ATHLETICS AND MORALS.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XXXI, Issue 7913, 29 September 1909, Page 1

ATHLETICS AND MORALS.

The discussion of a paper on "Athleticism" at the meetings of the British Medical Association m London, recently, elicited a very strong and largely unanimous testimony m favour of exercisesi that come under that head from those best able to judge of their effect. As a tutor for more than thirty years, Dr Traill declared that his experience with, over 900 young men who had passed through his hands led to the belief that the physical and mental effects were of a kind to conduce to a' healthy moral temperament. Sir John Barr went even further than this, declaring it to be the duty of medical men to instil into young men, by precept and example, a love for athletics. "The more hazardous the game the better," said Sir John, "for the development of the character and the individual. ... Training should commence at home, and m the elementary schools." The last point opens a matter that has for long and often been m dispute. In the home life one is' accustomed to hear the too careful and slightly nervous mother or. sisters check the wild, boisterous hilarity of the younger sons with, the caution, "You will hurt yourselves." Is that always wise? Sir John Barr would appear to think not, and to advocate indulgence i of even "dangerous", play m the homo and at the schools. Need it be said that neither of the speakers had anything but condemnation for the practice of some who take their exejeises vicariously, and content themselves with looking on at others.