THE PLAY ASSOCIATION.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXII, Issue 19177, 17 November 1925, Page 7

THE PLAY ASSOCIATION.

Sir,—Permit mo to direct public attention to the work of the Play Association. Christmas is approaching, and the long school vacation is at hand. Last year, through the generosity of Auckland citizens, we carried on organised games in various centres for young people, and them much appreciated. This year we hope to do the same. We cannot do it without funds. Many voluntary workers give up their time in the interests of children, but we cannot rely solely upon voluntary help. Play associations have gained an important place in English-speaking countries on account of the good it is recognised they do. Quito recently the Prince of Wales and his three brothers "placed themselves at the head of an association of the most eminent men and women in the United Kingdom, to further the project, of increasing the playing spaces in order to afford an opportunity for 'the young to play. The Play Association aims to train and educate through play, to keep young people busily engaged in healthy exercise during the long period of time they are away from school. All games are organised and conducted by capable instructors. No one who saw the happy faces of children who took part in last year's organised games could fail to note their good effect. Magistrates assure us that the time when juvenile delinquency is most prevalent is during the school.holiday. Ought we not to provide children with the means of obtaining profitable and recreative enjoyment during those periods so that they may give vent to their natural activity instead of drifting aimlessly perhaps to mischief or irreparable harm ? I do trust that the Christ mas spirit will enter the people of Auckland and impel them to aid an association whose sole purpose is the betterment of children. No thoughtful person can fail to see the "writing" on the wall" unless steps we taken to improve the physical and moral stamina of our young. Nellie E. Fekner.