FITNESS RALLY AT GORE

Southland Times, Issue 24600, 24 November 1941, Page 6

FITNESS RALLY AT GORE

IMPRESSIVE PARADE One of the features of the Southland National Fitness Rally held at the Gore showgrounds on Saturday afternoon was the grand parade and march past. The parade was impressive in every way—the combined strength of the units taking part being 1100—and it thrilled the big crowd. The parade assembled in the centre of the oval for the unfurling of the flag and the playing of the National Anthem by the Gore Municipal Band, and it was a wonderful sight. The march past was then begun, the Gore and Mataura platoons of the Southland Regiment leading. Then followed the Gore Battalion of the Home Guard, the Women’s War Service Auxiliary, Red Cross, and V.A.D.’s, Gore Fire Brigade and Auxiliary Fire Service, Gore Pipe Band, 6th Southland Company of the Boys’ Brigade, Girls’ Brigade, pupils of the Gore High School and of the Gore, East Gore, Mataura, St. Mary’s, Knapdale, Waikaia, Waikaka and Wendonside primary schools and the Southland Boys’ High School Drum, Trumpet and Bugle Band. The parade marched past the saluting base in front of the stand where the salute was taken by Lieutenant-Colonel E. F. Selby, Group Commander of the Home Guard, associated with whom was Major H. C. Mackenzie, Army Area Officer. The Mayor of Gore (Mr W. D. Shelton) and Mrs Shelton, Mrs T. L. Macdonald and Mrs Mackenzie were also on the base, while the National Anthem was being played. The rally served two purposes, each blending with the other. The first was to pay homage to the Empire’s flag and the second was to inculcate the spirit of physical fitness. The rally was an outstanding success. Including the 1100 participants in the parade the attendance was estimated at approximately 4000. The sum of £l2O was paid at the gate, this amount not including the large number of admission tickets sold in advance, and the Gore and district committees of the Women’s War Service Auxiliary will probably benefit to the extent of about £l6O. The weather was fine and warm throughout the afternoon and the programme was put through without interruption. Unfortunately, because of the pressure of time, one event, the counter-marching by the Women’s War Service Auxiliary teams, had to be cancelled. Light refreshments were provided on the ground by the canteen section of the Women’s War Service Auxiliary. The programme began at 1.30 o’clock with children’s events and following the grand parade the Drum, Trumpet and Bugle Band of the Southland Boys’ High School gave its first display. As was expected the band proved most popular with the crowd and its three performances during the afternoon were greeted with prolonged applause. The band’s first performance was followed by athletic events, boxing displays, a display by the Gore Fire Brigade, a gymnastic display by Gore High School pupils, company drill by the Boys’ Brigade, an ambulance display, competitive marching, and a display by Girl Guides in camp craft. Dancing was also conducted throughout the afternoon.

The competitive marching competition was new to the Gore public and it created a great amount of interest. Twelve teams took part and the display given was an outstanding one. Dressed in smart costumes the teams made an impressive sight when they assembled in front of the grandstand after the last team had competed. The event was judged by Miss A. Kirk (costumes and exercises), and Major Mackenzie (marching), both of whom commended the efficiency of the teams, particularly as it was their first effort. The winning team was Gore Action, which gave a splendid display. The results of the various competitive events were:—

100 Yards School Championship, boys (9 entries).—Pat Watt (Mataura) 1, Nichol Harrison (Gore) 2, Eric Meechange (Waikaka) 3.

75 Yards School Championship, girls (9 entries).—Shirley Mullen (Knapdale) 1, Cynthia Peirson (Gore) 2, Muriel Thompson (Mataura) 3.

School Relay, boys (12 entries).—First heat: East Gore A 1. Mataura 2. Second heat: Waikaka 1, Gore A 2. Final: East Gore A 1, Gore A 2.

School Relay, girls (12 entries). —First heat: East Gore 1. Gore A 2. Second heat: Knapdale 1. Gore B 2. Final: East Gore A 1, Gore A 2.

Men’s Relay (3 entries).—Pioneer Athletic Club (J. Browning. H. Kelly, H. W. Milne, H. Dillon) 1, Mercantile (N. McDowell, C. McArthur. P. Brown. J. Burke) 2. Women’s Relay (6 entries). —Ex-High (M. and H. Newman. P. Harold. L. Wallis) 1. Smith’s (M. Jones, J. Cooper, D. Eason. M. Rackley) 2.

Gore High School Inter-House Relay.— Anderson House 1, Hunter House 2. Competitive Marching (12 entries). —Gore Action (Misses M. Mcßride. N. Parsons. A. Sherborne. M. Moore, S. Sandes and Mrs O. P. Anderson) 90',i points 1. H. and J. Smith’s A (Misses G. McLeod. G. McClean. M. Jones. J. McCubbin, D. Weir. M. Weir) 80 points 2. McKenzie's (Misses T. Tinnock. C. Fitzpatrick. E. Columb. J. Fortune, J. McVicar. M. Mason) 78pts 3. DANCING Highland Fling, under 8 (fi entries). — Elsie Erskine 68pts 1, Wilma Milne Gspts 2, Joan Beck 63pts 3. Highland Fling, novice under 10 (9 entries). —Marie Youngman 68pts 1, Vera Harvey GOpts 2. Wilma Milne 58pts 3. Sword Dance, under 10 (13 entries).— Beckie Smith 79pts 1. Noeline McKinnell 75pts 2, Marie Youngman 70pts 3. Seann Triubhais, under 12 (17 entries). — Joan Milne 84pts 1, Shirley Harvey 83pts 2, Beckie Smith 82pts 3. Irish Jig, under 12 (18 entries).—Noeline McKinnel 82pts 1. Beckie Smith 81pts 2, Joan Milne 80pts 3. Highland Fling, under 14 (11 entries). — Shirley Harvey SOpts 1, Joan Milne 79pts 2, Betty Thompson 78pts 3. Sailors’ Hornpipe, under 14 (13 entries). — Joan Milne 82pts 1. Betty Thompson Slpts 2, Shirley Harvey 80pts 3. Highland Reel, under 1G (8 entries).— Mavis Leabody 79pts 1, Pat Edwards 77pts 2, Thomasina Sheddan GBpts 3. Seann Triubhais, open (4 entries).—Mavis Leabody 80pts 1. Irish Jig, open (8 entries).—Mavis Leabody 79pts 1, Nancy Collins G9pts 2, Nancy Spence 68pts 3.