SPORTS PROTECTION LEAGUE.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Issue 1520, 12 June 1919, Page 13

SPORTS PROTECTION LEAGUE.

There was a representative attendance of sportsmen at the annual meeting of the Auckland branch of the New Zealand Sports Protection League. The chairman, Mr. John Rowe, presided. The annual report stated that the policy of the Board of Control during the war had necessarily been a “goslow” one, but now that this necessity was over there was plenty of work to do. The chairman, in his address, said that with the cessation of hostilities the league should now resume its full activities, for "which the S 3 branches were in a splendid state of organisa-

tion, and quite ready to play the game in the coming election. The league was proud of the magnificent part played by members of sports bodies in the war. Experience had shown that active participation in athletic games is most conducive to those physical qualities and habits of discipline so necessary in the preparation of the soldier. The branches of the league throughout New Zealand would at all times endeavour to promote a public opinion in favour of physical training in the primary and secondary schools. This could be done by advocating better equipped playing grounds in connection with the public schools. The position in this respect at present was quite unsatisfactory, and a- great field is offered here for the activities of the league. The Minister of Internal Affairs, in speaking to a deputation in Christchurch the other day, stated that efforts should be made to induce members of Parliament to grant further facilities to racing and trotting clubs. This the racing and trotting conferences will deal with, and if they require any assistance the league will doubtless hear from them. In reply to a question by Mr. Gleeson, the chairman stated that action would be taken to foster any branch of sport. A resume of the activities of the league was given by Mr. R. W. Shallcrass, general secretary, who advocated enlisting the support of public men to lead public opinion in the direction of good clean sport. The election of officers resulted in the re-election of last year’s officials, with the addition of Messrs. ,L C. Gleeson and 11. Frost as vice-presi-dents. The Hon. E. W. Alison, Messrs. C. E. Major, and R. B. Lusk spoke, the first-named paying a tribute to the work of the chairman, and a vote of thanks was carried to him by acclamation. The secretary. Mr. F. W. Edwards, was also accorded a vote of thanks.