PHYSICAL WELFARE

Waikato Times, Volume 128, Issue 21374, 19 March 1941, Page 8

PHYSICAL WELFARE

SATISFACTORY PROGRESS REVIEW BY THE MINISTER In a review of activities of the Physical Welfare and Recreation Branch of the Department of Internal Affairs, the Minister (the Hon. W. E. Parry) states that the reports received from instructors show very satisfactory progress. “It is clearly evident,” says Mr Parry, “that the officers have tackled their tasks vigorously and are getting helpful co-operation from enthusiastic supporters in many districts. Any fear that the exercises might prove difficult for some members of the Home Guard has been, quickly dispelled by the first demonstrations. For men over 30 years of age the graduated exercises are such as will improve their physical condition and not strain them. “Of course, during the war,” the Minister continues, “the main ser--1 vice of the branch will be for the Home Guard. As a typical example of progress in this national service I may mention the Auckland area. There about 300 instructors have been trained by the department’s officers. These trained men are now giving instruction to about 8000 guardsmen enrolled in the area. From focal points in all areas the instructional service is reaching far into country districts. Opportunity Welcomed “All reports show that men and women in country districts are pleased to have the opportunity of physical culture under skilled officers. Although Home Guard work comes first in tne schedule, members of the department’s staff are giving keen attention to the organisation of various physical welfare and recreational activities such as swimming, cycle-touring and tramping. This service is particularly important in cases where there is no sports body sponsoring the recreational activities. Clubs for this purpose are being formed. “The Women's War Services Auxiliary is taking advantage of the instructional service offered by the department. For example, in the Auckland area a departmental officer conducted a refresher course for members of the Physical Education Society who were willing to act as voluntary instructors for W.W.S.A. groups. In Franklin county alone I W.W.S.A. groups nave been formed in 15 localities (with a total of 46 leaders) with focal points at Pukekohe and Papakura. “Whenever advisable, the operations of the branch are adapted to local conditions and circumstances. For example, during the recent very hot weather at Gisborne, the officers, with the consent of the principal of the High School, gave life-saving land drill (in place of ordinary physical training), followed by lifesaving water work. Assistance has also been given in organising ana conducting swimming sports a> schools.”