FOOTBALLS FOR MELANESIANS.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume IV, Issue 1275, 14 March 1918, Page 4

FOOTBALLS FOR MELANESIANS.

To the Editor of THE SUN. Sir, —I shall be much obliged to you if you •will kindly insert the enclosed appeal for Association footballs for Melanesians. I hope, through your paper, to reach the large number of members of the Church of England who are subscribers to your paper. Thanking vou in anticipation,—l am, etc., (REV.) F. A. CRAW SHAW. The Vicarage, Waihao Downs, March 8, 1918. [Cm*-] In Melanesia when Melanesians become Christians they must perforce abandon their muscular development which takes the form of spearing, daubing, and shooting arrows at their fellow men. Other and more reasonable exercises must be provided for them if they are not to degenerate physically, so the missionaries have introduced to the Melanesians certain of our English outdoor games. The favourite game is Association football, and at Norfolk Island and at the central schools at Vureas, Pamua, and Bungana the football season will commence next month. The season’s length will depend to a large extent on the response to the appeal which I now make to you to send Association footballs to the missionaries in charge of the above-mentioned places. The boys play football every afternoon, and thoroughly enjoy their game. Unfortunately for the life of the football, the boys’ toes are very hard, and a football has a short life though maybe a merry one. Consequently, before the season is very far advanced there is much patching of old football cases and tubes, and the man in charge of the games wears a worried look bccaus*' he is afraid that the season may' be a short one, and that usually means trouble. Many of the footballs are bought by the missionaries themselves out of their meagre stipends—a thing we should not allow to happen. I appeal, therefore, to

superintendents of Sunday schools, football enthusiasts, and * all -who love to see a sound mind in a sound body, to send football or donations towards the puw chase of football? to Hiss Ilockley. Melanesian Mission Office, 106 GlouceS* ter Street, Christchurch, or to me. Too many footballs cannot be sent. Foo& balls or donations should be sert in by March 22. Full-sized and a few medium* sized Association footballs are required. Trusting that many footballs will go from this city to Melanesia.