PHYSICAL FITNESS WEEK

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 83, Issue 35, 11 February 1939, Page 14

PHYSICAL FITNESS WEEK

PROGRAMME FOR TAIHAPE (Own Correspondent.) TAIHAPE, Feb. 10. Most of the sports bodies of Taihape were represented at a public meeting held in the Council Chambers last evening to make arrangements for Physical Fitness Week, which commences on February 18. A suggestion that physical “jerks” should be held on the Domain before breakfast under the supervision of a competent instructor was received with enthusiasm. The Mayor (Mr. L. B. H. de Lautour) occupied the chair, and also present were Messrs. W. G. Holloway, F. Graham, M. Ward, B. Seccombe, H. R. Rush, A. O. Wimsett, D. Woodhead, J. Stead, E. Loader, J. Downey, F. Reece, D. G. Revell, E. Skeet, J. McWilliam, R. B. Schulze, S. H. Prior, F. White, F. Fisher, D. Treadwell, J. C. Whibley, Rev. L. C. Clements, Capt. Hotan (Salvation Army), Mesdames A. P. Seccombe, W. E. Constable, Misses N. Needham, M. O’Hanlon, and Boy Scouts Macintyre and Smith. Object of Movement.

The Mayor explained the object of the meeting and added that it was most encouraging to see such a good attendance. It was surprising how

many sports bodies there were in Taihape and he was pleased to see that most of them were represented. The aim of “Physical Fitness Week” was

to stress the need for physical fitness and make everyone realise the necessity for some form of exercise to promote not only physical fitness but mental fitness as well and so help build up the nation. A large number of people did not indulge in sport of any kind and it was hoped that as the result of “Physical Fitness Week," they would take an active part in sport, added His Worship. The idea of '.e movement was to arrange a programme from 18th to 25th of February. The Taihape show had been arranged for February 23, which was a Thursday, which would have been the “big day” of the “Pyhsical Fitness Week.” It would therefore be advisable to postpone the big event of the week to the following Thursday,

March 2, but the rest of the programme would be carried out as originally intended. The following committee was appointed to organise the programme for “Physical Fitness Week”:—Messrs J. C. Whibley and D. G. Revell (T.D.H.S. J. Steap (Taihape Conven' School), H. R. Rush (Taihape A.A. Club). L. V. Skeet (Cricket Association), F. Fisher and Miss O’Hanlon (Baseball), D. Treadwell (Harriers). E. Loader and M. Ward (St. Patrick’s Sports Club), D. Woodhead F. Ball (Swimming Club). J. Graham (Tennis Club), B. Seccombe, M. Ward (Otaihape Alpine Club), T. Macintyre (Boy Scouti), R. B. Schulze (Territorials), J. Bosomworth (R.S.A.), E. Load r (Taihape Band), F. White (Retailers' Association), F. Reece Taihape Golf Club), L. B. de Lautour (Taihape Borough Council), Rev. L. C. Clements and Capt. Hotan (representing the churches), Mrs. L. H. Haydon (Plunket Society), Mrs. A. P. Seccombe Miss M Little (Girl Guides), Miss N. Needham (Rangers), Mrs. D. E. Constable (Basketball Association) with power to add. Mr. Skeet pointed out that it was advisable to arrange something that would induce those who took no part in sport at present to take up some game in future.

Mr. Fisher: Young people can take part in baseball without being skilled and this accounts for the popularity of the game. Some games demand a lot of skill. Mr. Skeet: Those who are interested in cricket could come down to 4 he Domain and practice at the nets.

• Mr. Whibley: The Swimming Club is to be congratulated on. its contribution to “Physical Fitness Week.” It is teaching about 80 children how tc swim. Mr. Woodhead: Last year the Swimming Club also offered to teach adults how to swim, but only two turned up to take advantage of the offer. Mr. Wimsett announced that the Otaihape Alpine Club was prepared to arrange a trip to Mt. Ruapehu. A Voice: Will there be a parade through the streets? The Mayor: Yes. Mr. F. White: Will the Mayor lead the parade in shorts? The Mayor: Anything within reason. (Laughter). Physical Drill. Mr. Whibley: It would be a good idea if we arranged for physical drill to be held on the Domain under a competent instructor. The Mayor: A very good suggestion. We could include the ladies. Mr. Fisher: 1 agree. Mr. Loader: Who will cook the breakfast? Mr. Fisher moved that the idea regarding physical jerks should be carried out. Mr. Whibley suggested an age limit of 16 years and up, as children had physical drill at school. The Mayor: Up to what? Mr. Whibley: Up to 75 years. The Mayor: That counts me out.. After discussion the motion was carried.

It was decided to hold a meeting of the newly-elected committee next week to finalise matters in connection with "Physical Fitness Week.” The following were elected to the district committee of the National Council of Physical Welfare and Re* creation:—Messrs. L. B. H. De Lautour, E. Loader, H. Bowater, A. Wimsett, H. Johnston, J. C. Whibley, J. Graham, W. G. Holloway, Mesdames A. P. Seccombe and W. E. Constable. TAIHAPE SPORT SHOW CUPS AND TROPHIES The cups and trophies to be competed for at the annual show of the Rangitikei A. and P. Association on February 23 are now on view in a shop window in Neagle’s Building, and attract much attention. The collection of trophies is something to be

proud of and as the “great, day’’ draws near interest in the show is quickening. RAILWAY CRICKET TEAM The following team has been selected to represent the Taihape Railway Cricket Club against Porewa at Taihape to-day (Saturday):— F. Bailey, D. Bailey, N. Holmes, C. Reid, M. Reid, E. Fleet, J. Bardell, R. Gabolinscy, R. Johnston, J. Cherry, J. Beiliss, W. Horne (12th man).