FINE DISPLAY

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 61, Issue 19, 2 November 1940, Page 6

FINE DISPLAY

CHILDREN IN THE DOMAIN. LARGE ATTENDANCE OF PUBLIC. FUNDS FOR PATRIOTIC WOIJK. In tlio perfect setting of the Ashburton Domain Oval to-day school children, wearing the national colours in red, white and blue capes, presented a brilliant picture as they marched round. This was the prelude to a big effort in aid of patriotic funds—the Borough’s quota of £sooo—made by the Hampstead, Ashburton and Allenton centres of the Red Cross Society of New Zealand.

The afternoon opened with a march past of children, accompanied by the Ashburton Silver Band, conducted by Bandsman C. Leslie in the temporary absence of the conductor (Mr E. Hopwood). The National Anthem followed, and the Mayor (Dr. G. I. Miller) formally declared the function open. The weather was perfect for the occasion.

Brilliant Spectacle.

The programme included folk dancing (“Selenger’s Round”), mass singing of “Land of Hope and iGlory” and “There’ll Always be an England,” accompanied by the band, a display of folk dancing by the Ashburton Technical High School Girls (“New’castle,” “Gathering Peascods” '■ and “Black (N'ag”), mass singing of “God Defend New Zealand,” the folk dances, “Rpfty Tufty” and “Christchurch Bells,” the “Life Boys” in a physical culture display under Miss M. Woods, and a classical ballet by Miss M. Wilson’s pupils. v The ordeir of the procession was:— Technical High. School, East School, Allenton, Convent, Ngaroma Private School and the High and Borough Schools. The use of loud-speakers operated by Mr K. Mcllraith assisted greatly in the marshalling and other work. In charge of the children’s display were Mrs A. T. Smith and Mrs H. N. Armstrong while Mrs F. Curtis, president of the Mid-Canterbury branch of the New Zealand Red Cross, was general supervisor. Miss I. Chamberlain was in charge of- thei Technical High School pupils. Judging the fancy dresses were Mesdames E. Moon and Wright, of Rakaia. A Copper Trail. While various attractions, including stalls, and competitions a dart board and other games were in progress, boat rides were’ condiicted on the lake and the children’s .playground was in full use. Appropriately enough the Life Boys had a big hand ini this part of the programme. Even a temporary wharf-bad been rigged up at the point of embarkation. Before the proceedings had gone far a coppqr trail round the Oval began to grow rapidly. Just to keep a general eye on things members of the Ashburton St. John Ambulance were on duty. They had l little to do, fortunately, but watch out for occasional fainting, fits among the children, caused by tlio heat. It is probable that, when the takings are counted up the patriotic funds will have received a big, lift along and that the Borough’s quota of the Dominion's £1,000,000 will look healthy.