Public Service Sports Around The Circuits

Southland Times, Issue 24001, 16 December 1939, Page 21

Public Service Sports Around The Circuits

Delegates from practically all the Government departments in Wellington attended the annual meeting of the Public Service Sports Society, one of the largest amateur sports societies in New Zealand. Keener interest than usual was taken in the annual meeting this year because of . the society’s decision to conduct national championships in four sports next year as a contribution by the services generally towards the centennial celebrations. . Among those present were Mr G. 11. Mackley, General Manager of Railways, president of the society, Mr W. J. Heenan, Under-Secretary of the Department of Internal Affairs, and a vice-president, and Mr J. Madden, as deputy for the Director-General of the Post and Telegraph Department, Mr J. G. Young. In moving' the adoption of the annual report and balance-sheet, Mr Mackley said that in its executive committee the society had a body of very capable and conscientious administrators who devoted a vast amount of energy to their work. The society appreciated also the assistance given by the heads of the various services. Mr Mackley paid a tribute to the keen interest taken in the sporting life of the community by Mr Heenan Mr Mackley said he knew the benefits to be derived from active participation in sport, and added that with the co-operation of everyone the society was on the eve of even greater events. Though they were in the throes of a serious crisis that affected the national life of this country and the Empire, he did not think it should be said that sport should be dropped altogether. Sport helped people to maintain that happy outlook on life which was so essential.

Congratulating the society on behalf of the Department of Internal Affairs and the Minister (the Hon. W. E. Parry), Mr Heenan said the way the society nad responded to the invitation to conduct national sporting championships during the centennial year was most gratifying. The society had’ also contributed materially toward the success of physical welfare week The Government, as the largest employer in the Dominion, realized its responsibilities and had established a public service gymnasium in Wellington. It would depend on the success of this

gymnasium whether the scheme would be extended to other centres.

The following officers were elected: Patron, the Prime Minister, (the Rt. Hon. M. J. Savage); president, Mr G. H. Mackley; executive, Messrs F. Bond (Audit), W. A. Jameson (Internal Affairs), J. J. Troy (P. and T.), W. J. Fulton (Police), M. R. Leineweber (Railways), P. Burke (Public Works), A. M. Pinkerton (P. and T.), C. E. Peterson (Railways), B. H. Beale (Education) and J. S. Withers (Census and Statistics); honorary secretary, Mr D. A. Beresford; honorary auditor, Mr D. J. Henderson; honorary treasurer, Mr H. N. Ballinger.