PHYSICAL WELFARE

Grey River Argus, 13 March 1942, Page 7

PHYSICAL WELFARE

VISIT OF MR. A. G. HARPER.

A SUCCESSFUL TOUR.

Many jobs are easily done for the simple reasons that they were worth doing. This applies, in no uncertain way, to the work that has been accomplished. in the mining centres ol the Coast in providing amenities for the men, women, boys and girls m the way of baths and other recreational facilities. These innovations are a natural expansion of the intentions of the Physical Welfare and Recreation Act sponsored by the Government and under the direct control of the Department of Internal Affairs. Mr. A. G. Harper, Chief Physical Welfare Officer, who is giving much of his time to the propagation of the principles of the movement, has just concluded a visit to the West Const and expressed his gratification at the splendid work, despite the many other demands on his time, done by Mr. Schadick in the Buller in the cause of health and the betterment of the living conditions in the mining districts. Baths and tennis courts, of standard dimensions, have been provided at Denniston and Stockton, and similar amenities are in course of construction at Millerton. Mr. Harper was particularly impressed with the miniature pool provided at the Granity School where the children can be taught to swim. The bowling greens were also visited and Mr. Harper was much taken up with the apparent difficulties which had to be faced in their construction. However, he was firmly of the opinion that the benefits of the greens 1 would more than compensate for the initial troubles. On return from the country tour, Mr. Harper was met by the Mayor of Westport (Mr. J. M. Robertson), and Mr. A. Taylor, who recently resigned from the position of Town Clerk. The officer took the opportunity to wish Mr. Taylor, whom he had met on several occasions in Wellington, in connection with local Government matters, many years of happiness in his retirement and congratulated him on a record of service on which he could look back upon with pride. * The Victoria Square was visited and an inspection made of the work done under the E.P.S. and also the children’s playing area. Later, Mr. Harper paid a visit to the Municipal Baths and witnessed a specially ar- ; ranged display of life saving by a 1 team of girls. The visitor congratulated Mr. Keesing, who was in charge, on his able instruction and on the valuable community service he was rendering. Unfortunately the weather was against a' display of physical exercises by Convent pupils, 1 which had also been arranged, and It had to be cancelled. Visits to the O’Conor Home, North and South Schools, Technical School Grounds, Trotting Track and other places of interest were also included in the itinerary. The Town Hall and new County Chambers were also visited. At the latter offices tea was provided by the staff. The Home Guard physical instructors were seen in action at a' parade held in the Army Hall. Mr. Harper congratulated the instructors on their work. On Monday evening the School Assembly Hall, Westport, was visited, and a number of the Guard were seen at gymnastic practice. . The importance of the provision of a modern gymnasium, which could be utilised as a community centre, was referred to by Mr. Harper, who indicated his intention to discuss with the education authorities at Wellington, and also the. Nelson Education Board, the possibility of acquiring the Assembly Hall, which in the near future would not be in use, for such a purpose. Mr. Harper’s Westport visit was punctuated with talks with men and women interested in physical welfare. Accompanied by Mr. Ai. D. Spencer, Physical Welfare Officer for the West Coast, Mr. Harper left Westport for Greymouth and Hokitika on Tuesday, 3rd. inst. That evening the Home Guard Physical Instructors, at a special parade of the local unit, were inspected, and the visitor spoke highly of their work. Over 150 men paraded at Hokitika on Cass Square, and physical training was continued until darkness set in. Mr. Harper, briefly addressing the men, congratulated them on their fine showing and .very evident enthusiasm. On Thurs; day, Reefton was visited. The Chief Officer was met by Mr. Banham. who is in charge of the Nelson district. Mr. Harper attended the annual In-ter-School sports meeting and pre-' sented the trophies to the successful competitors. He was extended a' welcome by Mr. Stanley and was given a rousing reception by the children. At the conclusion of the ceremony the visiting party were guests of the Committee at afternoon tea. An address by Mr. Harper to the teachers on physical welfare, for which he was accorded a' hearty vote of thanks, concluded a very happy function. Later the visitor attended a meeting of the Reefton E.P.S. Committee and also discussed matters affecting local government with other bodies. Mr. Harper left for Wellington last Saturday evening. The Chief Officer at every opportunity emphasised the importance of physical exercise as a road to perfect health and pointed out that habits of the' kind were very important to-day. The strong and fit were never licked no matter what their age might be. To keep vital, agile and youthful for as many years as possible, exercise was an important factor. It was not a matter of big muscles or how much one could lift. The main object of exercise should always be the welfare of the entire human organism. It was the great physiological benefit that counted, and that can be seen without the aid of a tape. As Mr. Harper pointed out to the Reefton children, the Government’s desire wtas to build a sound mind in a' healthy body.