TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 1924. THE OPEN AIR.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 30 December 1924, Page 4

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 1924. THE OPEN AIR.

During the last few decades the attitude of people towards fresh air has undergone a marked change. In mid-Victorian times closed rooms, avoidance of draughts and extreme “nursing” of the body were generally thought to be necessary for health, but, in later years with the advance of medical science and a much wider knowledge of • bacteria., the value of fresh air and sunlight has become better recognised. There are few people in these days who think of sleeping in rooms with the windows completely closed, and ' the desire to spend more time in the open air is in ptany eases insatiable. The benefits derived from, the open air are reflected in a longer average of -years among the people and generally better health, for the greatest enemies of disease germs are sunlight and fresh air. Doctors frequently advise their patients to spend a few weeks at a seaside resort or in the country where the air is clear and not contaminated by the grime and dust of a city. ' The results, when the advice is acted upon, are soon apparent, for the human body, severely damaged though it may be by the relentless action of germs, nearly always responus to the changed conditions. New Zealanders are very fond of being in the fresh air, and at this time of the year the sea beaches throughout the Dominion are visited by thousands of people whenever the weather is fine, and the visitors inhale- the life-giving ozone which will make them fit and restore the energy consumed during the months when their daily work has claimed their main attention. South Taranaki, rich in blessings, has its beaches at Opunake and Patea, while at a number of places along the coast between those towns there are sandy spots and river mouths which serve as nappy resorts for a large number of residents in the district. The people of Hawera and district depend mainly upon the Waingongoro, and this popular resort

has grown and improved very noticeably in the last few years. Many seaside houses have been built an various improvements for the general good have been effected. But Ohawe in the mild days of summer is far diflerent from what it is in the wil'd days of winter, and, as shown by letters appearing in Saturday’s Star, the rough weather has caused damage which those who- have taker, their part in improving the resort desire to have repaired as soon as possible. . Their power to restore the windmill, which high winds have put out of action, depends upon the response of the public to the appeals made, and we hope that on New Year’s Day people will contribute generously to the fund. The supply of fresh water adds greatly to the pleasure of the beach, and it is hoped that it will soon be possible to have it restored. The roads have been difficult for motor traffic during the past few days owing to the rain, and it is a pity that so much delay is taking place in having them metalled. However, improvements are being effected year by year, and if public support is forthcoming the needs of Ohawe will be the quicker supplied. As a. health resort for people of Ha.wera'and district, Ohawe is invaluable,, and if visitors and those who spend the summer months at this seaside spot will each contribute a reasonable amount at regular intervals, within the next few yearp progress at least equalling, 'probably surpassing, that of the past will be made. We hope that the response on New Year’s Day will be generous.