GAMES ON SUNDAY

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21782, 23 April 1934, Page 12

GAMES ON SUNDAY

Sir, —There are, in my opinion, two viewpoints related to the discussion on Sunday games •which have not been clearly separated to date. First, that we nationally are a Christian country and that as such loyalty demands recognition of the Lord's Day as one of rest and worship. Under the Old Testament the Sabbath was observed by God's command,, under the New the principle is unchanged, but incorporates a glad remembrance of the resurrection of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. The motive for itei true observance is Love. The national outlook should guide those controlling public 6ports grounds, for, if we were frankly a pagan nation this issue would not arise. Second, the individual position. If Christians by conviction would unitedly withdraw themselves from the clubs concerned when such an issue arises which violates an essential principle, their witness would be far more convincing than mere protest or argument. Mount Eden had such an opportunity to show their councillors the existenoe of a Christian conscience ready to sacrifice personal and legitimate pleasure if this was to be enjoyed at the cost of principle. Who could estimate the value of such a witness in checking the demand for similar facilities already arising? Owen S. Wiles. 189 Parnell Road, C.4.

Sir, —In spite of the deputation from the Auckland Council of Christian Congregations, which waited \on the City Council, a resolution was'carried permitting the playing of tennis on Sundays on courts controlled by the council. Possibly the resolution would not have been carried had the Churches some time ago supported the movement for a five-day working week so that the workers, particularly indoor workers, would be enabled to play all day on Saturday. The Churches must therefore accept responsibility for doing nothing to stop the game of profitmaking on Saturdays. When they wake up they will recognise that they have an important and prominent part to play in matters social and economio if they would bring about the Kingdom of God on earth. I suggest that the Council of Christian Congregations should interview the sports bodies with a view to coming to an understanding that if the Churchiss advocate a fiveday working weok the 6ports bodies will undertake to discountenance the playing of games on Sundays. Moke Leisure.