GOLF ON SUNDAY

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 80, Issue 274, 18 November 1937, Page 8

GOLF ON SUNDAY

METHODIST PROTEST

LORD GALWAY CRITICISED STRONG VIEWS EXPRESSED I Per Press Association. ] CHRISTCHURCH, Nov. 17. The Governor-General, Lord Galway, was outspokenly criticised at the North Canterbury Methodist Synod this afternoon for “participating in a golf tournament” on a recent Sunday. After discussion, in which several members expressed strong views on the matter, and Synod refused to amend a motion (proposed by Rev. W. A. Burley) to refer to “those in authority” instead of specifically to .the Governor-General, the following resolution was passed unanimously; “This Synod records its conviction that Sunday is a day primarily for spiritual refreshment through Christian fellowship. It deplores the present tendency to use the Lord’s Day for amusement purposes, and it is grieved to know that on a recent Sunday, His Excellency the GovernorGeneral countenanced this misuse by participating in a golf tournament. We urge all our Methodist people to use Sunday for the culture of the spiritual and remember it is the Lord’s Day.” “I think we have a right to criticise the action of the representative of the King when he flouts Christian opinion by opening a golf course on a Sunday. We can’t compel everyone to observe Sunday, but we expect the Governor-General to set an example,” Rev. Burley said. A member said that it was not the opening of a golf course, but a Returned Soldiers’ Association tournament. “I don’t see much difference between going into the country and going after a little white ball and going out motoring and taking the children for an outing,” said the Rev. H. L. Blamires, adding that there was a difference when contests were held, and that he was deeply grieved to see His Excellency countenancing the matter by taking part.” Mr H. M. Hamilton: “It may be that the Governor-General will have logical reasons, and before a great body of Methodists like this denounces him he should be asked for an explanation.” Rev. H. Ryan (district secretary) said that the King could not be imagined doing such a thing in England, and that It would not be out of place respectfully to remind the Gov-ernor-General that he was the representative of the King and ought not to do so. Mr Blamires said that the tournament was a private party. The chairman (the Rev. Clarence Eaton) then advocated reconsideration of the wording of the motion, saying that there were fellow Christians who did not regard golf on a Sunday as harmful. A Member: “Do you call them Christians, Mr Chairman?” “Yes. We have to be charitable ano broadminded.” The chairman’s suggestion was noaccepted.