The Star. TUESDAY, APRIL 9, 1901. ATHLETICS IN SCHOOLS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 7068, 9 April 1901, Page 2

The Star. TUESDAY, APRIL 9, 1901. ATHLETICS IN SCHOOLS.

Comparatively little has been heard lately of the movement to popularise athletics in the primary schools "of New Zealand. This does not indicate necessarily that the enthusiasm which marked the movement a few months ago has evaporated, and that with its disappearance has come a corresponding reaction in the movement itself. On the .contrary, there is every reason to suppose that the good seed sown last year is fructifying, and that it is likely to bear a ' generous crop of fruit. In other words, athletics have secured a firm hold at anyrate in the primary schools of this part of the colony, and give plenty of evidence of flourishing. This is eminently satisfactory. As we have said over and over again in these columns, athletics are not the most important part of a. lad's training, but they are a very essential part nevertheless. In a leading article which appeared recently, the London " Times" expressed very strong views on this subject, and ifc supported them by pointing out the fine record established in .South Africa by the athletic successes of the English Industrial Schools. And if it is true that Waterloo was won on the playing fields of Eton, it follows that the future Army of the. Empire can be Ftrengthened by the multiplication of schools in which the useful lessons taught on the cricket field and football grounds can be learned. There is nothing to prevent- the culture of field sports being made universal. There is no birth-monopoly in athletics. The peer is seldom a better cricketer than the commoner, and very often a worse one. Again, money is not essential for the gratification of a taste for athletics. The junior clerk and the humblest assistant- can afford to play most of the games that are played in this colony, aud ( they generally can spare enough time to learn to play them scientifically. Further, the democratic influence of athletics must not be forgotten. Once on the playing field all social distinctions are cast aside, and for the time being capitalist and working man, and master and* servant, meet on level terms and in perfect harmony. Many reasons, therefore, exist in favour of encouraging athletics in our schools. We have the evidence of the "Times" to show that they have exeroised a beneficial influence on the' military forces* of the Empire, and we have the evidence of our own eyes and experience as proof of the assistance they lend to those who journey along the peaceful : walks of life.