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H. —228

the outbreak of war. The New Zealand Act is intended to encourage the establishment of such centres, where social and cultural activities are linked with those of recreation and sport and encouragement given to the display of good sportsmanship, courtesy, and manners rather than the mere development of physical strength. In the ordinary course such centres must be matters of local enterprise as they are for the benefit of people in the areas concerned. It is in these centres that the older people will be able to loregather with the younger people and thus reintroduce into our community life, that fine practice of older days whereby youth and their ciders assembled together to enjoy their recreation periods. Already the principle of self-help has been honoured in several districts where centres have been established and in others where progress is being made with such projects. Under the Municipal Corporations Act, 1933, and the Counties Act, 1920, Borough Councils and County Councils were given authority to expend moneys for the provision of recreative amenities for the inhabitants of the districts under their jurisdiction. These powers are consolidated and their application made wider to include all local authorities under the Physical Welfare and Recreation Act, 1937. This Act authorizes every local authority to expend money for the provision of facilities, equipment, centres for physical training and exercise, sport and recreation of the inhabitants of its district, and social activities for the people. A local authority may engage qualified persons and may manage and control such facilities. Authority is' also given to make grants to voluntary organizations serving* the recreative needs of the community. In the development of several community centres the Department's officers have helped appreciably with advice and other expert service, and have been available for the planning and organization of physical welfare and recreation programmes. That kind of assistance is freely m readiness for the promoters of similar centres in other localities. Information Service Many official contacts in other countries have been established to ensure that New Zealand will get prompt information of all important developments in, international and national recreation These contacts will be increased as soon as world conditions permit It is also proposed to maintain a full record of what is being done in New Zealand the various requirements and specifications for recreation, and the rales and laws affecting participation m order that at any time a clear picture of New Zealand conditions may be visible. J This service will be made available freely to ensure that New Zealand will be well and correctly informed on recreation. Magazine. It is proposed,_ when practicable, to publish a good-quality illustrated magazine on sport and recreation. This magazine will be a digest from the recreation resources of the Dominion embracing all interests and serving the ■community with modern information. Ihe co-operation of recreation associations will be enlisted to ensure a supply of contributions by experts. 1 ' • Pamphlets. Part of the emphasis laid by the report of the International Committee on Recreation was on the need for the distribution of pamphlets giving correct and adequate information on recreational opportunities. The publication of such literature 1 (< 'i ing 4 « recreation of the people will he fostered and encouraged, it ,®.| Manua ' s, Y Si ™ ilarl y', 1 iu ( ;! ose co-operation with the main sports associations, Ll " tended f° ster tbe publication of such coaching and instructional manuals as may be required from time to time. Facilities J"rlS n ° < J ou „ bt that a great development of facilities for recreation will be required alter the war, but, from whatever point this matter is viewed, it is essentially one for local enterprise. Necessarily local authorities are more concerned than the State, as the benefit sto be for local people. Ihe powers of local authorities in this respect have been mentioned under the heading of community centres. POLICY FOR COMMUNITY RECREATION In the local districts as in the national field, it will be necessary to provide a service for the people to enable them to have ready access lo their chosen form of recreation There will be no compulsion or control. The service will be there for those who desire to take • i IS fi7 lC? community recreation will be provided by the Physical Wei Idle Officers m the following manner:— Information Service.—Ln each district the Physical Welfare Officers will maintain full information on the recreational clubs and facilities of the district in order that any Jm 1 t ®information may call at the district office and be correctly informed Ihiß policy means that any person desiring to participate in a particular recreation may obtain the necessary information about clubs and conditions. The coaching necessary for ™ u bs ommBed thmn<sk io «* 1 co »" a »' «'• Fitness Campaigns.-The Physical Welfare Officers will take such steps as may be desirable from time to time to promote the physical fitness of the community and to incite d films. * 7 by ~of lectures ' demonstrations, pietS of hSh"r at r~ All adequate > l uP-to-date knowledge of the recreation facilities ot holiday resorts and camping areas will be maintained for the benefit of the public. This (••in. " p ecords an< * notes of the tramping tracks in mountain areas and recognized camping sites Every effort wi Ibe made to meet the needs of the community in holiday recreation, including the arranging of suitable programmes at resorts and camps

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