Health and Exercise.

In his efforts to improve the health of the nation, the Minister of Internal Affairs, Hon. W. E. Parry, has embarked on a mission which may not have its true value shown for some years to come. But once awakened to the value of systematic and sane exercise New Zeaalnders will take wholeheartedly to his suggestions.

Opinions may differ as to the best means of developing and retaining physical fitness but there are so many means whereby good may accrue. What must be guarded against is the specialisation which might be attempted.

This is a point noted by Americans and commented on in the report of the Wingate Memorial Foundation which has made the Public Schools of America its principal “fitting up” starting point. Lads with good chest development are not encouraged to take up sport which will still further develop their chests; they are given exercises to strengthen their lower limbs. Likewise lads with good leg development are given special exercises to develop their chests. In other words, the weak points are developed.