SUNDAY SPORT

Waikato Independent, Volume XXXI, Issue 2780, 26 November 1931, Page 6

SUNDAY SPORT

not permitted in woodville. BOROUGH COUNCIL’S ATTITUDE. Although the question of Sunday tennis in Cambridge seems to be dormant for the time being local bodies in other towns, including Christchurch am Hamilton, have had to deal with the matter and in each ease opinions have teen very divided. The latest ease that has come to our notice is the question of Sunday sport being allowed on any playing areas under the control of the Woodville Borough Council. From the Woodville Examiner is taken the following report of the council meeting at which consideration was given to the question. It is rather interesting to note that Archdeacon G. G. Bell’s letter to the Domain Board on the subject of Sunday tennis which appeared in the Independent, was published in full by the Examiner. The question, of whether Sunday sport should be permitted on playing areas under the control of the Woodville Borough Council, was finally decided at the monthly meeting of that Body held on Thursday last. The subject has given rise to a great deal of controversy and arguments for and against have been freely expressed on numerous occasions. The matter was introduce at Woodville by a motion introduced by Cr Phelan, which had been deferred from the October meeting of the council until after the plebiscite had been taken on the matter. Cr Phelan’s motion was to the effect: “That the request of the Woodville Cricket Club to have permission to play cricket on the Recreation Ground on Sundays be granted, passed by the council on February 12, 1931, and confirmed on March 12, 1931, be rescinded.” The motion was seconded by Cr McGregor and on being put to the meeting was carried on a show of hands. Cr Galbraith inquired of the Mayor why he had not recorded his vote on the motion. The Mayor replied that it was not necessary for him to record his vote if ho did not wish to do so, as also it was the case with other councillors. The Mayor stated that he was a'biding bj the result of the plebiscite recently taken. Cr Galbraith contended that it was necessary for the Mayor to record his vote. Speaking with reference to the result of the plebiscite, the Mayor said that as the council now knew the attitude of the burgesses ou the matter, a motion could be framed to that effect. Cr Harding accordingly moved: “That no play bo allowed on any playing areas under the control of the Woodville Borough Council on any Sundays.” The motion was seconded by Cr McGregor. Cr Sutton inquired whether the motion included the closing of the Municipal Swimming Baths on a Sunday. The Mayor: “No, the council has a. by-law concerning the days and hours of admission to the baths. The Mayor at this stage read the by-law, which provided for the opening- of the swimming baths during certain hours on a Sunday. Cr Macldc: “Don’t you class swimming as a sport?” The Mayor: “It is not a competitive sport. ” Cr Maekic: “If the council is going to be consistent, it should close all the I:orough reserves. ’ ’ Cr Pickering (to the Mayor): “Do you think that the plebiscite was a mandate from the burgesses?” The Mayor: “Yes.” Cr Pickering: “Why was it restricted? Since the last election a number of ratepayers have come into the borough and have-been barred from voting.” The Mayor: “The plebiscite was not restricted. It was not considered necessary to compile a new roll.” Cr Sutton: “We as a council adopted a resolution to take a plebiscite concerning Sunday sport on borough playing areas, and Cr Pickering for one agreed to take the old roll. In fact ho seconded the motion that the plebiscite be taken.” Cr Johnston: “I am not voting for tiie motion because I do not consider that the plebiscite was an unanimous vote from the burgesses.” The Mayor: “It was not an unanimous vote, but it was certain 1) in f«vv our of closing borough playing areas on a Sunday.” CY Maekie:: “What is sport?” The Mayor: “That is not speaking to the motion. I do not consider that I should be asked to define it. Would you consider it consistent to take a plebiscite and not abide by it?” Cr Maekie: “A plebiscite is not legal, it has no standing.” The Mayor: “I admit that the council does not have to abide by it.” Cr Maekie: “Will you close Fountainc .Square, and not allow the band

t) play there on a Sunday?” Tho Mayor: “That is not logic.” The motion was then put to tho meeting and- carried by six votes to three.