A FITTER NATION

Waikato Times, Volume 121, Issue 20274, 17 August 1937, Page 8

A FITTER NATION

GOVERNMENT S AIM. SPORTS BODIES CONFER. PROPOSED ORGANISATION. (By Telegraph.— Press Association.) WELLINGTON. Tuesday. Representatives of sports bodies in the Dominion met to-day in conference for the second time this year with the Minister of Internal Affairs, the Hon. W. E. Parry, to consider the setting- up of a national council of sport and recreation. Mr Parry said the question before the conference was to consider whether a body as suggested by the swimming and life saving associations was desirable and whether the national body should ibe appointed in an advisory capacity to the Government independent of sports bodies. Mr Parry mentioned the Bill passed in England but said that in New Zealand sports the organisations were being consulted before the Bill was prepared. The views of the sports organiastions were to embrace a plan in co-operation with the formation of a national body to carry out a policy. That policy was to embrace ap lau in co-operation with sports bodies for sport, recreation and the attainment of the physical fitness of the nation. The scheme decided upon must embrace the whole field of physical culture. U should, therefore, include arrangements for increasing the supply not only of gymnasia but also of playing fields, swimming baths and other means of physical recreation. Local Interest Important* It was particularly essential that local interest should be stimulated and local effort co-ordinated. To this end it seemed desirable that local committees should be formed in the various centres for the purpose of examining the needs of the area and to consider how unsatisfied needs could best be met. They would constitute the channel through which applications to the national body for grants could be made and committees when forwarding applications would express views as to the relative importance of the various proposals and other comments it may be necessary to makie. He emphasised that he did not desire to create regimentation of sport or recreation. “You are- well aware that the actual facilities are at present insufficient in amount and sporadic in incidence and hampered as they are by lack of funds for development cannot do more than touch the fringe of the problem,” said the Minister. More Facilities Needed. “It is to make good these deficiencies that the present proposals are put forward. The first function of any national organisation set up by the Government must be to survey the whole field of recreation to ascertain, Incidentally (a) what are the existing facilities; (b) what additional or new facilities are required now or are likely to be required over a period of years; (c) how those should be provided and how best used. “Naturally there would be co-oper-atfon between the organisation and work of the Departments of Health and Education and contact and cooperation among the sports bodies and primary and secondary schools. “I wish to say to tho sports bodies and to the people that underlying tho proposals Is a sincere and earnest desire to cultivate and stimulate physical fitness and clean, healthy bodies. Every Idea and suggestion making for the accomplishment of this objective will have my deep consideration. I believe whole-heartedly that a national functioning organisation on the lines proposed will give a vigorous Impetus towards the achievement of the good health and physical development of the nation,” he concluded.