SUNDAY TENNIS ON BAY

Timaru Herald, Volume CLV, Issue 22789, 13 January 1944, Page 3

SUNDAY TENNIS ON BAY

Permission Sought

Deputation To Wait On Borough Council

Permission is to be sought for a deputation from the South Canterbury Council of Sport to wait on the Timaru Borough Council at an open meeting on Monday night, to request that the by-law be repealed and Sunday tennis permitted on the Municipal Courts on Caroline Bay. This action was unanimously agreed upon at a meeting of the Council of Sport held in Timaru last night. The deputation will comprise Messrs H. H. Fraser, the Rev. Clyde Carr M.P.. Messrs P. W. Young and P. S. Enting (secretary).

Introducing the subject. Mr Enting said that he had circularised all the Councils of Sport in the Dominion asking the ruling in their towns, and of the six replies so far received from Invercargill. Auckland. Christchurch. Nelson. Waikato and Wellington, all had stated that Sunday play on municipally owned and or controlled courts was allowed. Mr Enting suggested that the Council of Sport in making a respectful request of the Borough Council to revoke the present by-law, should emphasise that many workers, who are unable for financial or other reasons to join private clubs, would thus be enabled to enjoy clean, healtnv sport.

Saturday afternoon only did not give workers sufficient opportunity for tennis, and also, the many visitors who come to Timaru on Sundays would be able to enjoy one of the best facilities of the Bay. “To continue this prohibition is unreasonable because swimming, both at the Bay and in municipal baths is allowed, the gas rings and car parks are provided to meet the needs of picnic parties." said Mr Enting. “If it is the breaking of the Sabbath that is the concern of the Council, then tennis is probably quieter than any of those other activities.”

Mr P. W. Young: Nearly every other public body permits Sunday tennis. The Timaru Borough Council is afraid to come to an up-to-date decision. Rev. Clyde Carr. M.P.: Until not so many years ago Sunday bathing was not allowed on the Bay. and was not permitted. I understand, until the people took the law into their own hands and went bathing. ’ s Mr Enting: Is there something about the game of tennis that it should not be played on Sunday?

Mr R. L. Eames said that it would mainly be visitors who would be affected by the Council’s decision, and therefore it was a matter for the town to concern itself with, rather than for the South Canterbury Lawn Tennis Association whose delegate introduced the subject. Mr P. W. Young agreed with this view.

It was suggested that the deputation wait on the Reserves Committee of the Borough Council, but after full discussion it was agreed that the subject should be placed before a full meeting of the Council. Rev. Mr Carr: A deputation may achieve a very desirable end. and as for religious scruples, in this matter as in all others, the majority must rule.