GRATIFYING IMPROVEMENT

Chronicle (Levin), 1 August 1949, Page 5

GRATIFYING IMPROVEMENT

Press Association )

Health Standard Of Cadets In Reguiar Force

Per

WELLINGTON, Aug. 1. Tests showe'd that 79 per cent. of the postural defects discovered in Reguiar Force cadets admitted to Trentham last year had been eliminated after six months' training and corrective exercises, said tlje Minister of Defence, .Mr. Jones, tq^^When the Army took the first of its Reguiar Force cadets into camp tests con ducted on its behalf by Mr. George F. Briggs, assistant Dominion seeretary of the Y.M.C:A., showed that the physical standard of some left room for improvement tc reach the required Army standardThe results of the training and exercises given to increase the physical capacity and- correct postural defeCcS of these youths, aged 16 to 18 years, 'had been gratifying, said the Minister. Tests made after six months showed ar« average increase in height of one and a half inches, in weight of 13 % ibs. and an average improvement of 50 per cent in streng\h, speed and flexibility. What Records Show. The records of eight cadets taken at random showed increases - of weight ranging from 7£ to 22 lbs. and increases in height of up to one inch. The effects of the cadets' physical training programme, which includes organised sport for half a day weekly and frequent periods of physical instruction in a gymnasium or outdoors, are apparent not only ih the physical improvement in the boys. Those who have been responsible for the welfare of the cadets since they entered camp report a great improvement in the emotional and social aspects of the ca'detsl personalities, said Mr. Jones. It was an accepted fact that social contacts with other personalities were largely made by common activities and skills, and the experience of those in charge of these cadets was that greater participation in sports had been accompanied by an improvement in depehdafbility, accuracy, effieiency and social adiustment.

Religious Training. Moral and religious training of cadets was no less important than physical training, and a fulltime padre was some time ago appointed to Trentham Camp. Church services were held. each Sunday and attendance was- informal, except once monthly when a "church parade was held. There was also as part of the normal training programme - a weekly "Padre's Hour" and cadets had come to recognise religion as a normal and accepted part of the Army way of life. There was evidence that those who previously were active church members had been eneouraged and that those who were indifferent had begun to show greaiter interest. Of the first company of cadets who had entered Trentham Camp last year approximately one quarter had received voluntary instruction in preparation for full church membership.