A GYMNASIUM FOR AUCKLAND.

Daily Southern Cross, Volume XXII, Issue 2738, 3 May 1866, Page 6

A GYMNASIUM FO R AUCKLAND.

To the Editor of the Daily Southern Cross. Sir, — By recent English newspapers, we learn that in many of the principal towns in England the public are alive to the benefit which is derived from athletic exercises. In London, Birmingham, and Manchester, large buildings have been, or are now being erected for the above purpose. With enthusiastic spirit the formation of companies has been most successfully carried out, and the physical and moral benefit derived from gymnastic exercise will readily be acknowledged by all. In this city at least two-thirds of the population are, during six days in the week, busily engaged in sedentary pursuits, and very many of that number are Tinable to obtain the necessary amount of exercise requisite for physical health. Why can we not follow the example of our, friends at the antipodes and set energetically to work, by forming a Gymnastic Club here ? I anticipate we should have no great difficulty in finding a suitable building. The Parnell Hall would be an admirable place ; but perhaps a more central room might be found. Among my own friends I know several who would join in the undertaking, and I am acquainted with two gentlemen who have had considerable experience in gymnastic exercises on the Continent. Funds might be raised either by annual subscription or a limited company, with shares at £1 each. The latter plan has been generally adopted in England. I shall be pleased to hear if there are others who coincide with my views. — I have, &c, Un Amateur de Passe-temps G-ymnashqujes. Parnell, April 30, 1866.

The Bishop of London, it is believed, will lose no time in bringing under the notice of Parliament tho present working of the rubric respecting the dress of ministers and ornaments of the Church. His object will be to get the r übric repealed, and there is no reason to doubt that he will be warmly sustained by the author of the celebrated "Durham Letter,", now? at the head of the Government. — Pott.