ATHLETICS IN AMERICA.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXV, Issue 10713, 31 December 1913, Page 5

ATHLETICS IN AMERICA.

AN INTERESTING LECTURE.

Last evening in Murray's Hall, Masterton, Mr Eustace M. Peixotto, the manager of the American track team, which is touring New Zealand, under the auspices of the N.Z.A.A.A. delivered an interesting and instructive lecture, his subject being: "Athletics and, Recreation ; in America;'' •: Mr P. W.V Temple,' the" Bctingr 'Mayor, occupied the'chair, and' briefly introduced the lecturer, who was received with applause. Mr Peixotto dwelt ori the necessity of hard work, organisation and perseverance as necessary to be successful in athletics. The American system of training, he explained, absolutely tabooed any indulgence in intoxicating liquors, snjoking, etc. Study was ano£3ier of the secrets, which enabled the athlete to excel. There were many points in the various athletic events which could only be mastered by persistent study. Mr Keddell, the Australasian hurdle 5 champion, was an example in New Zealand of intelligent and persevering study. Better facilities were provided in America for the competitors, and - the encouragement generally given to athletes there was a, great factor in producing their champions. However, he ("the lecturer) was per-' sonally of the opinion that it would be better to see 90 per cent of the population engaged in exercise and athletics than to have a few champions only. In America they were, endeavouring to popularise athletics •generally amongst the children, and were adapting and inventing suitable games for all conditions. In this way, and especially bv starting in the schools, where, athletics are compulsory to the physically fit, the percentage of those taking part in sports had increased immensely. A novel system, which should recommend itself to our New Zealand schools, was the standard badge isystem, which provides for every boy receiving a badge who can fulfil the following tests: (V< Standing broad jump, sft 6in; (2) 60yds sprint in 8 3-ssec; and (3) who can "chin" himself 4 times (i.e., draw the chin level with their hands whilst hanging from a horizontal bar). In (school teams one boy is limited to one event, so that a team will not be composed of a few stars only. The boys in school ev, ents are classified according to size and the classes range from 701b to 801b, and 801b to 1151b, and Holb to unlimited. The forms of competition are .as varied'' as possible, so as to cater for all. The lecturer related an incident of a boy who was crippled being . prominent in a rope-climbing contest. The training of girls also is not neglected in America, and numerous games, suitable for the development of female health and grace are provided. Among these may be mentioned the teaching of European folk dances, the. maypole, etc. The' municipal y playgrounds is one of the most beneficial systems ever introduced to America, and, besides' developing the children physically, *has had t the effect of keeping the young people out of the juvenile law courts. The lecturer impressed upon his hearers the necessity of every town in New Zealand providing suitable open spaces for children's play-grounds. The entire,lecture.'was freely illustrated with lantern slides, which helped greativ in driving ho-ne the lecturer's remarks. At the conclusion of the lecture, which had been listened to with very great attention by those present, Mr J. Coradine, on behalf of the Wairararapa Amateur Athletic Club, proposed a hearty vote of thanks to Mr Peixotto for his very able and interesting address,' which was carried amidst prolonged applause. The chairman (Mr Temple), spoke to some extent on the lecturer's views, and stated that it was the most interesting and instructive lecture he had" ever had the pleasure of hearing in Masterton. Great thanks is due to Mr A. 0. Levien, who manipulated and supplied the lantern used for the lecture.