OPTIMIST CLUB

Wairarapa Times-Age, 28 May 1941, Page 6

OPTIMIST CLUB

INSTRUCTION IN PHYSICAL TRAINING. OT.D SYSTEM DISCARDED. The weekly meeting of the Masterton Optimist Club, held in the Y.M.IC.A. rooms last night, was. as usual, a I happy gathering. The Chief Srniler. | Mr R. C. Baikie. presided over a good ] attendance. A warm welcome was ex- | tended to Messrs E. J. Brown and V. Indcr, who were present as guests. The Sheriff, Mr E. J. Esler, conducted his session with benefit to the “cat.” His “painless” extraction of fines created considerable amusement. The song session was lead by Optimist. Esler and Optimist E. G. Coddington presided at the piano. The speaker for the evening was Mr 11. Piper, of the Health and Physical Recreation Department. Department, of Internal Affairs. Mr Piper was formerly physical culture instructor at the Wellington Y.M.C.A. "The Y.M.C.A. is the only organisation which, over the past years, has sponsored and developed recreational and physical welfare training," he said. However, in the last few years the Government had realised its responsibilities and had created a special department controlled by the Department of Internal Affairs. The outbreak of war had given the movement a setback, but had made it all the more valuable. Mr Piper explained that he was in Masterton to train Home Guard instructors in the latest games and exercises with a view to securing the maximum standard of physical fitness. The Government fully realised the importance of the movement and was doing all it could to further its development. The old system of physical training had been replaced by rhythmical drill and games. Games were arranged to exercise the brain as well as the body and men were taught to think and act quickly. Mr Piper mentioned that he had organised business men’s keep fit classes in Wellington. Men who came to the classes feeling tiled after a day's work found themselves wide awake again after an hour or so of exercise and a hot. shower. An endeavour was being! made to establish a class in Master-1 ton. Tiie general secretary of the Mas- I terton Y.M.C.A.. Mr C.‘ W. Gaze, emphasised the importance of correct breathing. The club padre, (ho Rev. 11. Taopa. closed the meeting with prayer.