GIRLS AND RUGBY

Dominion, Volume 14, Issue 277, 17 August 1921, Page 6

GIRLS AND RUGBY

MORE CONDEMNATION VIEW OF WELLINGTON DOCTOR “I do not believe in any kind Bf football for girls. It is far too strenuous. And Rugby football is absolutely out of tho question.” Thus did Dr. H. J. M'Lean express his views in the course of a lecture, “Physical Exercises;/’ given last evening under the auspices.of the New Zealand branch of the British Ped Cross Society and Order of St. John. "I believe,” said Dr. M'Lean, "that both, sexes should indulge in some games and exercises. The point is: how far should it go? The subject has been keenly debated; but many opinions have been expressed, whose owners have bad at the base of their arguments no true knowledge of female anatomy. Some of them have been based on sentimental reasons. Some say that dancing is all the exercise that a girl needs. But, in my opinion, what is sauce for the gander is sauce for the goose. Of course there is a great difference between the genteel Early Victorian maidens and the dashing Rugby players of to-day! The value of certain exercise for girls is admitted, with restrictions. Rough games like football are utterl} r unsuited to girls. One should not attempt to discountenance the danger.of knocks, blows, bumps, and collisions that must occur. These will not be slight, as girls always introduce an intentness to things that they do. Prom the standpoint of pathology these things cannot bo ignored. Such a game would tend to produce a masculine woman —and I do not think ■he is the ideal one. Would such sport and its effects ba for the good of tho race, morally or aesthetically ?” In conclusion, Dr. M'Lean said ho .considered that all games, with tho exception of football and boxing, could be played by girls. Hockey was the most strenuous pastime that a girl could play with impunity.