GOLF FOR DEMOCRACY

Manawatu Times, Volume XLIX, Issue 2307, 27 November 1925, Page 10

GOLF FOR DEMOCRACY

4 NATIONAL POLICY. EXAMPLES BY CLUBS. (Artisan golf is growing in strength in England where the game is being played by all sorts and conditions of people. It is a sign that greatly tends towards harmonious relations between all sections of the community, and engenders the feeling that all are participaants in something which makes for good understanding. For a long time golf was considered a gdme only for the well-to-do. I remember the period, with a feeling akin to shame,, when this was so, but, happily, this idea disappeared. Anything which tends to monopoly in a game is bad tor the nation. Golf is the one game that all can play on terms of a common brotherhood, and it forbids the feeling of superiority any section may claim over another. The game exhilarates and depresses all, and In this com. mon trait lies its greatest fascination, writes J. H. Taylor in the "News of tho World.” It is a sign of robust health and virility that the artisans of this country, called by many the backbone of any nation, are taking to the game in ever-increasing num. bers. It means that their thoughts are surely being turned to something worthy, and this is bound to make their hours of toil less irksome. Anything that can do this must be set down on the credit side of the National ledger. Founded four years ago, the Artisan Golfers’ Association is rapidly gaining in the number of artisan clubs affiliated to it. New clubs are springing up all over the country, but, even so, the speed is too leisurely for those who are interested in the movement.

There are some 60 clubs affiliated representing 5000 members, but thex-e is not the slightest reason why this number should not be doubled or trebled in a year or two. It is very satisfactory to know that established golf clubs up and down the country are admitting to .the privilege of playing over their courses, artisan sections living in the district. Such clubs have set an admirable example, and I am convinced that much more can be done in this direction if the will to do so is there. ■ Ordinary artisans cannot afford to construct, equip, and run a golf course of their own. There cannot bo any argument about this. Thousands of them do not live near a public course, but they desire to play golf, and ask to be admitted on easy terms —monetary and as regards hours of play—to t,h e club in their midst. I caunot conceive these terms to be considered harsh, or that they are importunate or savour of imper. tinence. Circumstance is the sole de. terniining factor over which the artisan cannot have any control. Apart from any other motive, and considered simply as a moans of retaining harmony and goodwill. I am positive this policy of co-operation is a wise one, which will redound to the credit of those who have the power to offer it. The fact that artisan golf is increasing so rapidly is a powerful sign of tranquility, which all who love our country most earnestly desire. It is a movement which will reduce the widening breach that many people are only too pleased to affirm is now taking place. In all sincerity, I ask those clubs who have no artisan section to consider seriously this question, not on petty lines, but on the broad issue of a national policy.