HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETIC CLUB OPENED TO GIRLS

Press, Volume XCIII, Issue 28008, 30 June 1956, Page 3

HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETIC CLUB OPENED TO GIRLS

Once the preserve of men only, the High School Old Boys’ Athletic Club has been re-constituted as the High Schools’ Club, and in future seasons it is likely that increasing numbers of girl athletes will be seen competing for the club. The amended constitution of the club provides for former and present pupils of the Christchurch Boys’ High School. Christchurch Girls’ High School, and Avonside Girls’ High School to become members of tne club. Already 28 girls have joined the club, most prominent among them being Miss Gillian Harris, who is the province’s best girl high jumper, and Miss Alison Kinvug, who recently won the women’s race at the Kennett Cup Steeplechase. A change along the lines of those just adopted was suggested as far back as 1943, but nothing came of it. Like other old boys’ sports clubs, the

athletic club has made a valuable contribution over the years to Canterbury sport. Just before and during the early stages of the last war the school had several promising athletes who' competed for the Ola Boys’ Club. During the war years when there were few old boys’ athletes left to carry on the club, the school had probably its most outstanding group of athletes, among whom were Dave Batten, Ken Taylor and Alan Dockery. These boys carried on the traditions of the Old Boys’ Club, even though during these years they were known as the Boys’ High School club and competed in the school colours. This probably led to the complete amalgamation of the two clubS. for in the years after the war the club changed its name to the High School Club and adopted the blue and black colours of the school instead of the once familiar white uniform with a blue monogram.