RECREATION WEEK.

Wairarapa Times-Age, 21 September 1939, Page 6

RECREATION WEEK.

the Minister of Internal Affairs (Air Parry) has sensible observed, the idea of keeping fit and well should rank as oik* of our most important activities. It is an idea and an ideal admirably worthy of being pursued at all times and never more so than in a period of national and international stress like the present. No one should feel it necessary to apologise for the fact that the organisation of National Recreation Week is being proceeded with this year. The object and function ol the committees appointed under the provisions of the Physical Welfare and Recreation Act is to promote activities calculated to foster the development throughout the community of sound minds in sound bodies. This is an aim which deserves, if anything, even keener attention in days of war than in days of peace.

The war in which this country is engaged, with the rest of the Empire and its Allies, is making and will continue to make heavy demands. A full-powered effort by every nation and community concerned is needed if these. demands are to be met adequately, hut there is no merit in allowing the war to interfere more than it is hound to interfere with normal activities of a useful, worthy and constructive kind. Wholesome sport and recreation most certainly should have their place in Hie life and activity of any community that means t.o do itself full justice in war or in peace. The excellent object of Recreation Week is to popularise, not for the occasion only, but throughout Ihe year, a wide range of activities making for ever-improving standards of physical and mental vigour in all sections of the community—-not only various forms of sport and physical exercise, but hobbies and any form of rational recreation. In the Mastertou Recreation Week programme, for instance. a prominent, place is given to amateur dramatic, productions.

I! is wholly desirable that this excellent enterprise for the welfare of the community should be carried on throughout New Zealand without interrupt ion. 11' anyt hing, the emergency of war by which we are confronted should quicken and stimulate the energies of those who take part in the many-sided activities of Recreation Week. As Mr Parry has said, even a little thought by any reasoning Now Zealander should convince him that the decision to go on with Recreation Week is in all ways in the interests of the. country.