SPORTS AT GALA

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 56, Issue 275, 2 September 1936, Page 3

SPORTS AT GALA

NOVELTY ITEMS SUGGESTED. MEETING OF THE COMMITTEE. PROGKAMAiE ON LAST YEAR’S LINES. Because of numerous counter attractions there was only a small attendance at a meeting of the Gala imports Committee field in tlie .borough council Chambers last evening. 'the ciiairuian (Mr J. C. C. lVicLauiiian) presided. me secretary stated that tne Gaia executive fiad received a fetter containing a number of suggestions and these nad been forwarder! on to the meeting that evening lor consideration, it was suggested that a prize should be given tu every entry oi merit m the uaia procession. llie past method ot only giving a second ana third prize on a specilieu number or entries, was penalising those who went to the. trouble, and not the ones who had not entered. • it was suggested that all sports bodies, including golr, should be asked to close on the afternoon of Gaia day, all sports grounds and club grounds in the Domain to be set aside ior Gala competitions and a small charge made. Tennis, croquet, bowls and golf tournaments were suggested; also relay races for families, lather, mother and two children, and couple relay races, it was further recommended that one event should include walking, skipping, hopping, cycling and crawling ait in one race. A wheelbarrow race, a race for married couples, a county champion snip and a single couple championship was also suggested. Other attractions could possibly include an art gallery and a museum. With regard to the schools, it was recommended that they should compete in connection with* the stalls, a cup to be given to the school which collects the most money from its stall. With regard to the evening attractions it was considered that the fire brigade could assist in connection with a torch light procession, while there could be singing parties of children. Items by scouts, guides, brownies and cubs, with a prize for the best display, was a further suggestion contained in the letter, which went on to advocate that the fire brigade should give a practical display with the steamer, “The Pride of Ashburton,” in the evening. It was considered that a massed display of drill by children in the afternoon would be very effective. The final suggestion was that each child under the age of 12 years accompanied at the Gala by an adult, should receive a gift, such as a paper hat or a balloon. The chairman: It might be all right as a picnic or a family gathering. Finally it was decided that the sports programme should be similar to that at last year’s Gala. It was also decided that the mile cash cycling race should be a district event, road wheels to be used. As the result of a letter from All* W. Stephens, of Dunsandel, it was decided to include a professional mile handicap in the running events. Air Stephens stated in his letter that several long distance runners were will-ling to compete including H. Buchanan, the Southland champion. In connection with the ladies’ race (75 yards) it was decided that there must be six starters, or no race. The 100 yards ladies’ event was deleted. The question of axemen’s events was deferred till a later date as also was the inclusion of the high jump in the sports programme. It was decided to write to the secretaries of the amateur sports bodies asking what entries could be expected if amateur events were included. After several minor adjustments had been made it was decided to submit the programme to the Gala executive for its approval.

DISCUSSION ON ATTRACTIONS. ADVANCE ASHBURTON ASSOCIATION. The executive of the Advance Ashburton Association last evening, the president (Air AV. K. \Vaters) presiding over a somewhat small attendance. 1 Air L. Crooks wrote in appreciation of the Association’s sympathetic message in connection with his illness. Cordial welcomes to the executive were extended to Messrs J. Brown and O. Ives. Air AV. S. Kerr reported that the condition of the reserves was quite satisfactory and Air AVaters stated that arrangements in connection with the stalls for the Gala were well under way. Air Ives stated that the basketball girls were prepared to assist in connection with the Gala, possibly in the staging of a burlesque match. Basketball in its proper form was favoured by the meeting and this matter will be further considered at the meeting to be held next Tuesday evening. , At the suggestion of Air N. L. 1. AVood, it was decided to write to the various sports bodies asking them to send representatives to the next meeting anti to assist at the Gala where possible. Air Wood remarked that the Gala was not getting the support of the young people. All* F. K. Cooper did not favour the several dubs being asked to observe a “closed” day for their respective sports on Labour Day. He was sure they would assist in other ways. Mr Kerr said the clubs were waiting for a lead as to what direction they would assist at the Gala. Suggestions were made that the clubs could possibly hold Yankee tournaments and perhaps conduct stalls to raise money for the Gala. The writing of a suitable letter to the sports bodies was left in the hands of the secretary.