MORE EXERCISE

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 51, 23 May 1927, Page 6

MORE EXERCISE

FOR CITY YOUTHS MILITARY SPORTS ASSOCIATION Of a total of 906 youths posted from the senior cadets to territorial ranks this year 145 were deemed permanently unfit and 96 temporarily unfit for military service.

Although this standard is considered fair, and comparing favourably with that of previous years, it is stated that a noticeable gulf exists between the boy who trains and the one who takes no interest in any form of sport. With a view to improving the standard the Auckland Military Sports Association was formed, it being thought that by arranging sports and physical exercises for the youths that the required type could be produced. Lack of funds has been a serious drawback lip to the present, but as a result of the recent military pageant, this difficulty has now been overcome. The programme for this year Includes swimming and boxing contests, an inter-company tabloid contest and a sports meeting. It is also intended to train a special team of 20 youths in various forms of athletics in order that, sufficient instructors will be available when the scheme expands, and becomes of greater importance. With this class' some very good results have been obtained in the past, but, up to the present, instruction has been limited to one night a week, rt is hoped to have classes every evening in the week during the coming season, which commences on June 6. Each year the work becomes of greater importance and magnitude and those in charge of the association look forward to the time when a larger and fully-equipped gymnasium will be available for more adequately carrying on this very important work.