POPULAR SPORTS ASSOCIATION.

Lyttelton Times, Volume LXXVI, Issue 9510, 4 September 1891, Page 3

POPULAR SPORTS ASSOCIATION.

A meeting of the Committee of tbe Popular Sports Association was held in the Municipal Buildings last evening. There was a good attendance of members, and the chair was taken by Mr H. Crooks. The Secretary reported that he had written to fifty-five branches of the different Friendly Societies, asking if they intended to take part in the Anniversary Sports. Of these eight had replied in the negative, eight had stated that they would take part, and no replies had come to hand from the others.

Correspondence was read from his Excellency Lord Onslow, conferring hia patronage on the Association, but stating that he could not undertake to be present at tho sports, as he could not be certain of of being in Christchurch at that time. Sir John Hall wrote that he would give careful consideration to the amendments suggested by the Association in tho Gaming and Lotteries Act. The Hon W. P. Reeves wrote, accepting the position of patron of the Association, and promising consideration of the proposed amendments to the Gaming and Lotteries Act, Letters to similar effect were received from Messrs John Joyce and W. B. Perceval, M.H.R.’s, who both expressed belief that the Bill would not pass the House this year. Letters were received from the Premier aud the Colonial Secretary, acknowledging the receipt of copies of the suggested amendments, and promising to consider them. A quantity of correspondence was received from various I’riendly Societies, either promising to take part in the sports and appointing delegates, or stating that they would not take part in the proceedings of this year, or shelving the question. A number of delegates from various temperance bodies were introduced to the meeting. Letters were read from Messrs Thomas Gapes and AV. E. Samuels resigning from the Committee, and Messrs F. T. Haskins and E. Smith from, tha position of Trustees of the Association. The question of filling tho vacant positions was deferred until a larger meeting.

Mr J. J. Parker then moved.—“ That in the opinion of the meeting it is not desirable to have any publicans’ booths on the ground at the sports; and that the meeting pledges itself to have none at the sports.” The motion was seconded by Mr AV. J. Madren. The mover, in answer to Mr J. M. Thompson, said that the temperance delegates would consider the advisability of acting on tho Committee, or net acting, if tho motion v/as lost. They would, however, refer the question to their Lodges. Mr Hugh Bennetts said that he would hot act on tho Committee if the motion wera rejected. A rather acrimonious discussion then arose on the question, it being rather broadly hinted by one or two members that tho meeting had been “packed” by the temperance party, and this was just as warmly denied on the other side. Mr T. Stapleton moved that the question be postponed until next meeting, with the view of having a larger number present to consider tho question. Mr C. Samuels seconded tho motion.

Mr Parker thought it was a sufficiently representative meeting that night. After considerable discussion, Mr Parker said that ho -would make his motion a notice of motion for next meeting, and after some sharp debating this was agreed to. A letter was read from the Colonial Secretary, granting permiaasou to the Association to hold the usual art union in connection with the sports, under the usual conditions. The meeting then adjourned for a fortnight.