Theatre And Radio Fare: Parents Chided

Greymouth Evening Star, 21 May 1949, Page 8

Theatre And Radio Fare: Parents Chided

From investigations made into theatre and radio programmes, by delegates, it seemed clear that, locally at any rate, the chief culprits were parents themselves, stated the executive committee’s report to the annual meeting of the Greymouth branch of the National Council of women recently. It was no uncommon occurrence for a children’s programme to be poorly attended while a programme later the same day, labelled “recommended for adults” was shown to a large number of children in the audience. Very much the same thing happended with radio programmes. Those at present responsible for programme arrangements from the local station, seemed to make every attempt to keep “thrillers” and similar sessions for those times when children would normally not be listening, but it seemed clear that parents allowed children to sit up later in order to hear these.

After dealing with the year’s activities, the report , went on to state that in common with other branches the Greymcuth Branch was concerned with the problem of finding the wherewithal to meet its commitments. The problem was whether a number of small efforts ovei’ the year or one big effort would be the better. It had been decided to hold a “shop day” which it was we hoped would solve the problem. Two new delegates and two new associate members were welcomed. Members stood in silence as a mark of respect to the memory of Mrs Daniels. Mrs Stewart, who presided stressed the need for a knowledge of social science by all who took an interest in public affairs and urged members to show an active interest in the forthcoming visit to Greymouth of Professor Marsh, a trained social worker. , It was decided that the National Council give its support to the Federation of Women’s Institutes in its efforts to have a bus shelter erected at the cemetery entrance. In an effort to interest more associate members in the work ol the National Council of Women, it was decided to invite any women, who are interested, to attend one meeting as guest-observers. Headquarters work to the effect that the works of the National Council was badly hampered by lack of funds. In order to carry on without having to cause the levy paid by affiliated societies, it was decided to hold a “shop day” in July. Officers for the ensuing year were elected as follows: —President, Mrs R. A. Stewart; secretary, Mrs IlJones; treasurer, Mrs M. Nelson; vice-presidents, Mesdames Hazeldme and Lowes.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY NECESSARY TO LIFE physical activity is just as essential to life as are food, air and water, states an article issued by the Heakh Department. When anyone's muscular activity stops, he no longer needs, food, air or water, because he is dead. Because only a very slight amount ot physical activity is necessary to support life, Nature has provided for us a very moderate exercise programme which goes on 24 hours a day and serves as a jumping-off place for any additional exercise we take. In this respect the body is like a motor-car engine idling along, but ready to deliver plenty of power as soon as the throttle is opened. When we speak of exercise we usually mean additional physical activity over and above the minimum which Nature maintains to keep life going. The amount of exercise and the kind of exercise taken must be determined by the physical condition as well as by the kind of work normally done. By exercise we can improve our bodies physically and emotionally. In our 20th century lives we tend to follow the path of least resistance and take advantage of.all the labour-saving devices we can afford to buy. The result of this kind of living is becoming disastrous. Many groups of our body muscles have been jhrown into such disuse and those still functioning are so moderately used that they fatigue very quickly. With muscular inactivity the vital body functions and the organs of digestion, circulation and excretion slow down correspondingly, with consequent lowered resistance and too often an increase in body weight. It’s a law of Nature that organs as well as muscles grow stronger with use; with disuse they grow weaker. To get the most out of the organs and muscles, use them; but use them intelligently, don’t abuse them. The body functions best when it is kept physically busy; but, like all good things, exercise and physical activity become harmful if they’re carried too far,