PHYSICAL CULTURE FOR WORKING GIRLS.

North Otago Times, Volume XXXV, Issue 7264, 12 October 1891, Page 4

PHYSICAL CULTURE FOR WORKING GIRLS.

— ° — f A striking evidence of increasing huniauitftrianism 'a the interest, taken iu the cond tlon of wockiug girls. The necessity of recreation is recognised, And steps are taken in all large cities to provide for these girls innocent and healthful amusements, instead of leaving them to seek tbo questionable pleasures which are so easily within their reach. Those who enj-.y Bocial clubs, endeavor clubs, and tha excitement i Attending meetings with their associates, have alieady opportunities to break the monotony of work \ but there ia yet a large class of girls of quiet taste* and 6pecial home interests who seem unprovided with wboleeome change from tber narrow round of work and- thought. For these a new plan has been BUgseated, baring its or Kin in Boston. It w to provide a fu>ly-equipped gyrpnaa urn where yirls may learn to r >w, to swim, to 'cyo'e, to play tennis ', loarn to enjoy all ihe advantages to health derived from loose dresde?, physical exercise, and cheerful emulation. Every girl is to - bo examined by a med cal tuan, and exercises are to be prescribed in accordance with her personal wants. Girls •re to be taught how to sit, walk, and stand, and how to dress for grace and comloit; and, moac important of all, how to itat frhen tree). A late article ia thfl Boeton Traveller upon this subject contains ihe following pain •tfo of special intereet in its sugges. tiveneu : Mis* Narey, • successful teacher of gymnastic*, oted many oases which had come under her own obiervation, of working gir'i who had been mado strong by gymnasium practice. One who bad been troubled wilh severe headscbes was cured by a course of what are called ••mandarin movemeats," in which the muscles of the neck and head are strengthened; •nether was in a critioal condition from sleeplesinese, and was in a terribly nervous state. Her blood was started from iti sluggishness and she began the calisthenics and her ailments are now things of the past. The good effects of these methods are especially noticeable in girlt of a nervous temperament, and even those whoae health is good and who are fortunate enough to work for employers who have oon•ideration for them, are given renewed strength and stamina which they need as a reserve forco. The mind is kept alert too, and fita of depreeaion whioh are apt to beset the feminine portion of khe human family d s»ppe*r to return no more, under the ii.Bpiring influences of gymnastics.