NEW PLAN

Hokitika Guardian, 17 September 1940, Page 2

NEW PLAN

SEA CADETS TRAINING

(Per Press Association—Copyright).

DUNEDIN,, September 16

The. physical training of New Zealand youth is being attacked in a new and scientific manner by the Dunedin Navy League Sea Cadets, and so far as is known no other body in the Dominion is using the same method. Every boy in the unit is carefully examined by a doctor and any defects discovered are noted on a medical history sheet. Special exercises will he given to those boys with physical defects in the hope that they will eventually be completely fit for useful service to their country. Periodical overhauls will be given to see how the hoys are progressing. Up to the present, comparatively few of the cadets have been found to- he subject to major defects, although the condition of their teeth is said to be appalling. Most of the minor defects found are badly-formed chest cage and small expansion, and these can be dealt with by special exercises as the boys are of an age when corrective exercises will have beneficial results. It’is realised by the Navy League officers that physical training should be carried out in close co-operation with the medical profession —a medical examination first and instruction and exercise after. The present system in New Zealand is stated to he like starting to build a house from the roof.