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146
If a game of Rugby is being played by junior boys, it is of
advantage for the field to be relatively short. This, however, is
by no means obligatory. It is, however, obligatory that the field
should be relatively narrow, so that the boys may find touch fairly
constantly, with consequent brief intervals in the strenuous game.
The aim is essentially to prevent undue strain. Children are
capable of enormous output of energy for a short time. Thus
young hoys are able to snatch easy runs at cricket who would be
completely fatigued even walking round a golf course with quite
old men.
For this reason races which are to be run should be short
and races around the 300 yard mark—comparable with the 440
yards of the adult athlete—should be avoided altogether, because
they are the most strenuous of all races.
(12) PROVISION OF MEALS.
Whereas, in 1929, 33,991 free meals were provided, during
1930, 31,556 meals were provided.
With the active co-operation of all your officers concerned
I find it difficult to believe that there are any children who of
necessity go without a square meal some time during the day.
I look upon this work as one of the finest you are carrying out
and trust that the good work which is being undertaken will soon
be carried on in adequate accommodation.
As you know, the building in which these children are at present
fed has been inadequate now for some time.
(13) SCHOOL BATHS.
Last year I expressed the hope that baths would soon be found
in every school, and that certainly provision would be made in every
new school opened by the Local Education Authority.