FITTER PEOPLE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 22991, 19 March 1938, Page 17

FITTER PEOPLE

OBJECT OF NEW ACT APPOINTING THE COUNCIL EARLY ACTION INDICATED It is hoped by the Minister of Internal Affairs, the Hon. W. E. Parry, who is at present recovering from a slight operation, that in a few days' time he will be able to make arrangements for the appointment of an adviser and council under the Physical Welfare and Recreation Act. The legislation provides that the council will comprise the Minister, the Under-Sec-retary of Internal Affairs, the DirectorGeneral of Health, the Director of Education, a person to bo appointed by the Minister of Defence to represent the naval, military and air force of New Zealand, and not more than 10 other persons to be appointed by the Minister and to hold office during his pleasure. The general function of the council will bo to advise the Government on matters relating to the maintenance and improvement of tho physical well-being of the people by means of physical training, exercise, sport and recreation, and related social activities. its particular functions is the directing of public interest to the national value of physical welfare and creation. Mr. Parry said yesterday that the popularity of the legislation and tho desire of sports bodies to assist, were responsible for many applications for tho offices to be filled. It was the wish of tho Government that tho "council should be thoroughly representative both of cities, town and country districts and the selection of members would not be an easy task. "Naturally we desire that the men and women tcfbo appointed to the council should have a national outlook and a wide interest in sport and physical recreation," added the Minister. "They should also possess administrative ability and be able to inspire enthusiasm in tho development of the work to be undertaken. More and more our people are realising the ad-' vantages to their health and general well-being of physical culture and recreation, and I look forward to the time when training for physical fitness will be regarded as an essential part of daily routine."