ASHBURTON NEWS.

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXVI, Issue 20456, 8 November 1934, Page 4

ASHBURTON NEWS.

Waning Interest in Gala Day. (Special to the “Star.*’) ASHBURTON, November 7. The waning interest in the annual gala held in Ashburton on Labour Day and the matter of reviving the spirit which characterised galas of the past, was the subject of a lengthy discussion at last evening’s meeting of the Advance Ashburton Association. The matter was introduced by Mr H. R. C. M’Elrca, who stated that one of the most important questions to be asked by the association to-day was “What is wrong with the gala?” The association had been in existence for twelve years and had accomplished useful work in the borough. Referring to the drifting position in which the association was now situated he stated .that too much money was expended in prizes in the sports section. There was also the thought among those who had assisted in former years that they had done their bit and some one else could carry on. Bad weather or a big counter attraction on the day of the gala would result in a debit being shown. The president (Mr S. Mitchell) said it had been proving more and more difficult to get workers for the gala. The Golf Club held its tournament on Labour Day and there were other coun-ter-attractions such as hiking clubs, etc. Some people had suggested that the gala should be dropped, but that could not be done. What was wanted was a thorough re-organisation. Mr F. K. Cooper seconded Mr M’Elrea’s motion “That the president (Mr S. Mitchell). Mr C. J. M’Eachen and the mover as being fully representative of every element in the association, should be appointed a committee to go fully into the question.” Mr M’Elrea’s motion was carried unanimously. Motor-Cycle Trials. At a meeting of the committee of the Ashburton Motor-Cycling Club last evening, Mr S. Freddy presiding, a report on the proposed light car section was presented by Messrs G. T. Clarke and J. Dailey. A circular letter was drafted setting out the aims and objects of the section. The sports committee was instructed to choose a hill suitable for a grass hill climb to be held on November IS. The classes are: 350 c.c. o.h.v. or s.v., open and novice; unlimited c.c., open and novice; club championship. Points for Preddy and Speedwell cups will be allotted in all classes. W.C.T.U. Meeting. The Ashburton Branch of the Women’s Christian Temperance Union held its monthly meeting in the Baring Square Schoolroom yesterday afternoon. The president occupied the chair. A motion of sympathy was passed with the relatives of the late Mr W. Moses, and Mr W. Hayrpan. It was decided to congratulate Mr E. 11. Buchanan on his recent appointment to a seat on the Mid-Canterbury Licensing Committee rendered vacant through the death of Mr F. Z. D. Ferriman, and also Mrs T. E. Taylor on being appointed a world’s vice-president of the Pan-Paci-fic Association.