RECREATION GROUNDS & HEALTH

Evening Post, Volume CIV, Issue 50, 28 August 1922, Page 11

RECREATION GROUNDS & HEALTH

to mi BDItOR.

Sir.—Rtcent correspondence in "The Post" would appear to indicate a somewhat belated revival of interest in the above subject. Speaking as one who has interested himself in this BUbject during practically the whole of his life, maihly from a, utilitarian point of view, I want to say that the various writers have missed the most important point. Never before in the history of the world has there been greater need for an organised, State-supported, rational system of physical culture than now. Without quoting ■ statistics, there can be little' doubt that *we are physically de-' teriorating—the ■ evidence is before us on every'hand. The marvellous intellectual progress of the last fifty, years has been accompanied' by a corresponding falling»off in the development of the body. Virilfij robust. games such as boxing,' wrestling, and football—although judging by the crowds''that continue to watch the latter it apparently still holds its popularity—are fßat giving place to gentler, games, which, although providing exercise, are not calculated to produce, or d«vefc>p, ,that sterner side of human nature which is a vital necessity. I could not help feeling regret on reading an account of Dr. Findlay'B Very interesting lecture, which appeared in your issue of the 16th inst. He did not give us the benefit of his' knowledge and advice, and tell how best to develop our powers of resistance, to disease^ I am satisfied j that such information1 would be of im-l mense value, I have, on previous occasions, touched on the effect of the introduction of labour-saving machinery into every department of industry as one of the most important factors,' but this btirtg unavoidable, the necessity of counteracting it is doubly emphasised. I would suggest—with all due respect to the B.M.A.—that the' Department of Public Health snould add physical culture to its activities. Advice ' might also be given as to the danger of cigarette smoking, the futility of gum ehewirtg, the Value of an upright carriage, and correct breathing, etc, llie amazing part is that1 so Jniieh intelligence, time, and money is expended on the production of pei'fe<!t ht>rses,: pigs, and dogs, in short, On nearly all domestic animals, while man—the noblest of all—is neglected., Jack Dempuey, who won £80,----000 in hie fight with Carpentief for the world's championship, it Hot 'aS useful a member of society as the man Who grows vegetables or who mends roads. Summed up, we want a lead from someone. I- have been an-athlete all my life, and realise how little' I know, but after ,mu,ch reading and listening to W-hat has been told me, I have come to the conclusion that physiedt culture is still in its infancy. 'It is sometimes exploited by the q'uauk and practised by the more or lens intelligent trainer. 1 contend that the Government should not only substantially subsidise sports bodies, but' recreation grounds should "Be,provided, if not free, at a minimum cost. Expenditure in this- direction would eventually produce a return ml the shapo of a more virile race with improved* health, a condition which must not be underestimated. Jn conclusion) I consider :that the administration must be in the hands' of pro^ pei'ly qualified persons in order 'to-1 achieve this benefit. —I am, etc., • J. DOYLE. 25th August,