THE KEEP FIT CAMPAIGN.

Wairarapa Times-Age, 10 February 1939, Page 4

THE KEEP FIT CAMPAIGN.

COMMENDABLE enterprise is being brought to bear, though as yet perhaps by a limited number of active workers, upon the organisation of Keep Fit Week in Masterton. An attractive and varied programme has been drawn up and, assuming always that, the organisers are supported as they ought to be, a great deal should be done to awaken popular interest, not only in the observance of the special week, but in the continuing campaign to which Keep Fit Week is intended to serve as an introduction—a campaign looking to co-operative community effort in promoting health of body and mind.

We are facing into strenuous days, not. necessarily with war in prospect, but with the fact clearly emphasised that the people of any free community are called upon to set high standards of physical vigour and mental alertness if they wish, their future to be reasonably secure. An intelligent cultivation of body and mind is desirable at any time. In such conditions of national and international life as are now taking shape, the fullest possible development of physical and mental powers may fairly be called essential.

In a country like New Zealand it is evidently wise that thought and attention should be concentrated on the profitable use of' leisure, both in sport and other forms of healthy physical recreation and in the cultivation of the mind. Particularly in the case of young people, it is possible by organised and help! til effort to do a great deal Io encourage and popularise such a use of leisure as will enlarge and brighten individual lives \ and invigorate the nation. It is upon strength of body and mind that we must rely for keeping alive what is best in our traditions and for opening the most promising doors of hope on our own future and that of our race.

At a broad view, New Zealanders are an exceedingly fortunate people, but. there are amongst ns many degrees of fitness and unfitness and no other aim will bear contemplation than that of setting the highest standards that are attainable of physical and mental welfare’throughout the community. There is no question in this country of the mass regimentation of individuals as mere cogs in the State machine, but a.gieat deal may he done by helpful suggestion and co-operation to awaken in the individual a desire and determination to develop powers that, otherwise would be wasted. As the opening rally in an organised community effort to that end, the organisation of Keep Fit Week well deserves all the support that can be brought to bear upon it. Members ol sports clubs in particular should respond very readily to the appeal made to them to muster in full force for the procession to the Park on Saturday. February 18.