DATE ALTERED

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 58, Issue 38, 24 November 1937, Page 3

DATE ALTERED

THE ASHBURTON GYMKHANA. DECISION OF MEETING. Because of counter-attractions the Ashburton Gymkhana-, which was to have been held on Saturday, December 4, has been postponed till after Christmas. This decision was reached at a meeting of those interested yesterday afternoon, when Mr S. P. Taylor presided. The chairman said the gymkhana ivas one of the schemes the Association had in mind for the raising of funds for the improvement of the grounds. The Association was very grateful for the wonderful help that had been given to the Queen Carnival, and lie paid a tribute to the way in which the people of the town had rallied round. It would be an excellent way to return this appreciation by conducting the gymkhana on a 50-50 basis with the Ashburton Advance Association. The suggestion was favoured by Air H. C. Barton, who moved in that direction. This was seconded by Air S. H. lull. Air S. Crosson said it had previously been decided that all funds should go to the Association. It would be better to run the function for the Association, and back up the next Labour Day Gala. Air At. J. Burgess (president of the A.A.A.) said be was sorry to < sound a note of ill-effect after the Association’s fine offer. He had been to some members of his executive, and they gave him to understand that 1200 people would be leaving Ashburton with the Ashburton East School picnic on the day of the gymkhana. There might be more, seeing there was a 40-hour week now. At the same time, the A.A.A. would be willing to lend any of its equipment for the use of the gymkhana.

The chairman said this brought up the question of the suitability of the date chosen for the function.

The secretary (Air W. H. Amos) said that the date had been fixed when the queen carnival committee was first set up. The crowning ceremony would be held on the evening of December 4. It was stated that the New Brighton trots would be held on the same day, and tlie gymkhana would be up against “a pretty tough proposition” with that and the school picnic. Air Crosson moved that the gymkhana should be held on December 11. Mr Lill said there were a number of counter-attractions on that day, also. The motion was not seconded. Mr G. C. Nicoll moved that it he held early in Alarcli, and this was seconded by Air J. C. Guinness. Mr Burgess advocated holding over the fixing of a date. Mr M. Farrell thought they should first ascertain whether the A.A.A. or any other body should take part in the distribution of funds from the gymkhana. The secretary said the president (Mr R. J. Alartin) was in favour of distribution. Mr Crosson again opposed the A.A.A. taking part. Mr Burgess: The 50-50 need not come into it at all. We are townspeople and we want to assist the Association. If the Association wants to give us something later on, all right, but that or not, you can have all the equipment. The chairman said this was a very fine gesture, and was appreciated by the Association. Air R. D. Hefford moved an amendment that the gymkhana be held on December 4, and “be done with it.” This was seconded by Air R. Fortune. It was agreed to alter the motion to read that the gymkhana be postponed, to be held after the Christmas holidays. The motion was carried by a good margin. < The question of the distribution of funds was left to the A. and P. Association.