H—22

From reports on 530 projects completed and in use for a minimum of six months it lias been found that the average increase in playing members has been 22 for each grant made. This represents an overall increase of 11,660 active participants in sportand recreation from approximately 43 per cent, of the grants made to date. It is not inferred that without grants being available the number of active participants in sport would be 11,660 less, nor is it possible to ascertain whether or not active participation would have increased in any case, bearing in mind the constant work of the Branch in promoting new activities and assisting established ones. The fact remains, however, that no grant is made if it is considered possible that the organization concerned can carry out the project without assistance, so that it is probable that, by making possible the provision or completion of additional recreative facilities, grants have been a decisive factor in increasing participation in recreative activities. Camps and Conferences As in past years, Branch assistance has been made available in regard to recreational activities and various camps, including Y.M.C.A. camps, health camps, and the first New Zealand University Students' Congress. An innovation this year has been the girls' camps organized and conducted throughout by Physical Welfare Officers. Two such camps catering for an average of 70 campers were held at Wanaka in an effort to provide a holiday or complete change and relaxation for South Island business girls. A camp on a similar pattern organized by the Otago district office was held at Glenorchy. Following the success of these camps, consideration is being given to the possibility of making them annual affairs and increasing the numerical scope of the undertaking. Information Service Since it is essential to maintain the efficiency of the increasing number of recreation leaders by a constant flow of up-to-date information and teaching material, the work of this section has expanded considerably. Cyclostyled material on many aspects of recreation has been built up for distribution to certificated and advanced leaders. This material is derived from local services and from overseas recreational agencies, with whom an interchange of information takes place. The- value of the film as a recreative and sports coaching agency is realized by Branch administrators. A small, specialized film library has been built up, and is being supplemented with new material whenever possible. Included in the new material will be recreational films produced by Branch personnel, preliminary work in this direction having already, commenced. To enable full use to be made of the films, projectors are to be made available to Physical Welfare Officers in the main centres, with possible extension of this service to smaller districts in the future. Five Information Service Bulletins covering the fundamentals of soccer, cricket, softball, and athletic coaching have been published or are in course of production. A booklet covering model constitution and rules for clubs and community centres has been produced and distributed. During the past twelve months extensive tests have been carried out using a general-purpose illustrated folder designed mainly to introduce school leavers to adult recreational activities, but also applicable to adults who do not take part in such activities but wish to do so. The reports of tests made are yet to be compiled and co-related.

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