Proposal to Form West Coast Marching Centre

Grey River Argus, 9 November 1948, Page 6

Proposal to Form West Coast Marching Centre

The New Zealand Women’s Marching Association has requested that a West Coast-South Isianu centre should be iormect at the earliest opportunity. This was reported at a meeting’ last evening of the Greymouth Women’s Marching and Recreation Association. The president, Mr R. J. Truman, said that it would oe necessary to torm a West Coast centre in order that the sport could be fostered in Westport, Reeiton and Hokitika, and given the assistance necessary to place it on a firm footing in these areas. The president said that last evening’s meeting was not sutncientiy representative to form a West Coast centre, and before tins could be accomplished to the satisfaction of all concerned, it was necessary that Hokitika and Westport be represented at the meeting. He added that something had to be done quickly and efficiently in order that the new organisation could be formed as soon as possible. It was resolved that a meeting of representatives of all marching teams on the West Coast be held a fortnight hence for the purpose of forming a West Coast-South Island Centre. PRESIDENT’S REPORT The president, reporting on the past year’s activities of the association, said that, as a small group, the organisation had had a very successrui year. The South Island Marching cnampionsnips were a great success, and made a very favourable impression on the public ol Greymouth which would make the sport popular tor very many years to come. “According to the emphasis on dress and design throughout the world,” said the president, “marching will endure tor a while yet.” The South Island championships had resulted in a good financial position, enabling Owen’s and Blaketown to take part in the New Zealand Championships at Dunedin on the occasion of the centennial of Otago. Plans are being formulated to enable West Coast members to take part in provincial championships. I The president praised the efforts oi the secretary, Miss D. Green, and that of Miss J. Green, West Coast representative at the N.Z. Marching Association’s meeting held last August in Wellington. The balance sheet was adopted as satisfactory. ELECTION OF OFFICERS The following officers for the ensuing year were elected: —Patroness, Mrs E. Parfitt; president, Mr R. J. Truman; secretary, Miss D. Green; vice-presidents, Messrs W. Green, and S. Gladstone; executive committee, Mrs W. Kennedy, Miss J. Dunn, and Messrs D. Macßeth, C. Morel, S. Gladstone, J. Henderson. Miss J. Green was extended a vote of thanks on her report on the recent N.Z. Marching Association’s conference, at which she represented the Greymouth Marching Association. Referring to the number of teams which could participate in a tournament, Miss J. Green said that only two could represent an association. The president pointed out that the Canterbury Provincial Championships would be held on December 18 and all nominations had to be in by November 25. The Advance Blaketown League wrote requesting financial assistance to develop McLean Park as a sports area. . , , . Miss N. Longstaff pointed out that n marching paddock was provided in the plans for the park, but as the association was unable to provide finance as yet, she urged that the Association help the league all they could by canvassing for public subscriptions if necessary. This was; agreed to. „ ~ i A letter was received from the Marlborough Inter-House Marching I

Association requesting that a team be sent to Blenheim to take part in a tournament on November 27. The president: “Does any team anticipate going?” Miss J .Green: “Owen’s may be able to make the trip.” Miss D. Green reported that the Convent Old Girls’ Marching team had been disbanded. A new team had been formed which would be known as the Waiora marching team. A letter was received from the West Coast Athletic, Cycling and Axemen’s Union, requesting that the Association send teams to compete for the Tennent Cup on February 4 and 5 in Greymouth. The president pointed out that, as the South Island Championships were being held in Nelson on that date, difficulty would be experienced in fielding teams to compete, as a lot of the girls would be wanting to go to Nelson to see the championships. It was decided that, if sufficient teams could be assembled on the date, they would be sent to compete for the Tennent Cup. CLUB COLOURS The following club colours were approved:—Cobden women’s marching team: Red, black, and white; Mawhera Midgies (9yrs to llyrs): Green and white; Dobson women’s marching club: Green skirt with White blouse. The secretary stated that marching manuals were to be distributed to all centres as early as possible. The final discussion on the holding of the West Coast Championships will be held at the meeting to form the West Coast centre.