THE POLICE MAKE IT A FAST TREK

Press, Volume CXI, Issue 32667, 24 July 1971, Page 1

THE POLICE MAKE IT A FAST TREK

The commander of the Christchurch police district (Chief Superintendent G. Tait), the Dean of Christchurch (the Very Rev. M. Underhill) and SeniorSergeant E. S. Tuck (New Brighton police) showed a clean pair of heels to hundreds of teen-agers who took part in the Aranui High School’s 10-mile trek yesterday afternoon to raise funds for overseas aid and local amenities.

More than 1000 pupils, par- < ents and supporters ran or I walked the three-lap course < in the Shortland Street neigh- ’ bourhood. Among them were the I headmaster of the Aranui High School (Mr W. J. A. Brittenden) andsome 10 other headmasters from schools in the Aranui-Wainoni-New Brighton area. While most teen-agers elected to walk a number of the more adventurous youngsters accepted invitations to run (but not for long) with Mr Tait and Mr Tuck both of whom run regularly for the Christchurch Harrier Club. For them the 10-mile course was just another training run. Mr Tait was one of the most widely sponsored entrants, with more than 24 sponsors. Most were members of the police force. Dean Underhill who ran a

substantia! part of the distance, represented the Bishop of Christchurch (the Rt Rev. W. A. Pyatt), Father G. M. O'Connor took part to deputise for the Roman Cath-

olic Bishop of Christchurch (the Most Rev. B. P. Ashby). A wide selection of primary school committee members took part in the journey. Among local body representatives who covered the distance were Messrs D. B. Rich (Waimairi County) and N- G. Pickering (City Council).

According to the organiser, Mr W. A. Meates, who is guidance counseller at the Aranui High School, ta trek will raise $5OOO several hundred more than was raised by the school’s last trek in 1969.

“We tried to make it a community effort and we got great support from a wide cross-section of parents, School committee members and businessmen in the district,” said Mr Meates. The greatest distance (13

miles) was covered by a member of the Veterans’ Athletic Club, J. Drew.

The picture shows from left, Mr Brittenden, Mr Tuck, Dean Underhill and Mr Tait expressing track determination before the event