VERBAL BOUQUETS IN HOUSE

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 21830, 28 September 1945, Page 4

VERBAL BOUQUETS IN HOUSE

MR. PARRY PRAISED FOR YOUTH WORK

PHYSICAL WELFARE AND RECREATION P.R.) WELLINGTON, September 28. Verbal bouquets in profusion were handed to the Minister of Internal Affairs, the Hon, W. E.'Parry, in the House of Representatives yesterday afternoon and evening: when the discussion was taken on the report on physical welfare and recreation presented to the House last session.

Praise for the Minister’s enthusiasm in the cause of the physical welfare of the people came from both sides of the House and summarised the general attitude by saying that the country was fortunate in having a man of Mr. Parry’s type still young in spirit and able to take up such matters with a vim and enthusiasm they all admired.

Mr. Parry said that the best asset any* nation had was its youth, and the best legacy that cpuld be handed on to youth j was robust health expressed in physical, spiritual, moral and mental values. With good, vigorous, robust health and an attitude of mind, based on those principles, youth would be well equipped for the new world, and those principles formed the foundation for the work that was being done to-day. Referring to what had been done during the war years to provide weekend recreation for factory workers, the Minister said employers had co-oper-ated splendidly and in some instances had paid the full cost. The same kind of recreation could be organised during the years of peace. The Minister advocated the construction of mountain track systems and the encouragement - of youth, hostels and tramping clubs. Facilities should be created at tourist resorts for recreation and enjoyment, and he wanted the physical welfare officers to organise that type of recreation. He also advocated co-operation with the New Zealand Council of Sport to encourage sport.

Mr. Parry added that he thought the subject was one of great importance in the work of reconstruction. He wanted to obtain the united efforts of all. War Difficulties Overcome Mr. W. J. Poison (Opp., Stratford) said he had been surprised to find how much had been done by physical welfare officers in spite of the limitations imposed by the war. Miss M. B. Howard (Govt., Christchurch East) congratulated the Minis-

ter in focussing attention again so soon after the war on the question of physical welfare and recreation. She referred to the benefits derived by men and women during the war from the physical training in service camps, and said she thought it was desirable that they should be encouraged to continue. Too many spectators and too few participants was the main fault with sport in New Zealand, said Mr. Clyde Carr (Govt., Timaru). If the younger people could be given healthy recreation in their leisure hours it would do much to strengthen progress and prosperity.. Consideration to Diet Mr. C. M. Bowden (Opp., Wellington West) said a number of people had thought the Government sought to regiment sport and extend control, but it had been made clear that that was not the underlying idea and it had become generally recognised that the Minister, in particular, had a much more worthy object in mind. He deserved a tribute for his wholeheartedness in seeking to improve not only physical welfare of the nation but cultural activities. A nation’s fitness was the sum of individual fitness, and it might be that their minds would have to range a good deal further than games. The nation’s diet might have to be considered, and also the factors that contributed to a healthy diet.

Mr. E. P. Aderman (Opp., New Plymouth) commended the Minister for his enthusiasm, zeal and vision in the cause of physical welfare. He was pleased the Minister had stressed that there would be no regimentation. There had been a good deal of suspicion that regimentation might result, but the fact that the Minister's department had not accepted representation on the National Council of Sport indicated that he desired that the council should be thoroughly independent, and that fact in itself should allay all - suspicion. “Vote Inadequate”

Mr. G. 11. Mackley (Opp., Masterton) said that in this year’s estimates there was provision for a vote of £5,500 for physical welfare and recreation instructors and he thought that, by comparison with the money being spent on hospitals and mental institutions, that vote was totally inadequate He would like to see something provided in the supplementary estimates, but if the Minister could not get the necessary funds that way he suggested that it might be possible for him to draw upon the Art Union profits. Mr. A. E. Armstrong (Govt., Napier) said he agreed that not nearly enough money provided in the estimates and that something must be done to provide the necessary money. Mr. Parry, in reply, thanked the House for its reception of the proposals in his statement. He was particularly concerned to give help in the building of nurseries so that mothers who were suffering from overwork could get a restul holiday. That, he was assured by doctors, was far better than sending mothers to a chemist with a prescription. As for community centres, he would prefer to see youth training built up first through various clubs, which should be assisted in their formation and equipment. Referring to the value of girls' interhouse marching contests, the Minister said there would be a national display next year with elimination contests in the various centres. The first competition would be held next year in Timaru and the girls themselves would vote on the venue of fhe next competition. The Department was giving a beautiful cup for an annual competition and badges for the members of the winning teams.