The Athletic Craze.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 6755, 9 February 1892, Page 2

The Athletic Craze.

The influence of games and athletics on schools has grown, is growiog, and (says the Melbourne Argus) ought to be diminished. It is quite true that the attainment of a sound mind in a sound body is, or should be, an object of education. It is better to have too much physical exercise than too little, but in the present state of public opinion tho latter danger may be neglected as imaginary. If fame is the spur that the clean spirit doth raise to spurn delights during the period of training, and to livo days that are laborious for the body, not as Milton meant for the mind, tho modern boy wi!’. naturally prefer cricket to Euclid, and the glories of football to the wooing of the Muses. To make a big score in a match far surpasses honours at matriculation. The spirit of school patriotism subtly suggests that doing well in games is better for the school, and more unselfish. It is only in the aftertime that intellectual work will tell. It will readily be allowed that tho " ail round boy,*’ such is their pbrass, is the best of all, the boy who works well, and plays vigorously. But if only one side oan bo developed, which would tho masters choose ? An answer is suggested by tho way in which the selection of assistant head masters often prefer the man of prownoss in games to the ablest and moat experienced teacher. One man shall have a bettor degree, shall understand psychology, shall have mastered the theory and dis-

tinguished himself in (he practice of education. The next, with an inferior place in class-lists, has been in the University eleven. Can anyone doubt which would have (he better chance, whether in England or in Australia P But until lately a preference for the athlete has not touched the higher post. Head masters at least have not been chosen for their muscle, nor for their success in games. But in November last at Hartlepool, in the north of England, the head master of a grammar school had to be elected. There was close upon a hundred candidates, some of high univertity distinctions, one a fourth and another a sixth wrangler. The man chosen was a Cambridge passman and twenty-three. He was a crack football player, and his services were keenly desired for the local team. It is reported that a large crowd gathered while the governors of the school were making their choice, and that when they had made it the liveliest enthusiasm prevailed. This incident is memorable, as it probably denotes the highwater mark of modern athleticism. The morals are so obvious that we forbear to draw them.