RANDOM REMARKS.

King Country Chronicle, Volume VI, Issue 497, 4 September 1912, Page 5

RANDOM REMARKS.

By Onlooker. The event of the season as far as athletics are concerned was brought off on Saturday last, when the Married v. Single football match was played. The ground was rather soft, otherwise, it is aaid, a much faster game would have been witnessed, as the veterans bore a well trained appearance. Some of the attempts on the part of the old war-horses to do the things they used to do were rather ludicrous, but, as before mentioned the state of the ground must be held accountable for a great deal. The veteran forwards were a cut and come again lot, and evidently revelled in the water. One is inclined to think, however, that a little adulteration with it would have been highly appreciated as the game progressed. There are rumours of a return game after sufficient time has elapsed to allow the veterans to get into form. What length of time will be necessary is a question which has to be settled.

The Cost of Living Commission attributes something of the increased cost of living to over recreation, or excessive sport. Presumably the commission has some grounds for its contention but in order to discover exactly what is meant it is probable another commission will be required. The necessary and interesting process known as "drawing the line" is frequently a matter of extreme difficulty. Circumstances alter cases, and broad generalisations cannot fill every individual case. Unfortunately the generalisation is usually seized upon by the person for whom it was not meant. For instance the general statement that over indulgence in athletics was common would not deter the athlete from pursuing his favourite pastime. It would, however, be urged as a reason for the lazy, cigarette loving, listless youth not taking on healthy athletics. Your true athlete, in whom the red blood riuts, finds a better and healthier vent for his energy on the playing field than elsewhere. Admitted that he sometimes over does hia athletics, his course of training and discipline, in order to keep in condition, is of infinite benefit in keeping him from vices which are all too common among young men.

The exact connection between the physical and the mental in man has never been satisfactorily defined. As a broad general rule, however, the physically fit person is much more likely to be capable of .good mental effort than or. .-3 who has allowed himself to run to seed physically. To the average person advancing years do more to els fine the physical limitations of the body than anything else. Judging by the football match on Saturday last the age limit could easily be set a few years ahead and many of our veterans could still be playing the game without disgracing their years. They ran and kicked, scrummaged and scrambled, took bumps, and gave them with a zest that was refreshing to witness. At the dinner in the evening they again proved their worth. Next day they——. But! The truly sympathetic scribe always knows the correct point at which to stop.