PROPOSED GALA

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XLIII, Issue 9828, 22 March 1923, Page 3

PROPOSED GALA

FOR TOWN IMPROVEMENT.

ATHLETIC CLUB’S OFFER. “That the Alayor he asked to call a public meeting to consider the advisability of holding on Labour Day, October 23, a small gala or carnival, to be managed by the Ashburton Sports’ bodies, the net proceeds to be handed to the Advance Ashburton Association,” was the effect of two motiotis passed at the meeting of the Ashburton Athletic Association last night. The chairman (Air H. R. C. McElrea) brought forward a. scheme which had emanated from a meeting of the executive prior to the general gathering. He stated that the club had a good organising committee, and it had been considered by the executive that this organisation could be used for the benefit of the town generally, as well as for the club. With this policy in view it was recommended that a public meeting be called and if support were promised, arrangements be made for the holding of a carnival, in an effort to improve the town on lines similar to those adopted by the Advance Ashburton Association. The present funds of the Athletic Club would not be involved in any way. Several members spoke of the project in the most favourable terms, pointing out that the club’s vision need not be hounded by selfishness, and that such a carnival would be well supported when there was no suggestion of the club doing the work for its own monetary advantage. Good “sports” were good citizens, and it behoved the members to support such an undertaking. That a certain percentage of the net proceeds be reserved for sports bodies was recommended by Air W. B. Thomas. He stated that the sports’ clubs would be doing most of the work, and some recompense was due to the organisers. That participation in profits would cause a great deal of trouble among the various ■ sports’ bodies was remarked upon by Air A. A. Fooks, who said that the controlling bodies should be unanimous in holding the carnival and in handing over the receipts to the Advance Ashburton Association. Mr W. B. Thomas then moved:— “That a resolution be forwarded to the Mayor asking that a public meeting be called for the purpose of deciding upon the holding of a carnival to he conducted by the sports bodies.” The motion was seconded by Air A. N. Grigg, and carried. Mr J. B. Christian moved:—“That it be a recommendation that the net proceeds he handed over to the Advance Ashburton Association.” The motion was seconded by Mr T. J. Hunter and carried unanimously.