YOUTH MOVEMENT

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22629, 18 January 1937, Page 8

YOUTH MOVEMENT

' The proposal to launch an Empire youth movement during the coronation celebrations has everything to commend it. It will be an inspirational period in the life of the Empire. The King and Queen will take their vows anil the British peoples will affirm their allegiance. Throughout the days of brilliant pageantry and rejoicing the hearts of the united peoples will throb as one and their single soul will find expression. But greatest of all will be the emotions that are felt but l cannot be given utterance. No week, as the Times has remarked, will be without some great, celebration which will radiate loyalty and the sense of an Imperial destiny which binds the peoples of the Dominions. Never could there be a happier moment to inaugurate an allembracing youth movement to give renewed life to those that exist, create new ones and inspire all with a common purpose and sense of fraternity. From this scheme the plan for nation-wide physical education may derive force and efficiency. Critical contrasts between Britain and some Continental countries in this matter have been made, but it is certain that the methods to be adopted in Britain cannot be the same as those, for instance, of Germany. A good groundwork is in being, but what is needed is a compelling initiative to build upon it an Empire-wide structure wherein free youth will fit: itself for high service in every sphere. It must be admitted that one of the sad legacies of the depression has been a crop of victims who cannot be blamed for their laggard spirit. The movement will more than justify itself if it restores in this group the spirit that is the foundation of individual as well as national health.