Many Local Facilities for “Keeping Fit.”

Wairarapa Times-Age, 17 February 1939, Page 9

Many Local Facilities for “Keeping Fit.”

Every town in the Wairarapa has flourishing tennis clubs and there is no question that this fine game provides an attractive means of building up bodily strength and alertness. Tennis enthusiasts in the district number many hundreds and there is no reason why the membership should not be measured in thousands. In the summer months cricket offers a splendid means of enjoying the open air and of securing exer- ■— cise of a kind that-stimulates the general health. Although there are many clubs in existence there is room for considerable expansion in this sport. Far more teams should be taking part in the annual competitions, but this is possible only if greater interest is apparent in the game.

A vigorous type of outdoor sport that has just become established in Masterton is baseball. Judging by the keenness and enthusiasm already apparent baseball has a big

future in New Zealand. The game is gaining new support almost daily and there is every indication that two or three years hence it will have a substantial following not only in the Wairarapa but throughout the Dominion.

Amateur athletics afford a wide scope for outdoor recreation. Increasing interest in this sport is evident in the district, though .there is room for considerble development and expansion. A com-

munity such as the. Wairarapa should produce far more runners, cyclists and other athletes than it does, seeing that this sport is given some attention at all schools, both public and private. At the same time Masterton can claim some notable performers in the past, such as Randolph Rose, the runner, and Tom Oakly, the cyclist. No better road to health and bodily vigour is possible than that obtained by swimming, which appears to be a very popular sport in the Wairarapa' at present, judging by the success of recent carnivals and sports meetings. There is every reason to believe that, as a result of the Learn to Swim Campaign, swimming will become increasingly popular here and elsewhere. Polo finds many adherents in the Wairarapa and this somewhat exciting sport is recognised as a most healthful pastime to those taking part. The Wairarapa, with its large rural population, and its many fine riders should have far more polo teams than it has at present. Although games of a much more gentle nature, both bowling and croquet, bring the participants into the open air and sunshine and in that respect play their part in promoting health-giving exercise. Both these games have enthusiastic supporters throughout the Wairarapa. In winter the national game of Rugby is one'that calls for physical fitness on the part of those partici-

pating. In past years, the Wairarapa has made Rugby history and no doubt- the time will come again when it will have the premier team of New Zealand. It stands to New Zealand’s credit that it leads the world in Rugby.

Hockey, both for ladies and men. provides a vigorous game that has increased in popularity in recent

years. It is now particularly strong in the Wairarapa and elsewhere and it is some satisfaction to know that New Zealand hockey teams have earned a reputation overseas. Association football has many supporters in the Wairarapa, though there is no reason why this game should pot attract many more players. It 'is a good game and one that is eminently suitable for promoting physical- fitness. Golf probably enjoys as great a following of actual players as any winter game in New Zealand and in the Wairarapa there are many clubs in both rural and urban areas. It has increased in popularity tremendously in the past five or six years, during which period new clubs ■ have been established everywhere. Golf is a game that is often played in unkind weather and this and the exercise demanded can only result in the promotion of general good health. k

Cross-country running is catered for by harrier clubs and this fine sport, which attracts many enthusiasts in the Wairarapa and throughout the country, is an excellent one from the health point of view. Girls and young women can find a convenient means of developing physical fitness in the game of basketball, which is a popular pastime in this district.

Badminton, although an indoor game, is a strenuous one that calls for quickness and speed. There are many enthusiastic supporters of this sport in the Wairarapa.

Another indoor game that also plays a part in the development of physical fitness is table tennis, which has made great strides in recent years. It is a revelation to see world champion players in action. Exceptional keenness and vigour are essentials for success.