CHRISTCHURCH WINTER SHOW.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXV, Issue 18616, 11 July 1930, Page 9

CHRISTCHURCH WINTER SHOW.

SCHOOL EXCURSION FROM TIMARU. ADDRESS BY MR E. H. MARRINER. A meeting of the School Committees* Association and ciation was held last night in the Timaru Technical College. Present. — Messrs T. C. Palliser (chairman*. W. J. Dickson (South), W. H. Thompson, G. W. Calder. W. Burns (West*, J. W. Preen (Main), B. Cloake. C. P. Beck (Springbrook). A. Stead. F. L. N. Tuck (Technical College), and A. Carnegie (secretary). The meeting was called to listen to an address by Mr E. H. Marriner, organising secretary of the Christchurch Winter Show and to decide whether an excursion from the Timaru and district schools should be run this year. In introducing Mr Marriner, Mr Palliser said that, doubtless, the inclemency of the weather accounted for the small attendance. Mr Marriner said that if Timaru decided to run a schools’ excursion, the Railway Department would do everything possible to make it a success. Over 17,000 children visited the show last year. The prices of the children’s railway tickets would be practically similar to those of last year, and they would also serve as admission tickets to the show. The next vital point was that of refreshments for the children. The arrangements had been far from satisfactory last year. If the Association’s own building had been ready, from 250 to 300 children could have been provided with lunch there at one time. Unfortunately, it was not ready. However, the Ladies’ Committee would be prepared to provide something to eat, and a drink of tea or cocoa, when the children came off the train, and a meal consisting of pie, buns, an apple and a drink of tea or cocoa before they entrained for home. This would cost each child 1/-. The first week of the show was National Week, and therefore the excursion could not be run then. As Ashburton had chosen Monday in the second week, and Friday had been promised to the West Coast, Timaru could choose Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday. Some people might wonder whether such an excursion helped helped education in any way. The Headmasters' Association in Christchurch had most heartily approved of the scheme last year. Never before in New Zealand’s history had unemployment been so rife. Therefore it was the duty of every New Zealander to see what the industries were doing, and to support home industries. New Zealand ranked as the greatest importer in the world, importing approximately £33 per capita every year. Australia ranked second with £lB per capita. This was one of the main causes of our present unemployment problem. If every New Zealander spent 2/- a week on New Zealand-made goods, 13,400 more workers would be put In regular employment. Therefore it was a part of the children’s education to see this exhibition of their country’s secondary products. Mr J. W. Preen: “The excursion last year was a huge success.”

Several others present spoke in favour of the trip. Mr W. H. Thompson moved, and Mr VV. J. Dickson seconded, that an excursion trip be held this year. The motion was carried without discussion. The day chosen for the excursion was Tuesday. August 19. Mr J. W. Preen moved, and Mr A. Stead seconded.—“ That this meeting of Timaru and District School Committees’ Association, in conjunction with the Headmasters’ Association, request the Railway Department to so reduce the charges for school excursions to the Christchurch Winter Show as to be commensurate with Sunday excursions lately run by them.” The motion was carried unanimously.

A hearty vote of thanks to Mr Marriner was carried by acclamation.