CHURCH NOTES.

Greymouth Evening Star, Volume XXXI, 10 June 1901, Page 4

CHURCH NOTES.

Athleticism and Culture

Ey Amicus

The various debating societies are arousing the intellectual calibre of our young men, and we may regard it as a healthy sign of colonial progress. /The age is passing away when we tender absolute devotion to physical attauMuent, and consider it a higher distinction-than a double first. Special care is needed to keep athletics In its proper place. When wo place physical enjoyment before culture of mind, then we commence the down grade. Muscles never have ruled the world, but mind has and In some parts of England a noticeable feature among young men has been the declension of sport, and in several districts during the past two years it has been difficult to get young men to take sufficient interest in rugby to form even a club. The reason of this indifference is obvious; young men are awakening tj the fact that evor-indulgence in athletics requires too much time and money, while the compensation given is inadequate. In past years the tendency has been to •exalt the physical while intellectual de veloperaent has been entirely neglected. Tie who was characterised with great ■physical powers was looked upon as the "hero of the day, while the pains-taking and cultured student spen t Ids time entirely unnoticed. It would be a pity if games such as cricket, football, tennis &c, were not patronised as all. Healthy sport should be supported by young men as a means of physical development, arousing enthusiasm and proving a source of mutual association with their fellow men. But what is neglected to-day is the training of the intellect, and the ideal young man is he who aims at a perfect symmetry in the development of physical and mental attainments. The world has made such wonderful progress in sciences, arts, &c., that he who neglects a persistent study of them will have to face life with a tremendous deficiency. There is no time in life so fitted for acquiring knowledge as youthful days, and every young man should seek after this achievement. The wise Solomon has said: “ Get wisdom, and with all they getting

get undorstanding,” Wisdom takes “ getting ” and the young man who is not prepared to prosecute self culture must remain the pitiable victim of ignorance,

It is gratifying to notice the efforts being made to forward mental culture by means of the debating society, study of subjects, exercise in public speaking, information from others and an observant eye will contribute greatly towards the attainment of knowledge. I have no special advocacy to make for either of the local societies ; each has its special advantages. Let our young men unite and resolve to acquaint themselves with the literary genius of the past centuries. In a short time knowledge increases and they are much better prepared for the exigencies of life. When physical attainments are extolled at the expense of intellectual there must be a decadence in character. Every true citizen is interested in four young men, and to those who feel the vivacity of a juvenile spirit he will heartily approve of all movements that will lead to a well regulated exercise of mental and physical powers.. In those districts I have referred to where sport has been copsiderabiy mini mised, the youths a;e by no means idle. The vivacity of early life cannot remain inactive; it must bo exercised, and i< rightly directed will prove of inestimable value in later years. These young raoi. have formed clubs where the library and gymnasium are blended together, with the result that physical exercise has no> been neglected, and the intellectual powers have boon developed, thus form ing a symmetrical character. It is to be regretted that we young mec do not band ourselves together for the purpose of prosecuting literary study. Wo should bo inspired with great hope. It is we who are lo build the foundations of future society and shape the pillars of its splendour and be the master-architects in the formation of a healthy public opinion in the community. It wo are to do it successfully, it is at our peril that we neglect the most essential equipment.

Perhaps the young women Will wonder how it is no mention has been made of - them in the above “ notes.” Their need , of culture is as obvious as our own, and their time is as limited. Much of the absve is applicable for them. There is no reason why they should be excluded from debates, and it has been our pleasure to learn much from them. The finest debate I have listened to was their advocacy that the Queens have done more for England than the Bangs. The gentlemen had hard tyork to maintain their ground. However, “ Amicus ”is a little reticent in giving the ladies suggestions at this time, but should sufficient courage be fostered “The Self-Culture of a Young Woman ” will be a charming topic to write about at a future date.