He showed a chart which went to prove that in the very great majority of cases the chest measurements, over the clothes, ranged from 34in to 36in - equivalent to 32in to 34in next the skin.
Of course, said our informant, from about 25 years onward the men may get fatter round the chest, and thus record a bigger chest measurement, but this does not mean an actual increase in lung power.
He went on to remark that the physique of the boys now coming under his observation was much better than was the case some years back, and that the Cadets, for instance, were showing a gradually improving development.
When asked for an explanation of the cause of the improvement, the clothier said that in his opinion it was the result of two things.
In the first place the conditions of life in New Zealand some 20 to 26 years ago were very much harder than they have been since, and the offspring of the parents of that period were as a consequence not so hardy or virile, speaking generally, as they should have been.
In the second place the boys and girls were now better fed and cared for and given greater opportunities to go in for physical culture, and they were beginning to show the effect of that care and culture.
Boys of 18 or 19 years of age today were noticeably better developed than boys of even five to 10 years ago.
•Building operations are at present being carried out very extensively in the St. Kilda Borough, where a spirit of progressiveness is very much in evidence.
This activity is especially apparent in the Forbury Park subdivision, where, in addition to the fine new St. Clair school that is now rapidly approaching completion, a large number of handsome, private residences are being erected.
In fact, it is stated by those who are in a position to know that probably more building is proceeding in this neighbourhood just now than in all the rest of the city.
With the completion of the present drainage scheme, which is being carried out in a most thorough manner, and which will be followed by a programme of street kerbing, channelling, and asphalting, this subdivision should form a very attractive residential area, and one that should justify the present confidence of builders.
When the Forbury crescent subdivision is completed the crown of the aqueduct, which is being given the necessary slope to carry off the water, will form the base of the footpath; and this side of the crescent (the south side) will be kerbed, channelled, and asphalted at once.
The asphalting of a number of streets in this neighbourhood that were kerbed and channelled last year is also in hand at present.
•The Teviot district is experiencing an ideal spring. The weather has been all that could have been desired, with the result that growth of all descriptions is well advanced, and is in a much more forward condition than at this period last season.
This spring has been remarkable for its marked absence of frost, and fruitgrowers feel that they are now past the critical stage.
Apricot trees are now fully foliaged, affording the fruit ample protection from an ordinary frost, and it is practically safe to say that a very heavy crop is assured.
Thinning operations are in full swing, and the large quantity of fruit that is being taken off the trees, running into thousands per tree, would be an eye-opener to the city dweller.
- ODT, 26.10.1916.
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