TO THE EDITOR

Opotiki News, Volume II, Issue 152, 1 March 1939, Page 2

TO THE EDITOR

PHYSICAL FITNESS Sir.—Opotiki in common with other towns of the Dominion has just concluded a Fitness Week Campaign. This campaign, we are given to understand, is pot claimed to make us fit in one week, but is, ai means of inaugurating a scheme for all-—according to. their ability—toi take up seme form of healthy pastime and thereby keep fit and healthy. The sentiments expressed above are sponsored by the present Government and are to be heartily endorsed. To make it successful the co-operation of t-lie general public and local bodies in particular is needed. I noticed recently that a deputation of sports bodies waited on the Borough Council for a remission oi charges made. , and which thei sports bodies were finding it difficult to moot. Now here is a, chance 'for our local council, in order that .physical fitness may he: encouraged, to make the reserve or other grounds necessary for our young people, free of cast, and thus encourage our splendid executives to keep on with their wonderful organisations which are already doing so much to develop thei health of the district. One does not hear as vet whether the newly-formed Yacht Club pays any rental for the river. Again, may I ask if any proposal is afoot for a properly-built swimming bath for the town, if not. may I suggest that the idea, if carried into effect, ' would he a fitting . Centennial Memorial and provide safe- bathing. Ijhis would help- toi eliminate tnepdanger a,s at present, of . small chikllren getting into water holes and having their feet badly cut by broken glass bottles, wliicli was what occurred recently when the school children - swimming class was in progress. WEFF-WISHER. [While agreeing that it would he a goad thing if sports bodies could have, thei use at the reserve without cost, it is necessary to point out that the reserve is under the control of the Borough Domain Board, which can only spend the revenue from the reserves oil the reserves. Unfortunately in tinboard’s efforts to provide the best of facilities for sport, a dlebt lias been incurred and this must be paid oilSports bodies are well aware or the position and realise that they must give- some assistance; Had the Domain Board not spent some £IBO on the reserves during the past two yems sporting bodies would not. have enjoyed having a< ground in such fine condition as the reserve is in to-day. Tin: Opotiki Borough Council has no authority to spend its money on the reserve as ‘ Well-Wisher” has indicate;!:. In regard to the provision of a swim-ming-bath for the town, and district, we agree that, this is a necessity and the matter of building a public swimming bath should he earnestly considered by Opotiki residents.—Ed. Opotiki News.]