SPRINGSTON GYMKHANA

Ellesmere Guardian, Volume XLVI, Issue 3168, 15 November 1927, Page 5

SPRINGSTON GYMKHANA

LAST NIGHT'S MEETING.

GOOD PROGRESS BEING MADE.

The enthusiasm which was manifested on the occasion of the first meeting held in connexion with the Gymkhana, to be held in the Springston Domain on Anniversary Day (December 16), is being well sustained. Last night, at a meeting of the general committee, over which Mr J. W. Kime presided, there I was a very good attendance, a fair proportion of those present being ladies. The chairman reported having seen Mr Cohen, of Christchurch, in. regard to his offer to bring out a concert party for the evening of Anniversary Day. After learning that December 16 fell on. a Friday, Mr Cohen had replied that he could not get his performers together, as it would be late shojjEang night in Christchurch. However, Miss West had kindly offered to make up a programme of items by the School children, and a good evening's entertainment could be looked for. Mr T. J. Kimber, secretary of the Springston Gun Club, wrote stating that the invitation snoot in aid of the Gymkhana funds would be held on Friday next, at 1.30 p.m., at Mr C. N. Powell's paddock. The Springston ladies were to provide afternoon tea. Friday had been fixed upon for the shoot so as not to interfere with the cricket and tennis on Saturday. "Will the ladies of Springston provide afternoon tea as suggested?" asked the chairman. "The ladies are quite willing," Teplied the convener of the ladies' committee. Mr J. F. Hill said that the Gun Club had a water boiling copper. Mr Neale said that the Gun Club hoped to see a good muster of shooters from Springston. All would have an opportunity to compete. Mr D. H. Reid, hon. secretary of the> Ellesmere Pipe Band, replying to the committee's letter, stated that the Band would be prepared to attend the Gymkhana, but as Anniversary Day was not a public holiday some of the members would have to engage men to take their places at work. Under the circumstances it would be necessary to make a charge of £8 for the band's services. Had the occasion been a public holiday the Band would have been glad to assist at a lower charge. The committee .considered it would not be able to afford £8 for a band, and so the offer was declined with thanks.

Reporting on behalf of the canvassing committee, the chairman said that the committee had done very well in Christchurch one day Teeently. Everywhere they had been received quite cordially. "We were not shown either the back door or the front door and did not get a single refusal. I don't like cadging, but it was not at all unpleasant that day. Of course we had to get the manager in each case and unfortunately a lot of other folk wanted to see him, the day being a Wednesday, so there were some heads of firms we could not interview that day." .A list of trophies received was read by one of the secretaries. A sum of £3 18s had been netted from three euchre and dance socials, stated Mr Neale. "You know we had a division of opinion as to the of holding a mock court at the Gymkhana," said the chairman. Some of those who had voted for the court at the previous meeting had since thought the matter : over again and had come to the conclusion that it would not be advisable to proceed with, the proposal, for this year at any rate. He would be glad to hear the views of those present. "Some of those who voted against the court have also changed their minds, and I am one of them," said Mr E. Drewery. "They say it is an old woman's privilege to change one's mind," he added. Mr Dallard did not think the matter could be re-opened except by notice of motion, so that all who had voted for or against could be present. Such no-! tice had not been given. He was one : who voted against the court and was still against it, but would fall in with whatever the majority decided upon. Mr J. H. Williams thought that the couTt could be duly opened and if it was found that there was any feeling the policemen could.be recalled and the court would cease to function. "We want to make a success of the gymkhana and if the court is likely to cause any feeling we had better drop the idea," said the chairman. Mr Neale said that, as the mover of