PHYSICAL WELFARE

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21198, 22 August 1940, Page 2

PHYSICAL WELFARE

OFFICER’S REPORT SUCCESS OF RECREATION WEEK THANKS FOR ASSISTANCE The final meeting of the Hamilton Physical Welfare and Recreation Committee took place last night with the Mayor of Hamilton, Mr H. D. Caro, in the chair. Mr L. Cross, Waikato Physical Welfare Recreational Officer, presented his report concerning the successful Recreation Week held recently in Hamilton. Mr Cross said a pleasing result was revealed considering it was the first programme of this nature to be carried out locally—in fact, in the whole Dominion. Hence the whole undertaking should be regarded as a very satisfactory experiment, and it was not too much to hope that Recreation Week would become an annual event. Owing to the outbreak of war a change had to be made from the original purpose of reviewing all the recreational organisations in the community. Instead the committee had concentrated on a patriotic effort which would assure more general public support. How successful this proved could be seen from the fact that 950 people took part in the various functions and 2563 paid for admission.

Assistance Appreciated Mr Cross continued by paying a warm tribute to the different organisations which had contributed to the success of the programme. Among these were the Sick and Wounded Campaign Committee, the Retailers’ Association, the Hamilton Pipe Band, the different business houses and organisation and the executive and members of the Hamilton Athletic Club. The latter club had put in some very hard work, continued Mr Cross, and it was a considerable disappointment to all concerned that the athletic meeting had not been better supported. Mr Seddon, the convenor of the Concert Committee had been untiring in his efforts for the Centennial concert and the entertainment had reached a high standard. The secondary schools and various youth movements deserved the thanks of the committee for the excellent pro-, gramme presented on. the third night. In concluding his report Mr Cross mentioned the cordial appreciation which the Hon. W. E. Parry (Minister in Charge of Physical, Welfare and Recreation) had expressed concerning Hamilton’s recreational effort. Unfortunately the Minister had been unable to attend the meetings, but his praise had nevertheless been an encouragement to all concerned. Praise by Minister “Miss Black’s report,” stated the Minister, “covering the activities of, the recreation week, reviewed with the photograph produced of the activities, gives very encouraging and practical evidence of the work of our instructors and enables us to formulate a picture of what is possible of achievement in the future.” The Mayor voiced his appreciation at the result of the week, especially in view of the low charges of admission, which allowed everyone to sec the functions. Dr. W. R. Fea emphasised the great work done by the two physical welfare officers, Mr L. Cross and Miss R. Stephenson, in organising the whole undertaking. Refund of Rent The secretary of the Waikato Winter Show Association, Mr W. H. Paul, stated that the association would grant a rebate of all rent and charge only the actual expenses. Any profit would go to the Patriotic Committee, which would probably receive nearly £IOO. Hamilton should be very grateful to those who had made the first Physical Welfare and Recreation Week possible, said Mr Paul, and who had not only showed people everywhere what could be done in regard to recreation activities, but had helped to raise money for a very worthy cause.