SPORTS PROTECTION LEAGUE.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 144147, 17 July 1913, Page 6

SPORTS PROTECTION LEAGUE.

ANNUAL REPORT. “Tiro objects of tho league aro clearly defined, nevertheless during tbo earlier stages of tho league’s existence wo had to contend with a considerable amount of misrepresentation from our opponents,” says the committee of tho New Zealand Sports Protection League in its annual report. “In various parts of the Dominion numerous mis-statements wore circulated concerning tho aims and purposes of tho league, tho only effect of which has been to harden up our supporters. The league has now lived down the untrue charges that were for a period levelled against it. Tho organisation is purely defensive, and, whilst there is now no anxiety among sports associations, we have a league firmly established throughout the Dominion, and all the machinery for fighting trouble is ready when tho necessity arises. “The main concern during the coming financial year will bo to continue further the work of organisation, and in this connection an endeavour will bo made to have all the various associations of sport affiliated to tiie branches. Almost immediately a commencement will bo made in Wellington, and afterwards the work will follow in tho principal centres. This is an ago of organisation, and every class of sport has its controlling body. The purposes of the league, however, aro not to interfere in any way with tho internal management of any particular class’ of sport, but to form an executive representative of all classes of sport, capable of resisting undue attacks upon and furthering the interests of legitimate sports. One of the principal planks of the organisation will be to protect the people’s rights in the way of recreation. The lack of sufficient playing areas is becoming a burning question right throughout the Dominion, and with the probable early attainment of the universal Saturday half-holiday tho position will become even more acute. If the league’s only achievement in the future is to preserve recreation grounds from tho cupidity of local bodies, and by united action to secure more playing areas, this will amply justify the league’s existence. There is, however, a very big field before tho organisation, as will bo seen by reference to the objects; (1) To influence public opinion, without regard to party politics, in the interests ot sport, so as to enable the people to amuse themselves in future without molestation; (2) to promote any alteration of law that may bo necessary for the better protection of sports and pastimes; (3) to take up and defend any actions that tho council may consider important as test cases; (4) to discourage all malpractices in connection with sport, and'to raise its tone when it is considered necessary; (5) generally to do whatever may from time to time seem advisable to extend the facilities for every honestly-conducted sport, exercise, and amusement. A few specific cases to whicli the league will require to devote attention aro: To defend sport and games of all kinds from extremist aggression; to resist encroachment on grounds available for games; to assist in the direction of providing more playing areas for tbo people; to scrutinise and oppose legislation promoted against amusements; to encourage as far as possible tho different branches of sport (tbo Southland branch has presented a banner to the S.R.F.U. for competition, and this scheme is to bo extended to other branches).