Unforseen Development in Mechanical Age

Manawatu Times, Volume 60, Issue 278, 25 November 1935, Page 2

Unforseen Development in Mechanical Age

PASSION FOR WALKING An unforseen development in this mechanical ago, when wo have all been in danger of losing, through neglect, tho use of our legs, is the quite sudden and.extraordinarily popular passion for walking. It is probably tho most health-giving sport that has been adopted throughout tho world, and it has tho great advantage of taking us far afield instead of confining us to an aero or two of ground. Walking, or “hiking," as we havo learnt to speak of it, is a splendid training for practically every form of athletics. It keeps tho muscles supple and develops stamina, tho latter being tho most necessary asset in modern games. ' Among its many advantages is this: Tt affords unique opportunities of seeing the countryside, and if tho hikers combine observation and some knowledge, however slight, of tho trees, birds and flowers of the country then sport will bo tho more enjoyable, and Nature in its many moods will be understood. Rambling clubs have boon in existence for a considerable period in England and on the Continent. The ramblers appoint a leader, whose job it is to learn tho history and features of the country through which the ramble leads them. Thus a natural and enjoyable form of education has evolved.

The youth hostels, which first came into existence on the Continent, are tho immediate outcome of this desire, on the part of urban populations, to walk. Houses for use as hostels have, in some cases, been given tb the association, and in other cases they have been bought. Thus there is an infinite variety in the typo of hostel, ranging from barns, disused privuto homes, to manors and castles. Sleeping accommodation — double-decker beds, straw mattresses, blankets and clean sheet sleep bags—aro provided for a shilling a night. When those hostcis were first formed, land-owners, farmers and country people set up a storm of protest. They were apprehensive of tho damage which hordes of undisciplined hikers might do. Hiking was scoffed at as a mere evanescent craze, and ' others pointed out tho danger of moral laxity.

Tho hostels, however, havo fought their battle, and have won, and none of the bogies suggested by their opponents have borne fruit. Wardens are in charge, and those who use tho accommodation are expected to do some sort of work before leaving in tho morning; tho men chop wood, tho girls sweep and dust, and thus charming and happy companionships come into being. Clothes aro an important factor in producing complete satisfaction when walking. They must bo chosen to suit tho country through which tho walk is taken. In the thick scrub or bush, shorts or divided skirts mado of strong material such as drill aro the most sensible. The legs, however, should bo covered with knee-length socks to prevent scratches, stings and tho like.

Footwear is probably tho most important external factor for a walk. Strong shoes are a necessity, but, above all, they must be easy and comfortable. Feet have a habit of swelling in tho heat, and if shoes become tight tho walk will be an agony rather than a joy. Woolen socks or stockings, whichever is preferred, prevent tho feet from blistering or aching. Ankle-length woollen socks drawn over lighter stockings aro a help, but the wool against the foot is tho better proposition.