DIRECTOR OF SPORT.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVI, Issue 259, 30 September 1936, Page 10

DIRECTOR OF SPORT.

POST FOR J. E. LOVELOCK? MINISTER’S OBSERVATIONS. CHRISTCHURCH, Sept. 28. “New Zealand would indeed be fortunate if it could have one of its own men, with a world-wide reputation, assisting in the physical welfare of its people,” said the Minister for Health (Hon. IJ.1 J . Fraser) when interviewed in regard to an unofficial report that consideration is being given by the Government to the appointment of Mr J. E. Lovelock, the New Zealand Olympic champion, as the head of a proposed new State department to direct sport and recreation in the Dominion, with a view to organising the physical development of the people. In indicating that tho matter was still in an indefinite stage, the Minister said the question of Mr Lovelock’s services being utilised in the interests of physical education in the Dominion was a possibility that had been speculatively considered by the Minister for Internal Affairs (Hon. W. E. Parry). The first public reference to the matter was made by the secretary of tho New Zealand Olympic Council (Mr H. Amos), and, as the subjects of physical instruction in the schools and the health of the community were of great importance, he (Mr Eraser) had discussed privately with Mr Amos the possibility of Mr Lovelock’s services being available within the next few years. With Mr Lovelock’s medical training, his knowledge of hygienic and general health principles (including dietetics), his prowess on the athletic field, and his general cultural attainments, it was possible that he could be of immense service to the young people of the Dominion, said Mr Eraser. He added: “However, as I have indicated, the matter is as yet entirely in tho speculative stage, and it will probably be discussed with Mr Lovelock during his forthcoming visit to New Zealand.”