SUNDAY GOLF

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXI, 20 November 1937, Page 3

SUNDAY GOLF

GOVERNOR-GENERAL CRITICISED METHODIST SYNOD RESOLUTION IHv Trlctrriiiili—l’reHs Association! CHRISTCHURCH. 17th November. The Governor-General, Lord Galway, was outspokenly criticised at the North Canterbury Methodist Synod this atteinoon for "participating in a goll tournament'’ on a recent Sunday. Alter discussion, in which several mem be i s expressed strong views on the mallet and Synod refused to amend the motion (proposed by the Rev. W. A. Burley) to refer to “those in authority” instead of specifically to the Governor-General, the following resolution was passed unanimously:

"That this Synod records its conviction that Sunday is a day primarily for spiritual refreshment through Christian fellowship. It deplores the present tendency to use the Lord’s Day for amusement purposes. and it is grieved to know that on a recent Sunday his Excellency the Governor-Gen-eral countenanced this misuse by participating in a golf tournament. We urge all our Methodist people to use Sunday for the culture of the spiritual and to remember it is the Lord s Day. "1 think we have a right to criticise the action of a representative of the King when he limits Christian opinion by ripening a golf course on a Sunday. We cannot compel everyone to observe Simda.v, but. we expert, the GovernorGeneral to set an example," Mr Burley said.

A member said that it was not the opening of a golf eoursc, but a Returned Soldiers' Association tournament.

“I don't sec much dilTcrcnce between going into the country and going after a little white ball and going out motoring and taking the children for an outing," said the Rev. 11. L. Blamires, adding that there was a difference when contests were held, and that he was deeply grieved to see his Excellency countenancing the matter by taking part Mr 11. M. Hamilton: "It may be that the Governor-General will have logical reasons, and before a great body of Methodists like this denounces him he should be asked for an explanation.” A PRIVATE PARTY The Rev. 11. Ryan (district secretary) said that the King could not be imagined doing such a thing in England, and that it would not be out of place respectfully to remind the Gov-ernor-Genera! that he was a representative of the King and ought not to do so. Mr Blamires said that the tournament was a private party. The chairman, the Rev. Clarence Eaton, then advocated reconsideration of the wording ol the motion, saying that there were fellow-Christians who did not regard golf on a Sunday as harmful.

A member. 'Do you call them Christians, Mr Chairman.’

The chairman: "Yes; we have to be charitable and broadminded.”

H-e chairman’s suggestion was not accepted.

The chairman then suggested an amendment to the motion, which substituted reference to “those in authority” for the reference to the GovernorGeneral. Voices: “No. no '

Mr Blamires suggested that the motion should be redrafted and brought before Synod again in the morning

The Rev. M. A Rugby Pratt said that the example of the Governor-Gen-eral was not in accordance with the attitude of Royalty.

The Rev C. 11. Kcndon: “The question is whether the Governor-Genera) acted in a public or private capacity ” The chairman: “He cannot act in a private capacity.”

Mr A. Williams said he thoroughly approved of the resolution. It was purposeless to alter the text as the matter was not taken in committee, and the whole thing would get into the newspapers in any case.

Mr Burley said that if the resolution had to be redrafted someone else should do it. He thought that the Church was far too cautious and careful and afraid to alienate the world. The chairman: “I do not want it to be said for a moment that I am not in favour of plain speaking.” Further comment was made by Mr Hendon, that the phrase "participate in a golf tournament" savoured too much of interference with the Governor-Gen-oral’s private life.

The motion was put and carried, (he only alteration made being a correction of fact as the original wording was to the effect that the GovernorGeneral had opened a golf course.