PHYSICAL EDUCATION OF GIRLS.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume 6, Issue 1640, 21 March 1884, Page 2

PHYSICAL EDUCATION OF GIRLS.

The Lancet, in a recent issue, says; We are pleased to find that increased attention is being paid to the question l of the physical training of young and growing girls. The Swedish physical exercises have found general faypr, whilst many games and athletic pursuits are now permitted which wero formerly were prescribed by prudish schoolmistresses and timid mammas. There can be no doubt that the present movement is in the right direction so long as it is kept within' reMohable athletio sports to our, schools would bo a mistake. But; short of 'this, the daily employment of systematic exer-

cise will prove of the greatest servici in after life by developing tlio. frame and obviating those ills which so often supervene in the-passage from girlhood to womanhood, The disorders wine! occur at that period are generally referred to imperfect development and to defective nutrition, When the girl is naturally healthy, little is wanted but to encourage, or we might say tc insist upon, ordinary systematic exer cises being taken daily. This should consist of certain gymnastio exeroise3| which ought to be practised, each day as part of the school work," supple inented by such games as lawn tennis rounders, golf, &e. Swimming is an exercise that every girl should indulge ip, and it ought' to be taught systematically at all our girl schools, Rowing, too, is an exercise which greatly: helps to strengthen the muscles of the truni and abdomen, and is, therefore, verj serviceable in giving grace andeleganci to the figure. Schools at the seasidi or near a river should avail themselvei of the opportunity, and have rowing trught by some trustworthy boatman, Riding has always been an exercise ir favor with the profession j the expensf attending it, however, debars its pur suit in many cases. To delicate girls, or those rapidly growing, some of th< above named exercises may provi unsuitable; in these cases it is best tc rely at first entirely on gymnastics til the frame is strengthened, Until verj recently dress proved a great barrie: in preventing tho free exercise of the limbs and body, but the introduction of a more sensible costume for the playground will, in future, it istob< hoped, remove the disadvantage. The costume in use consists of a short skirl of blue serge, draped with a crimsoi scarf, blue jersey, short trousers, anc long stockings. Such a dress is quiti suitable for girls under 15, and w< fancy that those who are educated or this system will not, as they grow older, readily submit to the bondage o high heeled boots and tight- lacing though probably they would have tc adopt a more lengthened skirt.