RECREATION

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 6, Issue 72, 14 May 1943, Page 2

RECREATION

FUTURE OUTLOOK DEFINED FACILITIES AND LEADERS Shortage of sports equipment and the occupation of a number of playgrounds (particularly in Wellington and Auckland) for military purposes Avere discussed at the recent meeting of the National Council of 'Physical Welfare and Recreation. It was mentioned -that the matter of sports equipment (especially balls for tennis and other games) had been brought under the notice jof the Minister of Supply, which was actively sympathetic, and it way anticipated that an improvement would be effected as soon as possible. The question of grounds was also receiving attention. An effort was being made to provide additional gymnasia in the four main centres. 'War conditions hindered the achievement of ideals in the recreational fieid, but preparations could be made for a great extension of necessary activities later on. The council and the; department would help in campaigns for community centres throughout the Dominion. There would be a mobilisation of all available enthusiasm and energy to achieve the stated, purpose of the

Act: "To provide i'or the development of facilities for, and the encouragement of, physical training, exercise, sport and recreation, and to facilitate the establishment of centres for social activities related thereto." I The council recognised that more and more trained leaders would lie required as time went on because proper progress cowld not be made without well-equipped leadership in which a personality had to be combined with physical expertness. A committee was appointed to report on the best means of assuring a continuous supply of well-trained lead-, ers. I:t was, urged that, the value of children's playgrounds would be greatly increased if they were under the provision of trained leaders. It was; stated that the British National Fitness Council, Avhich was formed in "fell down Hat, because of lack of trained leaders."