N.Z. SPORTS PROTECTION LEAGUE.

Otago Witness, Issue 3382, 8 January 1919, Page 45

N.Z. SPORTS PROTECTION LEAGUE.

With the cessation of hostilities the Board of Control <S|?the New Zealand Sports Protection League has issued the following statement as to the position adopted by it during the long period of the war, and as to the policy to be pursued in the future: — Recognising that complete unity of purpose was necessary throughout the nation when the great crisis arose which placed us in conflict with a well-prepared and strongly organised enemy, those in charge of the work of the league decided to avoid as much as possible internal strife upon domestic questions. On the contrary, the organisation has been able to materially assist in patriotic work, and it is pleasing to find that the services so rendered have been recognised. Important activities were, however, necessary during the war period, and the league has always kept a watchful eye on the interests which it is called upon to protect, and has acted effectively where the unusual conditions brought about by the international conflict would permit. The work of the league in the future will be more important than ever. While our soldiers have been fighting to maintain that freedom of action which has been enjoved and appreciated for generations by all true Britishers, a section of our community has insidiously been using the war as an attempt to bring about a condition of oppression almost approaching Prussianism. The league stands for the right of the people to the free enjoyment of all legitimate sports and recreation without undue interference. There is a section of the people which desires by legislation and otherwise, to impose its own code and manner of life on the community, and while members of sports bodies have been fighting for their liberty against an unscrupulous enemy, this section has been endeavouring in the name of patriotism to promote its faddy Utopias. These popple must now bo toldjjf that the community resents their methods, and refuses to sacrifice that freedom of action in the methods and manner of recreation which, under tho British constitutioni is the right of all classes of tho people. Wo are proud of the magnificent part played in the great war by members of sports bodies, and experience has shown that active participation in athletic games is most conducive to those physioal qualities

and habits of discipline so necessary in the preparation of the soldier. Indeed, encouragement in this direction is part of our national education. The brandies of the league throughout New Zealand should at all times endeavour to promote a public opinion in favour of physical training in our primary and secondary schools. This can bo done by advocating- better-equipped playing grounds in connection with the publio schools. The position in this respect at present is quite unsatisfactory, and a great field is offered here for the activities of the league. At the present time a number of sports bodies are finding it difficult to maintain their existence owing to excessive taxation on their grounds in the way of rates and land tax. Other areas, used exclusively by the public for the purposes of recreation, are also subject to heavy taxation. It is clearly one of the functions of the State to provide recreation grounds for the people, and -where this work is undertaken by organised sports bodies, every encouragement should be given and the areas used should, as far as possible, be relieved from taxation. At present the law makes it optional with local bodies to make or refuse a remission of rates. Unfortunately some of these bodies have refused to exercise the statutory power to grant remission of any part of the rates, and now that peace conditions are likely to prevail the league will, as soon as possible, endeavour to promote general legislation which will jiave the effect of giving a considerable measure of relief to all sports grounds throughout the dominion subject to taxation. The league made frequent protests against the attitude of the Railway Department in creatine: irritating and sometimes absurd restrictions affecting those people who desired to use the service for the purpose of attending sports gatherings. It appeared most extraordinary that what should be a commercial undertaking was at times used to promote the prejudice.? of political clamourers. A* reasonable curtailment .■ of services on account of the reduced staff, was to be expected, and, with improved conditions, better facilities will no doubt be installed; but the league will oppose any attempt to bring a public department under the influence of those who oppose what we consider to be a useful and reasonable recreation.

The Board of Control supports the return, after the declaration of peace, of the statutory privileges which voluntarily given up by sports bodies during the period of the war, and considers that the special war taxation imposed on the sporting community should be removed as soon as the finances of the country will permit. The league has established 83 branches throughout the dominion. _ A number of the executive officers are still serving at the front, and others have been killed m action. Steps will be taken throughout next vear to again place them all on an active footing. The policy of the league will be to promote a strong public opinion in favour, of the indulgence in sports as part of our national life, s We do 60 because we believe that active participation in our national games gives to the youth sound and healthful bodies —affords the most effective antidote to the temptations which beset the young—and begets that discipline and control of mind and body so necessary to the building up of the true man and citizen. The league will oppose any attempts made to restrict what we consider the rights, aspirations, and freedom of sportsmen, and any curtailment of the privileges they at present enjoy. To this end questions will be submitted to candidates for election to Parliament, and, if necessary, to local bodies, to ascertain their, views on publio questions affecting the' Interests of the league, and will exercise its influence in support of the principles for which it stands..**" _ The league offers itself as an organisation to promote and protect all classes of outdoor sports, and entitled to ask all persons interested to join, and by increasing its membership add to its effectiveness in carrying out the objects which it has undertaken. Signed for the Board of Control: GL P. Seerrett, Chairman. R. W. Shallcrass, General Secretary.