SPIRITED PLAY.

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 22, 27 January 1928, Page 5

SPIRITED PLAY.

CHILDREN AT THE PARK.

ENGROSSED IN GAMES.

A striking study in child-life is being afforded by the appearance at Carlaw Park to-day, when hundreds of children who have been trained through tutors of the Auckland Play Association to throw their soul into wholesome forms of play, sported about the field in a series of play competitions, including organised games which have been specially created for the purpose of fostering the play spirit in youngsters. Adherents of the four big play clubs of the city—the Victoria Park Community Club, the Potter's Park Club, the Grey Lynn Park Club, and the Carlaw Park Club—are industriously occupied in individual and team games for the honour of the club.

Cricket of junior and senior grades occupied the morning, and in the afternoon the young rivals turned their attention to volley ball and captain ball competitions, and such novelties as the newspaper boys' racc, the chariot race, and the motor tyre race. Bowling their old motor tyres (modern adaptation of the hoop race), reining in their fretting two-legged steeds, and running out their newspapers in spirited relay competition, the youngsters frolicked to the encouraging cheers of their companions. Incentives to excel were provided in a row of handsome presentation cups, and towards the close of the proceedings the prizes were presented by the Hon. G. Fowlds, whose words of cheer were supplemented by remarks by Mr. E. C. Cutten, S.M., and by Mrs. Nellie Ferner, the indefatigable founder and president of the Play Association.

A special pride was taken by the caretaker of the park in having the grounds in prime order for the juvenile performers, and in having the areas for the several competitions trimly and plainly marked out.

The junior cricket match in the morning was won by the Victoria Park Community Cltfb team.