MASTERTON GYMNASIUM AND PHYSICAL TRAINING SCHOOL.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume XXVIII, Issue 7725, 26 March 1904, Page 2

MASTERTON GYMNASIUM AND PHYSICAL TRAINING SCHOOL.

The Couauaittee of the Masterton Gymnasium and Physical Training School are to be congratulated upon the very successful season experienced in 1903, but if rumour can be relied upon, the season of 1904 promises to eclipse it from all standpoints. The school's membership list included the names of 161 pupils at the close of the 1902 season, but during 1903 extensive additions were made to the Gymnasium, and the membership was brought up to 212, an increase of 51.

It is hardly necessary to point out the great benefit persons derive by taking systematic exercise under proper supervision, such as obtain at this school. The following pamphlet, issued by the Committee last season, is worthy of perusal:—" How many of our brairt workers, of our business and professionjjlL men, have sacrificed health, strength and C happiness by following this rule: ' Haven't time to take care of health.' In exchange for this sacrifice, many, it is true, have accumulated wealth, but large fortunes are usually spent in vain endeavours to regain even a portion of their former physical vigour. To sacrifice health and strength for riches and fame is as bad as tearing out the foundation of a house to decorate a front wall. You are not too old. The most glorious result of physical exercise is ihut itenablesone to retain the vigour and energy of youth years beyond the usual time for showing ago. Eemember you are as old as you look, feel and act, and if your muscles and joints are kept supple, your brain clear and spirits buoyant, you will always feel youug. He who devotes his time and his interest to any form of athletics with no higher or better object than to win a contest is not wise. There is something much greater, much more improtant, involved. The logical object and intent of physical culture should be to make the most of nature's gifts, to conserve as well as to develop the bodily powers, so that we might live longer, live better, and therefore become more useful members of society."

The annual meeting of menbers is to be held in the Gymnasium on Thurday, April 7th, when the following will be submitted: —Y r our Committee has much pleasure in submitting for your approval, the third annual report and statement of accounts. The school during the past term, has made the most satisfactory progress, the membership now standing at 212, as against 161 in 1902; an increase of 51.

Your Committee note with pleasure the keen interest taken in the work of the school by members of the various classes, and the capable manner in which your instructor, Mr Oldbury, carried out his duties. Mr Oldbury has been again engaged to take charge of the classes during the coming year, and your Committee hopes to see a further improvement in the work undertaken and in the physicial development of members. The season closed with a display in the Town Hall, extending over two nights, and a glance at the balance-sheet will show, that financially, the venture was a success. Your Committee desires to express its gratification at the very excellent programme submitted.

Owing to the large increase in the number of active members, your Committee was compelled to expend the sum of i>lßs in enlarging the Gymnasium. This outlay necessitated a re-arrange-ment of our lease from the Town Lands Trustees. The old lease, which had eight years to run, has been cancelled, and a fresh lease for twenty-one years, at a rental of £5 per annum, has been executed by the Trust and the School, the Trust retaining a j£so interest in the building. The Masterton Football Club, who held an interest under the old lease, have the use of the Gymnasium free of charge for one night in each week for eight years, being balance of old lease; and for the remaining thirteen years they pay £2 per annum.

In accordance with the resolution passed by members, the school has been registered under the " Unclassified Societies' Act."

The School has lost two enthusiastic members, by removal from Masterton, Messrs S. A. Noble Campbell and W. M. Lambie. The thanks of members is due to those gentlemen who kindly presented medals for competition. The thanks of members is also due to Miss Jago, pianiste, for her regular attendance during practises for tbe display.

Reverting to the balance sheet, you will notice that members' subscriptions amount to .£122 9s, which is an increase of £25 on last year. It is a matter of congratulation, that all subscriptions have been paid, and, likewise, that all accounts against the school have been settled. Our income shows an increase of £52 over last year, and although our net bank overdraft is £247 10s 4d, still our assets exceed our liabilities by £102. Nevertheless, it behoves members to individually do their utmost to reduce the overdraft by promptly paying their subscriptions for the coming season.

Miss 0. Jago has been appointed pianist for the coming year.