THE PROPOSED GYMNASIUM.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIV, Issue 5658, 19 May 1879, Page 3

THE PROPOSED GYMNASIUM.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE NEW ZEALAND TIMES.

Sui, As I was unable to be present at the meeting held at tho Athemeum Hall on Friday evening, and from having been intimately connected with affairs of the old institution, I cannot help feeling interested in this matter—although I have not time to do much more than this, perhaps you will kindly allow me space for a few remarks. I observe that the Hon. Dr, Grace’s speech, as reported in the Times, explains fully the reasons why a gymnasium is partioulaily required in Wellington; and the latter part of his spcechis so full of the fire of a true gymnastthat one would be neither surprised nor displeased to seethe honorable gentleman himself presently taking a turn upon the bars ; hut Dr. Grace is misinformed as to the cause of the failure of the gymnasium formerly established here. It was not because “ there was no regular system —no thoroughly instructed gymnast to direct the exercises in a proper manner,” for Mr. Wildbrandt, the honorary instructor, had perfectly sound and practical knowledge of the proper system of progressive calisthenic and gymnastic exercises, and moreover a wonderful faculty for imparting his knowledge to others, there being not one exercise or a aeries of exercises which he proposed that he could not himself execute so gracefully as to win the admiration ; of ill's pupils ; but the real reason why the gymnasium failed was because the members were much too impatient to undergo the regular course of drill which can alone make gymnastics properly effective, and numbers would indulge in loose play and miscellaneous exercises during the time set apart for their instruction, although the instructor was kindly, patient, unpretending, as well as , able, in his teaching, and he constantly pointed out the folly of this proceeding. The consequence of this want of attention was that interest in the gymnasium soon began to wane, and it finally broke down altogether. I have always recollected the reason of this with much regret, and I hope that tho knowledge of it may now be of service to the projectors of the new institution, and I would even suggest that it would be more likely to ensure success if a rule were made at the outset providing that during the hours fixed for drill members should either remain quiet as spectators, or join the ranks and attend strictly to the instructor’s directions. I think also that the gymnasium might well include a moderate sized skating rink, which would give an additional excellent and interesting exercise.—l am, &c., Oliver Wakefield. May 17. ,