PHYSICAL EDUCATION OF GIRLS.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume 6, Issue 1641, 22 March 1884, Page 2

PHYSICAL EDUCATION OF GIRLS.

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

cise will prove of the greatest service in after life by developing the frame ; and obviating those ills which so often ; supervene in the passage from girlhood 1 to womanhood, The disorders which 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 to insist upon, ordinary systematic exercises being taken daily. This should consist of certain gymnastic exercises, which ought to be practised each day as part of the school work, supplemented by such games as lawn tennis, rounders, golf, &c. Swimming is an exercise that every girl should indulge , in, and it ought to be taught systematically at all our girl schools, Rowing, too, is an exercise which greatly helps to strengthen tho muscles of tho trunk and abdomen, and is, therefore, very serviceable in giving grace and elegance to the figure. Schools at the seaside or near a river should avail themselves of the opportunity, and have rowing trught by some trustworthy boatman. Riding lias always been an exercise in favor with tho profession; the expense attending it, however, debars its pursuit in many cases, To delicate girls, or those rapidly growing, some of the above named exercises may prove unsuitable; in these cases it is best to rely at first entirely on gymnastics till tho fratuo is strengthened. Until very recently dress proved a great barrier in preventing the free exercise of the limbs and body, but the introduction of a more sensible costume for the playground will, in future, it is to be lioped, remove the disadvantage. The costume in use consists of a short skirt of blue serge, draped with a crimson scarf, blue jersey, short trousers, and long stockings, Such a dress is quite suitable for girls under 15, and we fancy that those who are educated on this system will not, as they grow older, readily submit to the bondage of high heeled boots and tight lacing,, though probably they would have to adopt a more lengthened skirt,