GAMES ESSENTIAL

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17231, 24 December 1923, Page 8

GAMES ESSENTIAL

development of youth. The value of physical training of schoolboys was emphasised by Mr J. Drummond, headmaster of the Auckland Grammar School, at the school prize-giving “An attempt has been made this year,” said Air Drummond, “to induce every boy who is physically fit to take part in organised school games. To judge from the number of requests from parents that boys should be exempted for reasons other than physical defects, I should say that the value of such training is still imperfectly understood by many. These games, apart from their influence upon health and physical development, do much to foster courage, initiative, and self-con-trol. I have no sympathy with those who put school sport before school work, or condone idleness in school because of prowess in the football or cricket field. But a boy who passes through the school without taking part in school games misses half his training for worthy and effective citizenship. The danger to life and limb in school football, at any rate, is usually exaggerated, while in other games it is negligible.”

Speaking at the prize-giving ceremony o fthe Mount Albert Grammar School, tho headmaster, Mr F. W. Gamble, said that a high educational authority had assailed tbe modern boy s attitude toward games. No doubt the boys would be quick in rebuttal. “In a country where sport is almost a matter of national prestige,” said Mr Gamble, “ opinions expressed in the newspapers create undue interest. lam afraid that this question is too decided by now to be oven controversial, and I merely desire to make the humble suggestion that Mount Albert boys be excluded from tbe universal condemnation. V our Paying conditions render us liable to the suspicion of pampering, we shall then prepare to meet the charges. 1 should like to make out a full case for crirket, but I must be content to say that my hope is to make cricket our real school come a. soen as funds and grounds are avail-