YOUTH PHYSIQUE

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 57, Issue 30, 14 November 1936, Page 5

YOUTH PHYSIQUE

TRAINING IN SCHOOLS. QUESTION OF ORGANISATION. CONSIDERATION BY MINISTERS. (Per Press Association.) - BLENHEIM, This Day. Physical education in the schools and organisation for post- scholastic physical culture are questions which are being considered by the Ministers of Education and Internal Affairs. . . The Hon. P. Fraser, who visited Blenheim to-day, lay the foundationrtono of the new Blenheim School and to open the swimming baths, presented to the college by old pupils. Mr Fraser stated this morning, that this year some quite alarming reports had been received from colleges, particularly Wellington College, regarding the physique, posture and general conditions of children coming from primary schools. The reports of the investigation by Dr. Ada Paterson (Director of School Hygiene) and Dr. MoIlwraith (Chief 'School Inspector) were far from reassuring. The question or increasing the scope of physical education would be considered with a'view tj> ensuring that the young people ot the Dominion had every possible opportunity for physical development, said the Minister. Answering a question as to the possibility of J. E. Lovelock taking over the direction of physical training, the Minister said that the matter was one for Lovelock himself, who had two years to go before completing his medical studies in London. It would. then bo for him to say if New Zealand could afford him a useful sphere of work. “After listening to his addresses and witnessing his modest' deportment, I am convinced that there could be no better man. to lead the youth of New Zealand,” the Minister said.