HUTT VALLEY INTERHOUSE GIRLS' ASSOCIATION

Hutt News, Volume 15, Issue 20, 15 October 1941, Page 5

HUTT VALLEY INTERHOUSE GIRLS' ASSOCIATION

In many parts of New Zealand teams of girls are formed and trained for the purpose of giving isplays in physical drill, and games suitable for women. These displays are most popular with the public and are looked forward to with great interest. These groups of girls, in addition to providing competitive recreation, have done an enormous amount of work in connection with patriotic ventures and any worthy object of local interest. Perhaps the most notable instance of this work in the North Island is in Napier, where these teams had •been .'very high state of efficiency >where they have to their credit iijany permanent facilities for that locality, which have been provided from funds raised by, the efforts of _ the girls themselves.

In the Lofter Hutt, for the past two years teams have been trained by Mr. Cata," of the Y.M.C.A., and others, and-these .teams have given creditable puWic performances, the last of Which, was for the R.S.A., when the local teams were augmented by some 60 girls from Masterton. Some of the local teams have visited Napier, Wanganui and New Plymouth,. and at the end of last year the whole of the teams visited Masterton to assist in a patriotic display.

The members of the various teams considered- that the best results could be obtained only by the formation of a properly constituted association, and qt a meeting of delegates representing many firms, the Hutt Valley Interhouse Girls' Association was formed.

While at the moment the efforts of the newly-formed association are confined to the formation of marching teams, the scope of the ,association is intended to cover all types of sports in which women are interested. It is not intended to interfere with any other organisation controlling any branch of sport, but merely to endeavour to induce the members of the firms and organisations affiliated with the association to encourage their members to engage in some outside activities. The broad aspect of this organisation is to foster all activities which pertain to the physical welfare and the health of women who engage in employment in some form or another.

The formation of the association has been well received and firms generally arc anxious to -assist. An energetic committee has been formed and much has so far been achieved. It has been decided to hold a display in the Hutt Recreation Grounds on 22nd November, and eight marching teams are in training for this .event. In addition, offers of assistance have been received from many, and an excellent programme is assured. The association is being assisted by Miss Campbell, an officer of the Physical Welfare Department, who is giving the girls instruction in tne the ball games and physical drill. In the marching, the teams are being trained by special Instructors, five of whom are members of the National Reserve. While eight teams are in training, other firms and organisations are endeavouring to form teams, and everything augurs well for the future,.and there is little doubt that this girls' association will not only.be popular with the public, hut will be an asset tothe district.