SPORT AND FITNESS.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVII, Issue 222, 19 August 1937, Page 8

SPORT AND FITNESS.

It is evident froln the remarks of the Minister of Internal Affairs (Mr Parry), at the conference for thq setting up of a National Council of and Recreation, that he recognises the vital necessity of fostering local interest in the movement. While the Government may legislate for the development of national facilities to the end mentioned, no scheme of the kind can flourish unless the whole-hearted enthusiasm of local groups, is inculcated. Time and again instances could be quoted of prosperous sports clubs and kindred bodies falling on bad times through the burden of administration and encouragement being left to a few individuals who pass on and whose task is not taken up by others. This has been found in the field of athletics, football, cricket, and other games. True, many organisations have lengthy records of successful work behind them, but they ore in the minority. That factor, then, should weigh heavily in any national scheme to promote physical wellbeing through games and other recreation. The Minister has declared himself against any desire to regiment sport. Close collaboration with a suitable organisation is the aim. In this respect much time may be needed in which to decide whether this organisation shall be a body set up out of existing sports organisations, or function apart from it. This, with the question of local interest, seems to be the paramount consideration at the moment. As to facilities, some centres are endowed with splendid recreational avenues, Jbut others are lacking in them, and to provide for the future much money may be involved. The Minister recognises this and states that the first function of any national organisation set up by the Government will be to survey the whole field of recreation to ascertain incidentally what are the existing facilities, what additional or new facilities are required now or are likely to be required over a period of years, and how best these should be used. It will be seen that the subject is not one for haste, for the engendering of enthusiasm and the provision of adequate facilities are essential to prevent any danger of a breakdown in the scheme early in its establishment. With the increased leisure hours for many people there must be guards against anti-social influences, and health-giving recreation wouldhave the effect of promoting physical fitness as well as improving the mental outlook of the recipients of such beneficial training. But it, may be regarded a,s a sorry commentary that, particularly among young people, it is necessary for the State to take such action on their behalf.