RECREATION AND FITNESS

Southland Times, Issue 23740, 11 February 1939, Page 3

RECREATION AND FITNESS

Committee Appointed

At Bluff

PROPOSALS DISCUSSED FOR CAMPAIGN

Tentative proposals for the physical fitness campaign, which will be conducted from February 18 to February 25, were discussed at a meeting of the Bluff district committee recently formed under the Physical Welfare and Recreation Act 1937, which was held in the council chambers. The Mayor (Mr John Cameron) said he had convened the meeting to acquaint those who had been appointed to the committee with the objects of the Act, and to allow the committee to make a start with the arranging of a suitable programme 'for the physical fitness campaign. The Act had as its object the promotion of . sport and physical exercise among the people of New Zealand generally, with special attention to the improvement and extension of recreational facilities in all parts of the Dominion, he said. It would be the duty of the committee appointed to interest the people of Bluff in physical exercise and recreation, and to further the objects of the Act, subject to the control of the National Council. The town clerk (Mr H. A. Ferguson) read the ministerial authority setting up the district committee in Bluff. The Minister of Internal Affajrs (the Hon. W. E. Parry) had appointed the fol-

lowing persons, he said, as members of the committee: the Mayor (Mr John Cameron), Mr A. E. Budd and Mr O. F. Metzger, representing the Bluff Borough. Council, Mesdames M. M. Pearce and E. Weir and Messrs J. W. Lopdell and D. E. S. Mason. All were present at the meeting, with the exception of Mr Metzger. ” PROGRAMME FOR WEEK The necessity for drawing up a comprehensive programme for the physical fitness week, beginning ,on February 18, was mentioned by Mr Cameron. A tentative programme had been submitted by the Department of Internal Affairs for the committee’s guidance but the adoption of the proposals it contained would depend on the finances available. The Minister had intimated that many of the suggestions would be impracticable in the smaller towns. It was decided that an official programme be issued at a later date. Tentative proposals for the campaign included a combined church service and a sports meeting for the Bluff public school and the Bluff Dominican Convent.

A sub-committee consisting of, Mrs Weir and Mr Budd was appointed to’ interview the various sports bodies with a view to obtaining their cooperation during the campaign.

Mr Budd said that the Annette Kellerman Cup race would be held in Bluff Harbour .on February 19. This would fit in with the campaign and would be an additional attraction.

It was decided to approach the Invercargill City Council to arrange, if possible, for the periodic use of the Municipal Baths should adverse weather interfere with open-air instruction in swimming. Members pointed out that the sea did not offer adequate facilities for instruction in this important form of recreation.

Emphasizing the need for improved facilities at Bluff for sport and recreation, Mr Cameron said that development would depend largely on the support given by the public. There was a great need for public swimming baths at Bluff. Bathing in the sea was possible only at certain periods of the year. At Argyle Park there was room for many improvements such as had been made at Colac Bay. Accommodation could be improved, he said. Another facility which would be a definite asset to the port was a gymnasium. Other . matters which could receive consideration were the provision of suitable recreation grounds and the opening up of bush walks. For these facilities, finance was needed and it was essential that the public be interested in the development of these matters which so vitally affected the well-being of the community. PERSONAL Mr T. Robertson, of the Customs Department, New Plymouth, is visiting Bluff and is staying, with his mother, Mrs E. Walscott, Burrows street SCHOOL EXCURSIONS TO THE PORT More than 900 excursionists spent an enjoyable day at the port yesterday when the combined schools of the Riverton and Edendale districts each held their annual picnic at Bluff. The special train from Riverton carried 606 passengers and a further 300 arrived by train from Edendale.

The weather was warm and sunny, and Bluff was seen at its best. The bush and road walks over the hill, Stirling Point, Argyle Park and the beach all were popular attractions and few of the visitors were seen in the town itself. The presence of an overseas liner, the Port Line steamer Port Hunter, caused interest and many visited the wharf to watch operations. Today the Waimea Plains district school will make an excursion to Bluff and the nupils of the North Invercargill school will hold their annual picnic at the port.