HEALTH AMONG YOUTH

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 19845, 20 May 1927, Page 5

HEALTH AMONG YOUTH

PROMOTION OF SPORTS HAMILTON RESIDENT’S BEQUEST "During a lifetime of intermittent illness, and five years of hospitals and serious illness, I have given some . thought to matters pathological and [have conic to the firm conviction that I cure is in Ihe hands of the gods, and I not as frequently alleged, in the hands 'of the British Medical Association, but [prevention is unquestionably in the hands of parents, doctors and governments.”

This extract from the will of the late Mr Herbert Smith, who bequeathed £lO,OOO for the purpose of the promotion of health-giving sports and games among children, was read at the annual meeting of the Secondary Schools’ Association in Hamilton.

The matter was brought up for discussion when a letter was read from a Hamilton firm of solicitors to the effect that an expression of opinion on any educational problems raised by the will [would be appreciated, as it might be that any advantage accruing from the bequest could only be obtained through the school organisation and consequently by the efforts of the association.

A sub-committec set up to go into the matter later reported to the conference that the objects aimed at would bo best obtained by establishing and subsidising health camps. Route marches for boys and skipping for girls could be made special features of such work. The sub-committce was of the opinion that it would be undesirable to spend the money on cither individual or team prizes, but that the greatest number and those most requiring it would benefit if the fund were expended in employing a number of mon and women competent to carry out such work. If the money must be expended on prizes the sub-committce considered tjiat the most practical method was to present permanent trophies for competition in the primary schools. It was pointed out that as it was impossible to answer all the questions in so short a time the matter be referred t<» the executive for serious consideration. The report was received.