Sunday? Cr. Henderson said that the Rev. Mortimer-Jones had telephoned him and said that he was quite open-minded on the subject of Sunday play, but was of opinion that Cornwall Park should be reserved for those who desired peace and quietness. "He made a suggestion to me that I think the council should take up,” added Cr. Henderson. "His proposal was to put down ten or twelve courts at Nelson Park and do away with the courts at Cornwall Park. ’ ’ Cr. McCormick: And throw away the £3OO invested at Cornwall Park? Cr Henderson: All the gear, etc., could be moved quite easily. I think it is a matter the council should consider. Cr Slater, in reply, said it was obvious that the proposal would be turned down, so he would not waste further argument. The motion was then put to the meeting and lost by two votes to five.