PHYSICAL CULTURE.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVII, Issue 216, 12 August 1937, Page 12

PHYSICAL CULTURE.

Members- of the Alwyn Club demonstrated in a practical way to an interested audience of women and girls at tlie Jade tea-rooms, last evening, the benefits they are receiving by following out the instruction as given to them by the founder of the club. Although this was only their second public appearance, there was evidence of the great jirogress made, tlie audience showing hearty appreciation of their efforts. Miss K. Birnie, one of the demonstrators, explained the purpose of the display and asked the audience to take particular note how the exercises carried out the main princples of health and vigour as explained by Madame Ahvyn. The exercises were not claimed to bo new, but the way in which they had been adapted to the main principles made them extraordinarily valuable for corrective and health-giving purposes. The exercises presented by the two divisions would cover breathing and relaxed rhythmic control, cireulatioiij digestion stimulation, spinal flexibility and abdominal exercises. The amazing thing to those who had practised these exercises for more than a year (adding to their repertoire as they progressed) was that the exercises which they could not do at the beginning came easily now as the muscles had become stronger, yet there was none of that over-development that muscular exercise so often produced. Miss Birnie said the audience would see that poise and rhythmic movement were specially catered for in the walking and running exercises, in which correct standing posture was important. Some who had a tendency to stooped shoulders and careless ‘carriage, also foot weaknesses, had found these particularly helpful. Finally, Madamo Alwyn always insisted upon the necessity for women to take rest when fatigue assailed them.

The first division proceeded with their demonstration under their instructors, Misses Beryl Oakley and Ruth Billens, the second division being in the charge of Miss Kitty Landers. Music for the exercises throughout was provided by Mrs Williamson. Pupils of Miss Joan Scott provided a pleasing diversion between the sessions by presenting dancing items, appropriately attired, and Nola Cooper contributed a sailor’s .hornpipe; Misses .T. Thomson, T. McKenzie, B. Pike, N. Bell,' N. Blniulford, Z. Bailey and L. Webb apeared in a tap ballet, and Miss Jeanette Scott contributed a skipping dance, all the items being enthusiastically recalled. Miss Z. Loamy accompanied the dancers.

At the conclusion of the demonstration Mrs R. H. Billens, president of the club, expressed her appreciation of the attendance and of the enthusiastic reception of the work. She ielt all would agree that as president she had reason to be proud of her troop. It was pointed out that what had been seen was just what takes place on an ordinary club night. In recognition of the benefits received, members thought they would like to benefit others by this public display, the proceeds from which would be donated to All Saints’ Children’s Heme. Mrs Billens returned thanks to Mr Oliver for consideration with regard to the room, to Miss Jean Scott for bringing some of her pupils to provide a contrast in movement, and to the audience for their appreciation, which would be an inspiration to the members. The club members later enjoyed supper together.