PUBLIC SCHOOLS’ AMATEUR ATHLETIC ASSN.

Manawatu Times, Volume LII, Issue 6454, 11 November 1927, Page 3

PUBLIC SCHOOLS’ AMATEUR ATHLETIC ASSN.

ANNUAL REPORT.

The following is the annual report of the Feilding and District Public Schools’ Amateur Athletic Association to be presented at the annual meeting of members to-morrow evening at 5.30 o’clock.

“Honestly believing that our Association is well worth its place in the life of the community and deserving of your support, we have real pleasure in presenting our report on the work of the past year.

Figures of the statement of rereceipts and expenditure show that wo hav e had a prosperous year financially, and We are in the happy position of being able to assure you that, in all other respects, the Association has proved true to its traditions.

For th e annual sports gathering in March last, we had a record - number of entries, the number of competing schools being also the largest in the history of the Association. Though rain fell in the afternoon, wo had a splendid day, with a larg e attendance of the public. For the first time in the history of our sport’s meetings, we ran both the boys’ and girls’ races on the one set of tracks. This necessitated the most careful organisation, but thanks to the enthusiasm of our officials and th 0 strict attention to detail on the part of all, we were able to carry out the whole programme without a hitch of any kind. Our most sincere thanks ar e owing to those ladies and gentlemen who joined with the members of the committee in dispensing the programme. It is our pleasure and duty to remark on the splendid conduct of the children who competed in the various events. If there is any other district in the Dominion whose school children will compare favourably with ours for courtesy, respect to their ciders, and general excellence of behaviour, then that district is, indeed, fortunate. We respectfully offer our congratulations to parents and teachers on the spirit of tru 0 gentlehood shown by their children. To have charge of them through the day was as much a pleasure as it was a privilege. It is with much satisfaction that we record this year a much larger list of members, with a decidedly increased financial support from this source. For this happy state of affairs we have to thank the teachers for their enthusiasm and the parents for their whole-hearted support. Our membership list now contains over 180 names. We hope to reach the 200 mark this coming year. Members will not need to bo reminded that, without the enthusiastic support of the community, we would be unable to carry on. Our object in carrying on the Association is a double one—to encourage athletics and to teach the children the tru e amateur spirit. We can honestly claim success in both departments. ' Spectators at tlic sports’ mootings cannot but admire the athletic prowess shown by all competitors, boys and girls alike, and th e fact that the winners receive merely a record card of no intrinsic value, and are content with such trophies, proves that with our children “th 0 prize is in the race run.” During the yea r we made inquiries with a view to the revival of the elocutionary and musical competitions. The inspectors informed your executive, that, if the teachers intimated that the preparations for these competitions did not intorfer c with tlio ordinary school work, they would put no obstacles in our way. We therefore circularised the schools on the question and, though unanimous support was not forthcoming the majority of teachers intimated that they were of the opinion that the competitions, as conducted by uh, were of distinct benefit to those taking part. With the information before you, it will b 0 your duty, at this annual meeting, to decide if th c compofltlons are to he resuscitated. We thank all thos r who have been associated with us in th 0 work of (be Association during (ho past year with tin; hope that thc ensuing year will show still further progress."