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Otago Witness, Issue 3870, 15 May 1928, Page 68

Of the large number of young lads who have come forward for examination under the Defence Act in Gisborne, the number rejected has not been above expectations, though it has been noted that chest measurements have been rather disappointing on the whole (says the Poverty Bay Herald). The percentage of rejects has averaged about 20, and a number of those who failed to pass the medical examination are lads who, with a little training, could be brought up to the high standard of general physiqud? set by the departmental authorities. lit' is surmised that the poor chest measurements recorded in many cases of rejection are due to cramping exercises, such as cycling, which constrict the muscles of the chest and shoulders. Taking those examined as a whole, the medical officers found this particular dimension rather lowef than is expected of colonial youth.