KEEPING FIT

Te Awamutu Courier, Volume 58, Issue 4187, 22 May 1939, Page 8

KEEPING FIT

HON. W. E. PARRY’S VIEWS. SOUND PHYSICAL INSTRUCTION. Reference to the aims and objects of the Physical Welfare Legislation was made by its sponsor, the Hon. W. E. Parry, Minister for Internal Affairs, after an inspection of the Hamilton Fire Brigade’s new station last Saturday. “Apart from its work in fire fighting, I see visions of the new station playing an important part in the welfare of the Waikato district and of the country as a whole,” he said. “The station is equipped with all the facilities to serve its purpose and, in addition, there is a splendid gymnasium for the men,” continued the speaker. “This, I hope, will be an important factor in .the Dominionwide health and fitness campaign which the Government has in hand at present, for in it can be laid the foundations of the leadership which are so necessary. One had only to look at the splendid physique of the firemen in 'all parts of New Zealand to see the beneficial results of such institutions. “With the firemen in Hamilton receiving sound physical instruction I have hopes that they, will be able to further our aims by giving the benefit of their knowledge to other people. It is all very well for the public to ask why the Government does not go straight ahead and do something with, regard to the health and fitness campaign, but they do not realise the work that is entailed. In the first place, we are sadly lacking in leadership among the people, and without that factor no campaign can hope to succeed. Thus I hope that the firemen, having received instruction in physical fitness, will be able to form clubs of other citizens and impart thenknowledge in one of the greatest ano most valuable schemes this country has ever seen. “As yet, we have only laid the foundations of the scheme, but we are not letting the grass grow under our feet,” continued Mr Parry. “The firemen, who are a splendid type, are willing to co-operate with us, and there seems to be no limit to the possibilities of the campaign. For instance, in all parts of the country we have racecourses, large open spaces which are used only a few times a year. Surely they could be put to good use at other times for demonstrations and physical fitness displays. However, before the campaign can be at all successful everyone must realise that the job is not to be left to the other fellow. In order to help themselves and to benefit the nation every man, woman and child must do his and her bit.” • i