posted on October 19, 2009

'Narrow-minded' - Lamport 'Crazy,' Ald. Saunders says

Published: Friday May 2, 1947
Source: Toronto Daily Star p3

A motion to call for a conference to discuss the possibility of Sunday sports in Toronto was defeated by a vote of four to three in parks committee yesterday.

Ald. Allan Lamport introduced a resolution calling for a conference between a sub-committee of park's members, church and athletic representatives.

Aldermen Freed and Granell voted with Ald. Lamport. Opposed were Aldermen Saunders, Collings, Butt and Shannon.

"There are a lot of children in Toronto living in dingy surroundings who have no place to go," said Ald. Lamport. "If we could get them into organized ball games or watch them instead of allowing them out on the streets breaking windows and getting into mischief it would be much better for the city. I am not trying to break up Sundays. These games could be organized in a decent way and at a time when it would not interfere with church or Sunday school." "You say you do not want to break up Sundays," exclaimed Ald. Saunders. "That is exactly what your motion would do.

"Organized ball is nothing more than going to a park and batting a ball around," said Ald. Lamport "The people in U.S. are more progressive." "Their home life is not comparable to ours," replied Ald. Saunders.

"You can play golf, go sailing or do many things on Sunday if you have the money," continued Ald. Lamport. "What about those who haven't the money?"

"They can go out in the park," smiled Ald. Shannon.

"Whoever says that baseball is operated for the benefit of the people is wrong," added Ald. Butt. "Do you think the big clubs operate for marbles? Their primary motive is money. They don't give a continental whether the children go to church or Sunday school.

"I have been to ball games in Montreal and Buffalo on a Sunday and I feel I am just as much a Christian as anybody here," persisted Ald. Lamport "I practice my Christianity all week long, not just on Sunday."

"Would you like to see the work of the church and Sunday school workers made more difficult?" Ald. Saunders asked. "I don't think it would," returned Ald. Lamport.

Ald. Lamport then suggested a sub-committee be set up to study the matter. He asked Ald. Saunders to serve on it. "I wouldn't serve on such a committee," replied the alderman.

"That is the most narrow-minded view I have heard you take," said Ald. Lampot.

"My answer to you is that you are crazy," exclaimed Ald. Saunders, as the chairman called for order.

"I didn't accuse him of anything," protested Ald. Saunders.

"I am amazed at anybody who comments like that," shouted Ald. Lamport.

First vote taken by he committee resulted in a tie, with three for and three against. Ald. Collings, the acting chairman, cast the deciding vote against the resolution.