BATTLE OF WATERLOO.

New Zealand Herald, Volume L, Issue 15331, 18 June 1913, Page 11

BATTLE OF WATERLOO.

TO-DAY'S ANNIVERSARY.

LESSONS IT INCULCATES.

The anniversary of the battle of Waterloo, which falls to-day, was the inspiration for the remarks of the Rev. J. 11. Scott (chaplain of H.M-S. New Zealand) in a sermon he delivered at St. Paul's Pro-Cathedral in Wellington last Sunday.

The preacher said that the famous battle referred to put an end to a long war, which had been the cause. of much misery and national exhaustion, and brought in an era of peace, dining which a splendid opportunity was opened up for Britain to spread the blessings of civilisation and Christianity in many parts of the world. It was easy to sneer at the way in which this opportunity had been used, but after making allowance for failure and neglect and all other shortcomings, it must be admitted that a great deal hud been accomplished during the century that had now almost elapsed since Waterloo was fought. Much, however, still remained to be done, and every individual had his part to perform.

The preacher went on to refer to some of the dangers which threatened the nation at the present time. There' had been a decline in idealism in recent years and an increase in materialism. Parental control and family life were also weakening, and there was also a falling-away as regards Sunday observance. The growth of professionalism was degrading .sport in Britain, and he was told that the same evil was threatening to spoil football in New Zealand. Sport was a splendid thing for a nation, but to shout and ,bet at a football match was not real sport, and was of no benefit to national life. Crowds of spectators watching paid players was of no useThe benefit came from the actual playing. Before the downfall of Rome* the-young men crowded the amphitheatre and watched the paid gladiators, but did not play themselves. The,moral value .of sport consisted largely in the risk —in daring something — not in great crowds watching a few players-