PHYSIQUE OF BOYS

Taranaki Daily News, 20 December 1930, Page 7

PHYSIQUE OF BOYS

GRAMMAR SCHOOL TESTS.

CORRECTION OF DEFECTS.

■Excellent results have followed the institution of remedial exercises and games at the Auckland Grammar School for the correction of physical defects. The school is the largest in New Zealand, having a roll number at the end of the year of 890, so that the physical classification test carried out there should provide a reliable index to the general standard of physique among adolescent schoolboys. Reference to the physical welfare of the boys was made by the headmaster, Mr. H. J. D. Mahon, in his annual report at the breaking-up ceremony. Mr. Mahon said the height, weight and posture of all the boys were recorded and all variations from the normal noted. It was found that about 80 boys were not only far below the weight for age-and-height, but also had defects of posture—flat chests, flat feet, round shoulders, exaggerated curves of the back and. in a few eases spinal curvatures. Remedial exercises and games for the correction of these defects were instituted and subsequent tests revealed a marked general improvement, and in many eases tho complete elimination of serious physical abnormalities.

“Under this organisation the most interesting squad in the gymnasium consists now of the cripple and infantile paralysis cases,” said Mr. Mahon. ‘‘lt. is a delight to all of us to note the improvement and the consequent happiness these boys have obtained from the exercises devised for them. Those below the normal in weight-height for age were reserved for <■ medical examination. In this work we had the co-opera-tion of a committee of old boys, who are medical practitioners in the city. As a result of their examination 40 parents were notified of the cause of their boys, ill-health or poof physique, and advised to consult their own doctors. This, with few exceptions, they did, and several boys who were listless and apparently dull have, since receiving the necessary medical attention, manifested a lively interest in their school work and the school life. “In the second term the standard test was used to reveal defects in eyesight. After the examination by, the masters 60 boys were sent to be re-examined by an oculist. lam glad to report that only in the case of a few of these were the parents put to the expense of providing glasses. It will be gratifying to the board and to the public of Auckland to learn that our examination and the reports of the doctors and the oculist reveal a high standard of health and physique among dur boys. Mr.' 0. R. Baeh, who took a two years’ course abroad in physical education, and to whom the School is' greatly indebted for the enthusiasm with which he has developed this department of our work, reports that in health and physique our boys compare favourably with those from good homes in some of the best Californian schools. I note with pride, as the result of our gymnastics, calisthenics, and numerous, organised games, the improvement in the. physiqno and carriage of our boys. They are beginning to realise that correct and dignified posture generally connotes a wenpoised body and mind.”