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Salient. An Organ of Student Opinion at Victoria College, Wellington, N.Z. Vol. 3, No. 4. 1940
Editorial
Editorial
The Physical Education Committee of the British Medical Association has made the hold and forceful statement that, "All Universities should make provision for the physical education of undergraduates". This field of education, which has been sadly neglected in New Zealand, was the subject of a report to the New Zealand University Students' Association. Mr. Begg, of Otago University, compiler of the report, proposes a minimum policy, which includes some of the more successful aspects of the American schemes incorporated in a more modest way to meet the needs of the New Zealand universities.
| 1. | Medical examination for all first year students, with a view to pointing out any defects, and indicating a suitable course of physical activities. Optional examinations after the first year. The examinations to to of an advisory nature, and a poor report would not debar a student from attendance at university. | ||||||||||
| 2. | A director of physical education, who would he an advisor to students in all matters pertaining to sports, but would not interfere with the executive side of games administration. He should be a member of the college staff. A competent director specialised in modern training with an ability to make "physical fitness" attractive, would he essential. | ||||||||||
| 3. | Facilities for physical education. No university is properly equipped without
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| 4. | Facilities for outdoor games and athletics. In this respect facilities are much better, but an accurate assessment is needed of the number of students taking an active part in sport. |
This programme is certainly not a lavish one, and could be put into operation with a minimum outlay on materials and buildings. A second point in favour is that the Government are interested in this kind of necessary work, and all efforts should be made to bring the New Zealand universities into line with the rest of the world. Sports clubs committees are urged to discuss and propagate discussion on the matters covered above, and to send in to Salient the result of their observations. This is a most important scheme.
M.L.B.
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