FITNESS CAMPAIGN

Waikato Times, Volume 122, Issue 20507, 25 May 1938, Page 9

FITNESS CAMPAIGN

COUNCIL'S FIRST MEETING COMMUNITY SPIRIT URGED (By Telegram. rw- \senriauon) WELLINGTON, Tuesday The first meeting of the National Council of Physical Welfare was held 10-dav in Parliament House. The chairman, the Hon. W. E. Parry Minister of Internal Affairs, made it plain in his address that it was not intended that the council should have a sports contest bias. The read objective was a nation of fit people able to fill any place in society and ready for any emergency. He mentioned the importance of a national survey of existing facilities and the necessity for setting up national machinery for the full operation of the legislation. He conveyed Ihe best wishes of the Prime Minister to the council. The Prime Minister assured them he would do all he could to assist the organisation in the attainment of its objective. Mr Parry emphasised that the movement embraced the people themselves and they should not expect someone else to do what they themselves should do. could do and must do if the objective was to be realised. There were gymnasia, swimming baths, sports grounds .and buildings to be constructed and all the necessary equipment to be obtained. That in itself would entail work and service in which everyone could play a part as employers and employees* There was much for the council lo do. Even at the first •meeting he felt they could share each other’s confidence in the success they looked for in their work. The conference was attended by the Minister of Education, the Hon. P. Fraser, who addressed the gathering on the matter from the educational aspects.