PHYSICAL FITNESS

New Zealand Times, Volume XLVI, Issue 10651, 26 July 1920, Page 5

PHYSICAL FITNESS

A DUTY IN LIFE TRAINING BODY AS WELL AS MIND. Some interesting remarks were made by Lieutenant-Colonel. G. Mitchell, M.P., in addressing tho n.c.o.'s of the physical training class conducted at tho Garrison Hall last week. Speaking of the importance of physical- fitness amongst the young manhood of the country, the colonel said that it was absolutely necessary that they should have sound bodies if they wero to develop their full usefulness: in life. Tho war had shown what a largo number of physically unfit people there wore in the country. The number of people that were supposed to be physically strong, and that were found, whe-u tho test camo, to have defects in their constitution and general health was appalling. Those defects might have been prevented had tho country previously looked after the- child and then tile* boy. It was a duty, therefore, to see that everyone was looked after from childhood up, and see that they were developed in every possible way, so that they might start with a healthy, strong body in which to develop their intellects. "YOU MUST BE FIT!" "Now., boys," continued Colonel Mitchell, "you are here having physical training on the military system, and whether wo believe in militarism or not, we have to face certain facts. First of all, it. is your duty to make yourselves lit, so that its individuals you can fulfil your proper duties in life. Secondly, it »is your duty to bo absolutely fit, bo that you can perform your ordinary duties in the State. The country never - wanted men more* —■ vigorous and healthy men—prepared to fight and work for their country, and it is your duty to prepare yourselves both in school and on the paradd ground to take on these duties in life. The next point is that if it should become necessary to fight again—I pray God. it will not—is no}, this preferable to our being a humiliated and broken people and ' under the dominion of foreigners here? Remember that your greatest happiflesg is what you give to life, not what you take out of it, and if you think or that and realise that service will give you far greater happi? ness than greed of gold, you will be happy and contented men/'