PROPOSED GYMNASIUM.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 9, Issue 553, 30 July 1920, Page 2

PROPOSED GYMNASIUM.

It has been suggested that a gym nasium should be started in Puke kohe, with which view we are in ac cord. It has long been a standing reproach against prohibitionists that their activities have resulted in the early closing of hotels and the retention of that ••■measure, also the closing up of hotels in some places, but that they have done nothing whatever, to replace, in the country districts, the conveniences of hotels for spending an evening at games or in social converse. There are now, apart, from picture shows and billiard saloons, no places of regular entertainment or recreation for our young men, but no one will deny that ' the creation of more institutions where our boys and young men might find pastime are desirable. A gymnasium, under a qualified instructor, who might easily enough be secured locally, would provide a sin gularly healthy environment where the young manhood ol the district could congregate and indulge in healthful exercises and social evenings. To help fill the void we advocated the formation of a literary and debating society, but the proposal did not receive any assistance in Pukekohe, though very able letters in support were received from men of standing in outlying districts. We repeat the assertions made in these columns at the time named, that it is the province of clerical gentlemen to take a hand in fostering all institutions intended for the welfare of our young men and women; without their active aid success is difficult of achievement. Ministers of the Gospel bewail the fact of dwindling attendance at ehurch, but they do not »eem \o be able to grasp the position very clearly. We recently heard one very estimable minister express the opinion that the decline in church attendance was due to the failure of parents to attend -and bfing their families. That may be so to a certain extent, out we have very frequently heard people say that they were forced to undergo a surfeit of Sunday school and church attendance in their younger days, some of them having to attend church twice a day and Sunday school and Bible classes as well, the result being a sickening of religious institutions. This, of course, merely one phase, and not the whole subject. At anyrate, we see no reason to alter our opinion that if the clergy were to take a promotional part in social, intellectual and recreational institutions outside of their particular denominational work the churches would indirectly benefit thereby. Recently we noted in a daily paper a paragraph giving the experience of a Roman Catholic priest who found his work in a certain district much more easily accomplished after he lx\d refereed a few footb ill matches; the people who once looked askance at him as being "up in the clouds," detached from the everyday lives of ordinary work-a-day folk, realised' that he was rarely human like themselves, and vere then in a better frame of mind vo receive the higher message he nad to give theui. Perhaps some people might think this attitude "infra dig," but we ire told of one of old who was '*lll things to all men" in order that he might have the better opportunity of inculcating the doctrine he was charged to promulgate. In these days of education and enlightenment, of freedom of thought and independent action, when it is not a sin even to "whustle on the Sabbath," the restricted, secluded life cuts no ice with the general public. Men who are engaged in "uplift" work are expected to take part in all movements for the betterment of social life. The gymnasiuu, with which other activities might be combined, as a proposition is a good one, and we would be sorry to see it suffer "infantile mortality" for lack of proper nourishment. The suggestion is one worthy of the support of every father and mother who wishes to provide safe and elevating outlets for the exuberance of youth.