Chch. Marchers In Aust. Contest

Press, Volume CV, Issue 30965, 22 January 1966, Page 14

Chch. Marchers In Aust. Contest

The three Christchurch marching teams touring parts of New South Wales and Queensland, will take part in their first championship tomorrow. Blue Star Taxis midgets, Motorways Royal Guards juniors and Downings Red Robins seniors will compete in a championship, larger than any ever held in New Zealand, at The Entrance, near Newcastle. The contest has attracted 100 entries: 32 in the midget grade, 33 in the junior section, and 35 senior teams. Over 1000 medals and numerous trophies are being competed for. The Blue Star and Royal Guard teams are the Canterbury champions in their grades and Red Robin runnersup, but they will face intense competition at The Entrance. The senior team will face

the stiffest, competition as other competitors include Mel- . bourne Pioneers, runner-up in last year’s Australian championships; the Heinry Aristocrats, also from Victoria, : which is the Australian display champion team; and Miss Joy Simpson, the national : champion leader. The Merrylands Guardettes, :

the Australian champion midget display team, will also compete. New Zealand marching teams, accustomed to starting about 10 to 10.30 a.m., would be appalled with the conditions at The Entrance. The first team steps out at 7 a.m. and there is continuous marching until 3.30 p.m. This

will be followed by various displays, including one in which members of the Red Robins will take part, and a huge massed display and grand march past. As a mark of courtesy to the New Zealand visitors, the programme will conclude with the singing of “Now is the Hour.”