BOWLING ON SUNDAY

Taranaki Daily News, 21 December 1931, Page 3

BOWLING ON SUNDAY

HOLDING OF TOURNAMENTS.

CHRISTCHURCH DISCUSSION. A lengthy discussion took place at a meeting of the Christchurch Bowling Centre regarding the question of holding howling toui'naments on Sundays. The subject was introduced when Mr. 0. F. Dobbs moved that the action of the executive in refusing to grant permission to the New Brighton Club to hold a tournament last Sunday be endorsed.

“If a club wishes to play bowls on Sunday, there should be no need for it to ask the centre’s permission,” said Mr. T. G. Fox.

The chairman, Mr. L. B. Evans, explained that on the. subject of tournaments the centre had jurisdiction, although it could not and would not interfere with private arrangements made by clubs. The New Brighton Club’s request was the first of its kind to come before the centre. The question of granting permission for Sunday tournaments was a big one. If an instruction were given to the executive by a general meeting of the centre, then the way would be clear.

In answer 'to Mr. Fox, the chairman said that he was against competition play on Sunday. It was true that cricket, golf and other games were played on Sunday, but these were not competition games. Mr. Fox; That is where you stand corrected. I know that cricket competitions are played on Sunday. Another member said that he understood that competition golf matches were played on Sunday. If there was no objection to golf, there could be no objection to bowls. Mr. W. Healey asked what would be the position of the Heathcote Club in regard to its .Sunday games if the centre were against Sunday play, s “The club would be able to hold competitions among its own members,” said Mr. Evans, “but it would be illegal to hold an open tournament.” Mr. C. P- Dobbs said that many of th® clubs in Christchurch were under the control of the Christchurch City Council and he doubted if they would obtain permission to play on Sunday. Until Sunday bowling could be made general he did not think that it should be brought under the jurisdiction of the centre.

“The executive refused the New Brighton application in no spirit of wowserism,” explained the chairman. "The request was turned down because it was thought that the question should be considered by the centre.” “The City .Council" is going to be approached by various bodies for permission to play bowls on Sunday,” said Mr. Fox. “They have given permission ■for other games to be played on Sunday. They will grant permission for anything, even cock fighting.” After further discussion the executive’s action was approved. Mr. Fox then gave notice to move at the next meeting: “That all Sunday tournaments be on the same footing as other tournament.” On the motion of Mr. Healey it was decided that all clubs be circularised for an expression of opinion regarding Sunday tournaments.