CHURCHES ATTACK COUNCIL’S ACTION.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 19134, 29 July 1930, Page 15

CHURCHES ATTACK COUNCIL’S ACTION.

OPPOSE SUNDAY GAMES TO AID UNEMPLOYED. (Special to the “Star. 1 ') SYDNEY, July 14. Strong protests were made yesterday at three Randwick churches at the Randwick Council’s action in permitting Sunday football matches on Coogee Oval in aid of the unemployed in the municipality. At the Presbyterian Church the congregation, numbering about 700, expressed agreement with a motion, by Rev W. J. Grant, condemning the council. “ Despite what may be said about helping those in distress,” Mr Grant said, “it is deliberate organising of Sunday sport, which reflects no c-edit on the aldermen. Further, it is a direct insult to the churches, and to decent men and women in the community, who desire to preserve the Sabbath inviolate. " I for one am prepared to do anytliing that will help the needy. But I draw the line when such action is in opposition to all religious teaching.” Similar protests were approved by the congregations at the Church of England, Randwick, where Canon Cakebread submitted the motion; and a.t the Methodist Church. “ If the council gives its approval to Sunday football matches,” said Rov A. Collins, at the latter church, “ we will soon have Randwick Racecourse opened for Sunday race meetings.” L.Q.L. Opposition. Some observations by the Grand | Master, Brother W. P J. Skelton, at the L.O.L. demonstration in the Sydj ney Town Hall yesterday:— [ “We must oppose the destruction of j the Sabbath—Rome is primarily reJ sponsible .. . years ago I warned * country people against the hail-fellow priest who encouraged Sunday sports*. Look at "our depleted Sunday schools and the injury to our child life . . . but the leprosy lias spread, and now it has definitely fastened on our city areas. •• Rome’s stranglehold grip of the Sydney Press has never been worse . . . the Protestants, who are 70 per cent

of the population, will organise to hit back, if the Press fails to give us fair play.” Mayor’s Viewpoint. When spoken to last night Alderman Nolan, Mayor of Randwick, said he would rather not make any statement concerning the matter until council had discussed it. “ My chief aim,” he said, “ is to give food and warm clothing to those in need.” Council will disouss the matter at Tuesday’s meeting.