CONCERNING "TAKING A HOLIDAY."

Auckland Star, Volume XXXVI, Issue 45, 22 February 1905, Page 9

CONCERNING "TAKING A HOLIDAY."

;(By E. H. Bakewcll, MJ3.) So many persons are taking a holiday, just about thi3 time that it seems a few words on the best way of doing so may be of use.

I have just been reading a book, the life of a very well known Anglican clergyman, whose method of taking a holiday, though a very common one, seeih9 about the worst that the wit of man could devise. He was a very hnrdworking conscientious man. His duties began with an early service soon after six, and then with very scanty intervals for meals there were duties of all kinds, house visiting, services in the church, classes in the evening, and the superintendence of various societies, until, nine, ten, or eleven p.m. No rest on Sundays, of course.

Now, thi3 man, overwhelmed with bodily and mental work, completely exhausted and worn out, would go on to the Continent, or the Highlands of Scotland, and begin a course of walking and climbing mountains (lie was quite a, noted Alpine climber), and travelling about from one place to another, which, kept him constantly on'the move. Hβ had no rest. It is true that his regular round of duties had not to be performed, he was released from them, and no doubt felt this an immense relief, ,and he had the fresh pure air of the mountains instead of the foul air of an East London parish, but still lie did not bene« fit as he might have done, and his last holiday was cut short by an attack, apparently of appendicitis, brought on, or at least aggravated, by continuing his walking after the first symptoms had appeared. * He died after a, few days* illness in a Swiss inn.

The proper way for such a man to get the full benefit of his holiday -would have been to take a short journey by train to some quiet country place, and. simply loaf for ten days or a fortnight. He should not even have walked for more than an hour a day at first, but have taken out a book, lain down oi» the grass, if the weather permitted, read until he went to sleep, and thca , gone back and had something to eat. When body and mind are both exhausted, as is the case with most men nowadays who really need a holiday, the less they do at first the better. When they begin, to get bored with this state of tranquil laziness, then they may, walk or ride, visit any places of interest, and if they think it necessary, move on somewhere else. But the fatigue of travelling, the worry of packing up, the annoyance of having to seek fresh, lodgings, and the lack of home comforts, should be reduced to the 8 minimum at first.

_As the strength returns 'nioro exm else will be taken without fatigue. But' to a man who lias really been compelled to rest, returning strength and health! should not be used to undertake expeditions, such as mountaineering, which will cause great fatigue. No man on a holiday trip for health's sake should dyer do a. day's work that exhausts him and makes him feel that he can do no more. A slight degree of Leaithy fatigue that will give him a good tite, followed by a good night's r&Ss. is what he should aim at. The fatigtw that is so great that you cannot sleep, but keep tossing about with aching limbs all night, is just the wavto undo all the good of the holiday., The diet should lie studied on a lioli« day. If you go to places of popular resort you will find no difficulty, even in this colony or Australia* in getting an ample supply of wholesome and wellcooked food. Do not, therefore, whea you come in from an excursion with a hearty appetite make the mistake of eating too fast, or eating too much;' which, if you eat fast, you will surely, do. Eat slowly, masticate thoroughly, and stop before your appetite, is quite satisfied. You will thus escape indigestion. I .

As regards alcoholic drinks, if you are accustomed to take, them contiiiue to do so, but only with your meals, and in strict moderation. Get a good night's rest, and get up early in the morning if you like. But, if possible, before going out into the open air, take a cup of tcaV or, better, coffee and milk, with a plain biscuit or a bit of bread. You will then find yourself able, without fatigue or exhaustion, ltd take an hour's walk or ride before the regular breakfast. Two good nieals a day, breakfast and dinner, with a morsel in the shape of a. few biscuits and a glass of milk, or a little fruit and milk, will be quite enough. The way some people stuff themselves, especially on board ship, is disgusting, and certain to bring on. disorders of the digestive apparatus. When travelling in a steamer, if you have got over your sea-sickness, or are lucky enough not to be sea-sick at all, you should take regular walking exercise for at least an hour after breakfast, another hour in the afternoon, and for half an hour to ' an liouv after dinner. If you are ar young man you will probably find some young lady who will accompany you for at least part of the time in these walks. But beware of choosing the same young lady always, or you may find yourself engaged before the end of the Voyage. It is wonderful what the propinquity of a. sea passage will do. I have made eight voyages across the Atlantic, besides voyages in the Mediterranean and Pacific, and in all except four of these voyages there was some love catastrophe or row going on. On two of these four voyages there were no passengers,except- myself, my v.-ife and children, and on one of the others there were no women on board, and on the fourth only two, and a thousand men! But the two ladies were kept actively cnployed.

To experienced travellers I need not say, take as little luggage as possible. A few books I ahvays take, and a portable chess board, with pegged men. If you take this on deck you wall almost, certainly find some one to play chess witis.

Don't smoke too much! Being quite idle, there is a great , temptation to smokers to-have a. pipe or cigarette in their months all day long. Avoid af ternooa teas. Fonsonby-road, February 20, 1905.