PHYSICAL TRAINING IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS.

Tuapeka Times, Volume XVII, Issue 1049, 11 June 1884, Page 6

PHYSICAL TRAINING IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS.

The physical trainiug of the youth of a country in a matter of national importance. This fact has long been recognised in England, as is evidenced by our national sports ; but in Sweden calisthenics have for many years formed part of the national system of education to the great benefit of the whole population. This fact was clearly demonstrated in this country by Lieutenant (now Captain) Victor Balk, of the Swedish Army, some three years ago when he visited England with a numerous party of Swedish officers and gentlemen to study the system of gymnastics in vogue in our military gymnasia atid public schools. Subsequently Lieutenant-colo-nel Gordon Cleather, Inspector of Military Gy.nnasia, accompanied by a numerous staff, composed of officers of the regular army and auxiliary forces, together with nearly a score of staff sergeants, ins true- j tors of military gymnastics, visited Sweden to study the Ling system of calisthenics as there taught, and inspect the military gymnasia of that country. On the return of this mission to England, Captain j R. H. Armit (Central London Rangers) forwarded a report through his command- ! ing officer to the military authorities, and, as stated, at the time, this report was forwarded to the Home Secretary by the Commander-in Chief. Since then the Council on education has had the matter in hand, with the result that it was decided some time since to introduce the Swedish system of physical training into the board schools of this country. For this purpose an application was made to the Swedish Government for the loan of an officer to organise a system of calisthenics on the Swedish model in the London Board Schools, and, iv reply to this request the King of Sweden has been pleased to appoint Captain Hanrsum, of the 2nd Rej»iment, the Swedish Royal Guards, to perform this important duty. Captain Haarsum has arrived in London, and entered upon his duties forthwith, commencing by instructing squads of Board School teachers and children. The interesting report sent in by Captain Armit to the military authorities gives details showing that the Ling 3xtension drill is taught without the use of dumbbells, fire-arms or weapons, sticks or weights. It consists merely in movements of the head, arms, legs, feet, and body, performed in sucii a manner and with such regularity and exactitude as to bring every muscle of the human frame into play, and make it perform its proper and natural function. The great advantage of the Ling system is that, by its means, the weak can receive instruction in physical excercises, which must tend to strengthen their constitutions, and, at the same time impart to them a cheerfulness and vigor of mind they would never otherwise attain. It also assists military organisation by preparing youths to understand military drill and by strengthening their powers of endurance. The pupils are taught, to climb, leap, vault the horse, j and other simple but nevertheless useful exercises. Captain Armit says :—": — " The introduction of this system would cost the taxpayer nothing beyond the salaries paid to the instructors, as no appliances of any kind are required. Our present instructors are well qualified to learn and teach the Ling system. On the other hand, recruits for the army would present themselves, not as untrained men, but as men proficient in every essential point necessary to form a soldier, except the rifle excercise, which latter it would not take long to teach them."