OUR OBJECT

Arawa Guerilla, Issue 1, 1 April 1942, Page 1

OUR OBJECT

The motto of the Aidershot Physical Training School is “The Development of the Whole Man,” summarised in the catchwords “MIND, BODY AND SPIRIT.” Nowhere could we find a better motto for this camp and for each soldier who comes to it. Let us remember a motto is not a thing to hang on the wallbut is a living thought to work to. Unfortunately it has taken a war to make our Empire appreciate the full necessity for physical fitness. Physical fitness is not an abstract term for the mass of the people, but it implies the “FITNESS OF THE INDIVIDUAL” and that is the aim that each and every one of us must strive for. Now that our eyes are opened may we not make the mistake of using this ideal merely as a tool in the military

machine, but carry its teaching back to civilian life and try and give its benefits in our homes in future. It is imperative in developing this all round “fitness of the individual” that the mind be concentrated fully whilst doing all the exercises and training work demonstrated. It is useless merely going through the actions shown. Full understanding of the exercises shownthe reasons behind them and application of the mind to get the fullest out of them, produces for you that virile keeness, alertness and physical well-being which makes life worth living. So is created that spirit which will withstand all dangers and hardship and give to you an unconquerable soul, both in your army work and your return to civilian life. J. H. H| Wood, Lt.-Col., N.Z.M.C., Camp Commandant