The Waikato Independent THURSDAY, APRIL 8, 1926. WINTER PASTIMES.

Waikato Independent, Volume XXVI, Issue 2607, 8 April 1926, Page 4

The Waikato Independent THURSDAY, APRIL 8, 1926. WINTER PASTIMES.

With the passing of summer, and the.' advent of April, summer pastimes will speedily be giving place to those more in keeping with the conditions of winter. Thus cricket, tennis, bowls, croquet, etc., will be replaced by football, hockey, golf, hunting and kindred sports. Cambridge district is famed for its sports—its participation in those pastimes that enter -so fully into the lives of New Zealanders, and play such an important part in the lives of us all. There are those who declare we spend tod much time in sport, and also take our games too seriously. There may be something in both the accusations, but there is also a very great deal to'be said on the other side. Our participation in outdoor games helps to sweeten our lives. We are gregarious animals, and the social side of our lives must not be neglected. Outdoor recreation also strengthens the muscles, makes for healthful vigordu-s constitutions, broadens our and helps us. to better face the battles of life, with its ups and downs, its adversities and successes. Rugby football, our national game, has done much for New Zealand manhood. There is every prospect of the coming football season proving as successful as its predecessors). We are fortunate, in this district, in have a fine stamp of young men actively engaged in this game, while the interest in the good old game displayed by prominent citizens, who do not hesitate to share in

the management of the various organisations in connection with football has a leavening influence on the, game. With all its splendid points, football is a game that, unless properly con-, trolled, may have, a demoralising tendency on participants; but we must say that the management in the, past has been exemplary, anil as a result we have had clean football. We would again urge placers and spectators alike to support the club and union officials, and the referees, in their efforts to uphold the best traditions of British fair play and gcntlejnanlinoss in connection’s with the good old game. Several enthusiastic supporters of the game are of the opinion that too many representative matches were played last season; to the detriment of club football.. Club matches are the training ground for representative contests. Without these, the standard <if # play would soon deteriorate, for, after alii it; is only the few who take part in the representative matches, and unless the great bulk of players are catered for they will be / discouraged, and showlack of interest in the game. a matter t-liat# will doubtless be given, full consideration this season. The sea-: 1 son will happened very shortly and we see no reason' why the various chibs ami also the union should not-have a most prosperous year.. Golf is steadily coining into its own in the Cambridge district. For years the club laboured under the disadvantage of having a short, lease of its links, with little prospect of securing any .better tetuiiicy. Now, however, the lo.cKl club is firmly established on a property which is fibmost iduaCfor. the purpose. The present, links, being steadily improved,' and promise in the near future to be. a credit to . the district. With further improvement,, which is only a matter of means, the course could be'made one of the best, and most popular in the whole Dominion. The club is fortunate in having the links so handy to the town- —only a few minutes:’ walk from the centre of the borough—and with all the other attractions of Cambridge added, golfers from a wide district would undoubtedly flock if only the facilities .were available. Ladies/’ hockey provides au avenue for the: energy of our young ladies, and de - - serves support. Hockey is a scientific, and healthful game. The Waikato has for many years been recognised as one of the best districts in the Dominion for hunting, and well deserves this -distinction. The local Hunt Club is a flourishing organisation, with live officers, supported by a strong- membership. Doubtless there Will be many enjoyable gatherings \with the hounds during the coming winter.