SUNDAY TENNIS

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXV, Issue 18502, 25 February 1930, Page 6

SUNDAY TENNIS

SUGGESTED OPENING OF BAY COURTS. MATTER BEFORE COUNCIL. The question of making the tennis courts on Caroline Bay available to the public on Sundays was briefly discussed at last night’s meeting of the Timaru Borough Council, but no decision was arrived at. It is the intention of Councillor J. Todd to give notice of motion in regard to the matter, however, and the question will probably be further discussed in a fortnight’s time. The discussion was opened by Councillor Todd, who said that he thought the Council might derive additional revenue if the tennis courts on the Bay were made available to the public on Sundays. “There are a lot worse things done on a Sunday than the mere playing of tennis,” he said. “I also think that the Park bowling green might be opened on Sundays. If we open the courts, we will increase our revenue. We see people going out fishing and golfing.” ! A voice: “Yes and shooting.” The Mayor (Mr W. Angland) said he thought they should hold the matter over in the meantime. Councillor Todd: “Would you accept notice of motion?” The Mayor: “I suggest that you leave the matter over until the estimates are under consideration.” Councillor Todd: -“What benefit will there be in that?” The Mayor: “We are getting on to the winter months now, and we will soon be able to see what revenue we have received.” Councillor Todd: “There is a lot of revenue to be got from the Bay before the winter. I am disappointed that you do not see fit to make a move now.” The Mayor: “You can give notice of motion for next meeting, if you like.” Councillor W. H. Hunt: “I will second that.” Councillor Todd: “I do not want to put the Council to any expense. I want to increase the revenue.” The Mayor said that to open the courts on Sundays opened up a very big question, and he saw no harm in allowing the matter to stand over for two months. Councillor Todd: “There will be no tennis then.” Councillor Hunt: “If you go to the Bay on a Sunday, and I dare say you do, you will see 1200 or 1500 people wandering about trying to enjoy themselves, whereas, if the tennis courts were open they would be able to enjoy themselves fully. I can remember the time when the Council would not allow mixed bathing on Sundays. (Laughter). Probably the Councillors were so religious that they saw harm in it. Sunday is a day of rest, and it is the only day when those in the mills have an opportunity of enjoying God’s suflshine under the blue canopy of Heaven.” The Mayor again stated that he thought the matter should be held over. Mr G. Benstead: “I think the Council should at least be consistent. Isn’t it a fact that the bathing facilities are open on Sundays? Is there any more harm in me taking my tennis racquet and having a game on the Bay than in taking my towel and togs and going for a swim? The at- ! tendants have to be at the bathing sheds on Sundays.” The Mayor: “There is nothing before the Council at the present time.” Councillor Todd: “But I can give notice of motion.” Councillor A. Kennedy: “Does it require notice?” The Mayor: “Yes. It is extraordinary business. We are dealing with ordinary business to-night.” Councillor Todd: “Was it extraordinary business when the bathing sheds were opened?” There was no further discussion, and the next business was proceeded with.