CONSERVATION OF SPORT.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LIX, Issue 143550, 15 July 1911, Page 8

CONSERVATION OF SPORT.

A NATIONAL DEFENCE LEAGUE. The National Sports League Committee/ Christchurch,- is calling a meeting representative of all sports and pastimes for Tuesday evening next, in the Town Hall, Wellington. In a circular letter to interested bodies the league sets forth:—‘“The continual attacks on tile recreations of the people by legislation has reached a stage that requires the vorj* serious consideration of thete interested, and it is proposed, to form a National League to counteract the attempts of these who would legislate out of existence the liberties and enjoyments of every class of sport-lovin.g people. Objects: To resist encroachments on the various bodies who occupy themselves with the sports and recreations of the people. In this view its main endeavours will be: (1) To influence public opinion, without regard to party politics, in the interest of sport, so as to enable the people- to enjoy established amusements without molestation; (2) to promote any alterations of law that may be necessary for the better protection of sports and pastimes; (3) to take up and defend any actions that the league may consider important as test cases; (4) to discourage all malpractices in-connection with sport, and to,raise its tone wherever it is considered necessary; (5) generally to do whatever may from time to time seem advisable tor counteracting the pernicious influence of the adverse party. The National League already formed in Wellington,' which is a rerv strong and influential body, have, alter consultation,. unanimously resolved to combine and co-operate in the formation of a National- League (with headquarters in Wellington and branches throughout the Domyiion) as the more effective form of defence than local leagues could be. It is proposed to have a Parliamentary Committee of ffe© members,' who shall be resident in the City of Wellington, to watch legislation and to maintain the central office of^the league. They shall appoint such officers and staff as shall be necessary for carrying on the. league. The first object of the executive will be to obtain members, and it is confidently estimated ;that.i£ the work is energeticaly proceeded with the league will, within a very short time, have a membership of over 100,0:)0 persons. The league should be ’ defensive only, consequently it would not be necessary: to appear m public, excepting when obtaining the views of candidates for parliamentary or : local government honours.”