CHARACTER AND SPORT.

Otaki Mail, 7 January 1924, Page 3

CHARACTER AND SPORT.

"An attempt lias been made this year to induce every boy who is physically fit to take part in organised school games," says Mr. J. Drumiuond, M.A., headmaster of Auckland Gram- • mer School, in the course of his annual report: "To judge from the number of requests from parents that boys should be exempted for reasons other than physical defects, I should say that; the value of such training is still im- 1 perfectly understood by many. These games, apart from their influence upon health and physical development, do much to foster courage, initiative, and self-control. I have no sympathy with those who put school sport before school work, or condone idleness in school because of prowess in th'e football or cricket field. But the boy who passes through the school without tak-

ing part in school games misses half his training for worthy and effective citizenship. The danger of life and limb in school football, at any rate, is usually exaggerated, while in other games it" is negligible. Though much has been achieved in spite of the want of suitable playing fields, I wish to emphasise again the urgent need of the school in this important equipment. I appeal with confidence to the old boys who were so keenly interested in our welfare, and to whom we owe our honours board and our noble war memorial, not to rest until we have a cricket and football ground where we can carry on effectively our physical training, and at the same time foster a healthy school spirit,"