HEALTH AND THE HILLS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVI, Issue 189, 12 August 1935, Page 6

HEALTH AND THE HILLS.

Your correspondent Mr. Edmonds questions my comparison of Waitakere Ranges winter temperature with that of the city of Auckland. These comparisons were made 'between temperatures recorded 011 a thermometer in the Waitakere Ranges and those published in the Press for the eitv of Auckland between 19-25 and 1931. Only to-day I viewed a large patch of beautifully green growth of peas in full bloom on an open and exposed hill in the Waitakeres, and I doubt if anything similar could be found in Auckland. In my letter I stated that in my over 20 years of studies and observations of the effects on human health, the benefits derived in these ranges from correct living, in elevations, aspects, etc., suitable to different physical and nervous disorders are phenomenal. It will 'be observed I stated "correct living in elevation aspects," etc. This is important, because, for example, where living in elevation of 1000 ft or more above sea level, which is above fog line, would be very beneficial to, say, a dyspeptic, it would not be to an asthmatic, but the latter would derive very material benefit at an elevation from 500 ft to 600 ft above sea level. The best elevation for human habitation in the Waitakeres, I find, is above frost and below fog lines, but I can assure your correspondent that those suffering from human physical or nervous disorders who would not derive material benefit by living between these two elevations in suitable aspects in the Waitakere Ranges would have little hope for any place other than a cemetery. It may sound strange that many people, especially many of those suffering from consumption, die because they are too lazy to live. In other words, they will not make sufficient effort to strengthen their weak lungs. The law of exercise applies to our lungs just the same as to other organs of the body. The exercise for our lungs is by deep breathing. That for our legs is by walking. If a man was to sit and not use his legs for only six months he would find they would become so weak for lack of exercise in that short period that they would not be strong enough to carrv the weight of his body. PHYSICAL* CULTURLST.