Filched from Time Magazine, Feb. 23, 1968

"Consider the human machine in middle age atrociously maintained, rusty from disuse None of its pans the bellows the tubes the pump function as efficiently as they once did. The muscles have degenerated into blancmange. If, in an emergency, the demand for air rises abruptly from the idling requirement of six to eight quarts a minute to 100 quarts or more, the man gulps like that of a leached ear The heart throbs about two to three times its customary rate, pumping blood through pipes thickened by sedimentary deposits and grown inelastic with age".

"Estimates suggest that 40 million Americans have a temperamental indisposition to any kind of haul physical work. Research by the University of California's. Dr. Hardin Jones indicates that, if the circulatory system is any clue, the average U.S. male becomes middle-aged at 25. American women shape up no better, beneath their facade "They have such beautiful hair, beautiful faces," says German Antionette de Haas who teaches dance at the Elizabeth Arden Salon in Chicago. But when they take off their clothing, what do you see? A calamity!"

By general agreement the best exercise for most people is walking then jogging, then running. These activities have the important side advantages of requiring no skill or equipment while offering endless opportunities for self congratulation.'

And so to Athletics:

These members of the Vic Amateur Athletic Club, Penny Hunt Phil Kear and Rod Petley (both Phil and Rod were blues last year) were in the Wellington team at the National Championships in Inglewood, towards the end of March.

Penny added to her string of successes in the women's sprints by winning the 200m and 400m races, and, in the most exciting race of the day, she received the Wellington baton when nearly 50 yards behind, to win the 4 × 400m women's relay by inches. She was also a member of the silver-medal winning 4 × 100m relay team. Phil contributed to Wellington's total domination of the men's sprints by winning the 400 metres, and by being a prominent member of the two relay teams.

The club has had a very successful season in local competition but is feeling the pinch of decreasing membership with Easter Tournament approaching. New members are needed desperately. You don't have to be good, you need only to be keen and determined.

Club nights are held every Thursday evening at the Evans Bay track, from 5.30 pm. All interested people are invited to attend, or to contact:

Phil Kear Phone 692-700 (evenings).