NATIONAL FITNESS.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIX, Issue 67, 16 February 1939, Page 10

NATIONAL FITNESS.

A resolution to the effect that compulsory military training would be the most effective measure to ensure the success of the National Fitness Campaign was passed by the Dannevirke County Council on Tuesday. Circulars regarding the campaign and “Fitness Week” were received from the Counties’ Association and the Department of Internal Affairs, the latter forwarding a specimen programme for the use of country communities during fitness week. The chairman (Cr. A. H. Hansen) said that one county council had adopted the attitude that military training would solve the difficulty. Or. C. V. Frederickson said the Government was definitely lacking in not making training compulsory. The chairman considered that most people in the country were physically engaged. There was no doubt, he added, but that the Government should be commended for instituting the “Fitness Week” an there was a need for the nation to take hold of the situation. As a county, he said, he doubted their ability to do very much save lending their moral support to what was done in the towns, as it would be difficult to arrange anything of any value in the county. Cr. H. Stratford said he felt that military training would adequately meet the position regarding young men as well as providing for the defence of the country. “I never felt so disgraced in my life.” ho said, “as when I heard recently that we are spending £1 os per head annually on protection while the Old Country is paying £9 os.” He moved that the council pass a resolution that, they considered compulsory military training the Government’s best means of achieving physical fitness. The resolution was then carried.