The Gymnasium.

Manawatu Standard, Volume 4, Issue 171, 25 June 1883, Page 2

The Gymnasium.

-- - — ' ; ♦; — : — * ■ - : _ r W e. hear with . pleasure Jthat Mr Graff has made satisfactory arrangements with tha Volunteer- Council for the lease of the drill-shed as a Gymnasium and Skating- Rink. On referring to an advertisement etaewhere, our readers will find that the rink is, on tbe eve of beipg started, and judging from the opinions expressed by our youthtul population, the event is looked forward to with pleasurable anticipation . The skates will be supplied by Messrs A. & T. Burt, Dunedin. It is not necessary that we should enlarge upon the enjoyment and healthfal recreation the rink would offer to the growing generation, but hope that it will secure a general support. Mr Graff is also making pre parations to start a gymnasium m the same building with all the necessary apparatus, such as horses for long jump and vaulting, horizontal b?r, parallel bars, rings, ropes, ladders, etc., etc., and as he has something like 15 years training, and the assistance of first-class works on modern gymnastics he shou'd be able to give general satisfaction ; besides forming adult evening clases, he intends to offer his services to the.Bcho.ol children (from 9 years old and upwards) for a email remuneration everyday from 3.30 to 4.30. This will be a much needed want supplied, which is worthy of encouragement m the shape of some support from the Education Board. Also m another way is Mr Graff anxious to meet, a long felt want which is likely to be patronized by youn^ and old. ite informs us that he is arranging with the Volunteer J Council to b 9 allowed to erect swimming and shower baths on the back part of the drill-ahed section. A better place conld not be found for it, and m conjunction with the gymnasium our greying generation and our schoolchildren especially, Jwill be trained m branches of our education which are only too little attended to m this colony. "A sound mind m a sound body" shouloVbe the motto of all our schools, but this cannot be verified unless the education ot the goes hand m hand and is evenly balanced with the development of the body. Mr Graff proposes to raise the necessary water from a deep sunk well ■by means if a windmill, a cemented basia something like 40 feet by 30 fest forming the swimming bath. We hope that he will succeed m his undertaking, and that his well-placed energy will meet with general approval and support.