GOOD HEALTH.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIX, Issue 300, 20 December 1938, Page 6

GOOD HEALTH.

PHYSICAL CULTURE.

SPORTS ORGANISATIONS. A WORD TO YOUTH. Questions in relation to the joining up of the various sport* and kindred organisations in the work of the Xational Council of Physical Welfare and Recreation were referred to by the Minister of Internal Affairs, the Hon. JV. E. Parry, when replying to a deputation yesterday. The Minister said he had read the speeches made at school breaking-up ceremonies and had been impressed by the thought ami consideration given by headmasters of primary and secondary schools to the necessity for general activity in physical instruction to boys and girls. As chairman of the Physical Welfare and Recreation Council, he was delighted that the views expressed by the speakers were in accord" with views he held of what was required for our youth to-day. Character, diligence, human energy and all that went with those characteristics were the most valuable of all assets, and. ultimately, the soundest security. An enviable Model. "The Xcw Zealander is able to say as often as lie pleases, 'Xew Zealand is a great country.'" said Mr. Parry. '"The Dominion merits that description, for it has much to give. We must sing its worth, its praises, for here ill Xew Zealand we enjoy a fuller freedom and a higher standard of health and comfort than are enjoyed in many other countries. We can furnish less fortunate, countries an enviable model. One of the greatest factors making for a happy, healthy and successful life is a feeling of confidence in one's self—to be fit and able, not only for one's usual calling in life, but for any emergency.

"To the boys I declare that good health and fitness with a clean moral outlook —a keen eye and movement working in unity —can come, only with care in the training of their lvxlies and minds. One has only to compare the human machine with the inanimate machine to realise how neglectful we are of ourselves. We all seem to know that if we neglect the engine in a car or the engine in a flying machine what to expect — the service from it would be. indeed, poor and absolutely unreliable.