IMPROVEMENT IN PHYSIQUE

Southland Times, Issue 24005, 21 December 1939, Page 9

IMPROVEMENT IN PHYSIQUE

MEMBERS OF BOYS’ CLUB CHANGED OUTLOOK ON LIFE Some months ago a Boys’ Club was formed in Invercargill by Mr Lloyd Woods, area recreation officer of the Department of Internal Affairs, and already the physique and health of the members of the club have shown noticeable improvement. One of the results of the formation of the club has been that bbys who found themselves with nothing to do in the evenings now occupy their leisure hours with recreation in various forms at the club. Their outlook on life has been changed and the contact with other boys of their own age has had a very beneficial effect. These remarks were made yesterday at a meeting of the Invercargill com- | mittee appointed under the Physical Welfare and Recreation Act, by Mr Woods, who expressed himself as very pleased with the progress made by the club. The boys had shown much enthusiasm and had entered into the exercises and games in spirited style. One of the sports they had indulged in was boxing and, considering that most of them had never had gloves on before, they were making a good showing. He would be surprised if the club did not produce some very promising boxers. One problem that would have to be solved next year was that of accommodating the boys, who were at present using the Y.M.C.A. gymnasium. A strong effort would have to be made to find a home for the club members. An apology for absence was received from the Mayor (Mr J. R. Hanan). Mr W. A. Ott, deputy-chairman, presided. Consideration was given to the recommendation by the Southland Provincial Council of Sport that because of the urgent need for improvement to, and enlargement of, Queen’s Park, the City Council be recommended to take steps to extend the hockey and cricket grounds over the roadway between it and the Gala street reserve, to include the reserve. “The Queen’s Park ground at present used for cricket is much too bumpy and is definitely dangerous,” said Mr A. W. Jones. To enable the ground to be properly prepared for cricket, it would probably have to be closed for two seasons. He did not think that the roadway should be taken into the ground. Mr D. Harris pointed out that if this were done it would mean that the many cyclists who used the track would have to travel by Gala street. It was decided that the president of the Council of Sport (Mr A. J. Deaker) should be asked to accompany the members of the committee on an inspection of the -area.