PHYSICAL FITNESS.

Waipawa Mail, Volume XXXVII, Issue 8362, 28 July 1920, Page 4

PHYSICAL FITNESS.

A DUTY IN LIFE. Some interesting remarks were made by Lieut.-Colonel- G. Mitchell, M.P., in addressing the n.c.o.’s of the physical training class conducted at the Wellington Garrison Hall last week. Speaking of the importance of physical fitness amongst the young manhood of the country, the colonel said that it was absolutely necessary that they should have sound bodies if they were to develop their full usefulness in life. The war had shown what a large number of physically unfit people there were in the country. The number of people that were supposed to be physically strong, and that were found when the test came, to have defects in their constitution and general health, was appalling. Those defects might have been prevented had the country previously looked after the child and then the boy. It was a duty, therefore, to see that everyone was looked after from childhood up, and see that they were developed in eyery possible way, so that they might start with a healthy, strong body in which to develop their intellects. “YOU MUST BE FIT!” “Now, boys,” continued Colonel Mitchell, ■ ‘ ‘ you are here having physical training on the military system, and whether we believe in militarism or not, we have to face certain facts. First of all, it is your duty to make yourselves fit, so that as individuals you can fulfil your proper duties in life. Secondly, it is your duty to be absolutely fit, so that you can perform your ordinary duties in the State. The country never wanted men more —vigorous and healthy men —prepared to fight and work for their country, and it is your duty to prepare yourselves both in school and on the parade ground to take on these duties in life. The next point is that if it should become necessary to fight again—I pray God it will not —is not this preferable to our being a humiliated and broken people and under the dominion of foreigners here? Remember that your greatest happiness is what you give to life, not what you take out of it, and if you think of that and realise that service will give your far greater happiness than greed of gold, you will be happy and contented men. ’ ’