NATION'S HEALTH.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVIII, Issue 98, 27 April 1937, Page 5

NATION'S HEALTH.

PLACE OP SPORTS. DOMINION COUNCIL PLAN. REPORT FOR MINISTER. A discussion by representatives of Auckland sports bodies in regard to their various claims and needs, in the light of the plans for a national council of sport as outlined last month by the Minister of Internal Affairs, the Hon. W. E. Parry, was an interesting conclusion to a series of addresses on "Keeping Fit—How and Why," under the auspices of the Workers' Educational Association. The outcome of this meeting, which was on the subject of "Health Through Sport," was that sporte bodies will be asked to express opinions with the object of submitting a comprehensive report to the Minister. The chairman, Mr. Alexander MacGregor, president of the Royal Life-sav-ing Society, outlined points from Mr. Parry's address to the conference held in Wellington. The Minister had said that the foundation of a system of national physical wellbeing must be in the schools, but there was room for a national council to encourage intellijrent co-ordination of after-school sport and recreation, without interfering with existing organisations. Mr. G. Grey Campbell, chairman of the management committee of the Auckland Rugby League, agreed that a beginning must be made in the schools, and this would require properly-trained instructors or games organisers. Local bodies might be asked to survey existing recreation facilities and to forecast their requirements. Auckland's facilities were satisfactory in some directions, but in others thev were not.

Miss F. G. Miles, secretary of the Auckland Basketball Association, described basketball as eminently the most suitable women's sport, and said attempt* were being made to extend it to country districts. Auckland had not sufficient accommodation for its 1000 players, and transport was another problem. There was as yet no adequate coaching in the schools.

Mr. H. Duncan, a member of the management committee of the Auckland Cricket Association, referring to the popularity of cricket in country as well ae city districts, said playing areas in Auckland were by no means adequate. Three essentials for the future were adequate playing areas, good practice and match wickets, and good coaching. In these directions the Government could give substantial assistance. A Government inquiry into the cost of sports goods was also desirable. Training of the Child. —~ The advantage of team frame* in the cultivation of honour and loyaltv was pointed out by Mr. A. Murdoch, a* member of the management committee of the Auckland Rugby Union, which, he said, was catering for 3000 players in the city alone. Rather than "organised sport 7 ' he would advocate scientific training of the individual child through the primary and secondary schools. The chairman of the Auckland Swimming Centre, Mr. T. C. Hobbs-Jones, said swimming could meet the needs cf women and the young, and even of the deformed and the blind. It was surprising that support from the public and even from civic authorities, was so poor, he said, and mentioned that Otahuhu, with its 10,000 population, as well ae other similar centres, had no swimming bath. Baths should be built to teach swimming in out-of-the-way districts. Mr. A. Gardner, chairman of the surf section of the Royal Life-saving Society, said his society, while not a sporting organisation, was interested in any form of physical development. The importance of life-saving would increase as leisure increased and more people used the beaches. It was regrettable that funds were so scarce for the work. The 30,000 Spectators. Mr. X. Wilson, a member of the executive committee of the Auckland Hockey Association, said any sport deserving to be organised nationally should involve such qualities as physical fitness, courage, self-control, unselfishness and team spirit. Hockey called for all these in a high degree. In the course of a general discussion Dr. Selwyn Morris agreed with a remark made by the chairman to the effect that it could not be assumed that people would automatically be active in sport after school years." He thought the problem of the 30.000 spectators who might be watching 30 in action had been somewhat neglected. The speakers really represented that minority of the public which had an active concern with sport, while the problem was one of physical education in the widest sense, which had to continue many vears after school. It was decided to prepare a report on the points brought out, forward it to the various sports organisations for their consideration, and then to convene a further meeting with the object of compiling a comprehensive report for the Minister.