SCHOOL CAMP.

Auckland Star, Volume LXX, Issue 122, 26 May 1939, Page 6

SCHOOL CAMP.

TECHNICAL SCHEME.

HEALTH BUILDING PLAN.

ROTORI7A SITE FAVOURED. A scheme to provide a holiday camp for pupils of the Seddon Memorial Technical College is to he considered by a sub-committee set up at a meeting of the College Board of Managers yesterday. The commit toe will consist of the chairman of the board, Miss li. I arnachan, Mrs. A. McHride, two members of the staff, and two representatives of the Parents' Association. In a report presented to the meeting, the principal, Mr. (i. J. Park, said that one of the particular needs in respect to health and fitness in this part of the country scented to l>e provision of an annual holiday for young people of the age* of those in day classes. ''In the present year the physical instructor lias no fewer than 43 boys under his supervision whose weights are under li stone," said Mr. Park. "The medical history of these boys l has been examined and there is usually a very good reason for the boys being of such poor physique, other than ignorance of dietetics which is so often advanced in public discussion on such matters.

"Of Little Value." "I am strongly of the belief that the average holiday spent at the seaside in Auckland is of little value, other than temporary, as far as health and development of the adolescent are eoneerned," continued Mr, Park. "Further, I have always thought that it would be of great value to parents if we could establish a holiday camp, or camps, or at least devise some system of making use of holiday camps whereby boys could have facilities which are necessary for change and recuperation."

Mr. Park added that he had tried to make an arrangement with secondary or technical schools at Thames, Tanranga, Rotorua and Hamilton, whereby accommodation could be exchanged during holiday periods, but he had not met with success.

In conclusion, Mr. Park said he watt personally in favour of buying an area of ground near Rotorua, possibly on the lake front or adjoining the Rotorua High School, where they could gradually build up facilities for cheap holidays for students. Mr. Park eaid that the college staff and pupils had funds and without great trouble could get more money to enable a start to be made with the plan.