PHYSICAL WELFARE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 83, Issue 27, 3 February 1939, Page 6

PHYSICAL WELFARE

WANGANUI ACTIVITY FORMATION OF COMMITTEE SPORTS BODIES SUPPORT Arrangements for the suitablt celebration of National Fitness Wee) in Wanganui, from February 18 t< 25, were discussed at a meeting ol representatives of sports clubs anc local bodies in the City Council Chambers last night. The attendance was not large but the gathering was representative of practically every sports organisation in the city. Aftei the matter had been discussed at length, the meeting set up a committee to make arrangements for the celebration of the week.

Mr. W. J. Rogers, Maypr of Wanganui, who presided, said that he was pleased to be Mayor when Road Safety Week was held recently. The co-operation of the city was very much appreciated and the display very gratifying. The legislation providing for National Fitness Week had been passed in 1937 and did not expect that anyone at the meeting would question its wisdom.

Mr. R. J. Donald, president of the Wanganui Rowing Association, said that the suggested campaign for the recruiting of members of sports clubs was the most important aspect of the celebrations. There were far too many young men and women woh did not take part in any sport at all and they were the people who should be recruited into some sport. Path of Youth. Mr. N. R. Bain, president of th. Wanganui Lawn Tennis Association said he doubted whether much coulc be done by example. His view of the position was that the youth of to-day was too much inclined to idle on the beaches rather than take an active interest in healthy sport. The path of youth was being made too smooth.

Mr. A. C. Bourgeois, president ol the Wanganui Athletic Club and the Wanganui Baseball Association, felt that something could be done by example. Baseball, he said, had only started in Wanganui a few months ago and yet it already claimed 12C players. There were many young boys who could be interested in clean, healthy sport, and both the tions which he represented were prepared to co-operate. Mr. Bain explained that he was not endeavouring to discourage the scheme. It had his support and the support of tennis players. “Four-fifths of the baseball players,” said Mr. J. W. Broad, “were youths who never took an interest in sport." He added that there was a gerat opportunity in Wanganui. Sport and Culturo. Mr. A. L. Rounthwaite, secretary of the Y.M.C., said that the practical experience of his association was at the disposal of the committee. The new physical curriculum laid less emphasis on physical exercises and more emphasis on the ou/door life and culture.

On the motion of the Mayor the meeting unanimously expressed its support of the proposals and promised its whole-hearted co-operation with the Minister of Internal Affairs. Mr. J. J. Scott suggested that a committee of not less than 12 members should be set up to formulate proposals for the week. The following committee was set up: Captain J. W. Barry and Messrs. W. J. Robinson, A. N. Campbell, R. J. McDonald, F. C. Jannings, A. C. Bourgeois, W. Herd, J. W. Broad, O. Hales, F. W. Gilligan, C. Palmer, D. P. Laird, R. Francis, Miss M. E. Baker and Mrs. M. R. Simpson. The Dominion Chief Commissionci' of Boy Scouts, Mr. Hector Christie, is to be invited to send a delegate to the committee.

At a subsequent meeting of the committee Mr. W. J. Rogers was elected chairman, Mr. G. Murch secretary, and Mr. C. R. White, assistantsecretary.