14 DECEMBER 1934, Page 3

The Nation's Physique Sir George Newman is showing admirable pertinacity

in insisting on every appropriate occasion on the necessity for adopting a comprehensive and wisely-conceived scheme of physical training for the nation. Countries like Germany and Italy achieve that in association with many concomitants whose appearance we have no desire to see here. But that is no reason why we should drift complacently on in the knowledge that our physical standards are low and with no resolute effort to raise them. Sir George spoke on Saturday at a display giyen by Girls' Clubs at the Albert Hall, and dwelt particularly on the defects' in the physique of the women of the nation. In the case of girls even more than of men unwise training may do positive and serious harm. But there is no reason at all why it should be unwise. There is abundant know- ledge and skill available for the framing of wise systems. What is needed is some effective stimulus, such as perhaps the Prince of Wales could give, to a voluntary physical training movement that would result in a reasonable degree of physical fitness being regarded as a point of personal. honour. * * * *_