Physical Training School.

Free Lance, Volume II, Issue 73, 23 November 1901, Page 14

Physical Training School.

THOSK who doubt the phvsieal fitness of the average young Wellington] an — male or female — should certainlj ha\e attended the Gymnastic Carnival, given by the Wellington Plnsical Training School, on the 14th ajid loth mstaaits. Rarely , if e\ei, have he seen amateurs who had so peifected themselves m athletic exercises as the souads engaged on this occasion. Not oiih are the males to be highly commended. The females performing showed the general public what systematic training may do in the development of the bod} To have a sound mind it is also requisite to possess a sound body , and the evidence of the bodih soundness of the pupils of the Ph\sical School was striking enough * •» » As a spectacle, the exhibition was hard to beat In fact it has never been beaten in Wellington Many members of tlus school would shine in a turn" on the piofessional stage The cleverness, of the trio who were responsible for the Olympian pastimes, was a marked feature Furthermore, every item was remaikable for its smoothness, its giace, and edse. It should be distinetlv understood that the object of these classes is not fcr the purpose onJy of a periodical exhibition — the physiological and physical needs of the students are studied and the physical condition of the pupils is a matter for consideration before their tiaining is commenced. By gradual and persistent exercise the weak become physically strong It is impossible for' disease to attack physical soundness and the development of the body undei careful instruction certainly means physical soundness, robust health and keener mental faculties. In Mi J. W M Harrison the School has a careful and painstaking instructor. ♦ * ♦ The immense enthusiasm of the girls and women of these classes, their acquired grace and strength, is living testimony to the advantages accruing from the system The climax to the year's training X reached at the annual exhibi-

tion Reciuits ha\e become confident during the year, the weak have become The public appieciate the spectacle of \outhful \igour and highly-trained ph\snal stiength. Helped b\ music of lugh quality, such as is supplied by Mi. F J Oakes' orchestra the chrystallisation of a year's efforts is of so en,]o-\-.ible a chaiacter to the watchers a>s to make it a highly welcome and successful c*. ent * ♦ * While eulogising the geneial managenunt of these exhibitions, the haidwoikrd and seldom heard of secietan should ne\ei be foi gotten. In this (ase Mi Geo Somer\ille ha<- excelled himself Not onJv has he used his sec-if-tanal energies to the utmost, but as an old gymnast he coached the Oh mplan trio toi then fine performance He instructs the senior members in their y ork \wth gMiinastic apparatus and is a. tower of strength to the cla&ses The school is in hopes of attaining still si eater efficiency by the introduction of another skilled instructor from Home The presence of larere audiences and di«tmeuished visitors show that the business nas manaered with a tact that does eiedit to those responsible for the arrangements Future exhibitions to be as attractive must necessarily be up to the IhpTi standard of those under reMew Tf the school is fortunate enough to retain its present management its success in future is certainh as. feii red