MILITARY SPORTS DAY
A BIG PROGRAMME. Hundreds of soldiors will bo running, jumping, and doing other,exercises at the Basin Reserve this afternoon in aid of. the Citizens' Christinas Gift Fund. The entries from Trentham, Featherston, and Tauherenikau exceed 500 for tho following programme:— 100 yds., 220 yds., 440 yds., 120 yds. hurdles, mile flat, mile walk, shot-put-ting; throwing tho hammer, high jtimp, long jump, hop, step, and jump, relay race (four teams, 220 yds.'each), tug-of-war. There will be a challenge pull between the Artillery and the Engineers. In addition there -will be special competitions in mine-firing and bridge-building. Thia is a rare opportunity for civilians to see their soldiers proving their skill in important war work.
The military sports alono should bo well worth the small entranco fee of. sixpence, hut there are _to bo many other good turns, including Highland piping and dancing, music by the Wellington 'Patriotic Society's Band, and many amusing ( side-shows. Early in the afternoon "Britannia" will be crowned impressively. The spectacular_ march to the Basin Reserve is to begin at 1.30 p.m. from •Parliament Buildings. "Britannia" will be the main figure, amid her maids of honour and twelve groups of young ladies dressed to represent tho Entente nations. Nurse Everitt has worked out a pretty colour scheme which should please the public Beauty will .have appropriate escort and stirring music on the 'way.
Altogether very careful preparations have been made to persuade the public to have a right remembrance of Wellington men in : the trenches. As general leave has been granted to Trentham soldiers for the afternoon, khaki should be abundant at the Basin Reserve. The train arrangements have been altered to allow the men to reach town early in the afternoon. Trains will leave Trentham at 12-6 and 12.40. One train was to leave Feathorston at 6.30 a.m.
This evening Highland pipers and lassies will parade the streets in illuminated motor lorries. The performers promise some surprises for the public.
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Bibliographic details
Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 58, 1 December 1917, Page 11
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326MILITARY SPORTS DAY Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 58, 1 December 1917, Page 11
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