Sportsmanship in New Zealand.

A few weeks ago a prominent Canterbury sportsman voiced strong opinions reflecting on the sportsmanship, or lack of it, which had been evident in New Zealand this winter. To the credit of New Zealanders his views were favourably received and, no doubt, many who were carried away with excess zeal will have regretted their actions. But, somehow, the Canterbury sportsman's views came to my mind as I watched the finals of the St. Patrick's College boxing championships a few days later. Here I saw sportsmanship par excellence. The victor in a willing bout would be congratulated by the loser, patted on the shoulder as well as having his hand shaken … Then the winner would hold the ring ropes apart while the loser left the ring. Surely these lads have assimilated the difference between sport and sportsmanship! They have knowingly or unknowingly grasped the true conception of the lines:

“When the Great Recorder comes to write against your name
He'll ask not if you won or lost,
But how you played the Game!”