CHILDREN'S SPORTS

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 8, Issue 99, 21 August 1945, Page 4

CHILDREN'S SPORTS

iJmJ combined gala day — AN IMPRESSIVE PARADE x Tlic organisers of the Combined Children's Parade and Victory Sport s Gala in the Domain last Thursdayare to be warmly congratulated on their work. Approximately 700 chili drcn comprising most of the pupils from the district schools, took part, and it is certain that every one of them will remember t-toe day of the Celebration of Victory over Japan for many years. The mustering of so many children at 11 a,m. f following many o£ the all-night sessions on the j>art of the adults was in itself something of an achievement. However the parade was l'ully assembled and at the appointed time moved off to music supplied by the Pipe Band (still in its non-descript gear of the previous night. We wonder if they changed at all).

In a long single four abreast they moved round the. field beaded by the High School pupils. There were many instances of fine marching ability the most outstanding being that, ot' the Paroa School children whose bearing was a pleasure to note. The Poroporo Maori children were a close second. After the address by Mr Barry and Mr ißiini there was a general dis-« persal for lunch which was supplied by the committee. This was a tremendous undertaking in itself, but was- gallantly handled by a group of hard-working ladies, 'asisted by the school teachers. Something smacking of the Army system was successfully employed each child being presented with a bag'of 'eats' given a soft drink and an ice cream. Little by little the mountains of bagged delicacies disappeared and the period of light entertainment which had been furtively announced commenced.

The escapades of a 'Dark-town Fire Brigade' created a wonderful diversion. It was thoroughly enjoy.h! by the hundreds of youngsters most of whom were liberally sprinkled in the process. The epic rescue from the tower of a lank-haired fire-hero who had been stranded caused great particularly his Tarzonlike leap into the rescue sheet below.

The Leaping Lena car of Armstrong's Garage vintage also caused endless. fun ? while the clown attached to the demonstration gymnastic squad was a hot favourite throughout the afternoon.

The sjjorts themselves pere more or less, impromptu. Races were necessarily unrehearsed and though, they ranged from flat events to novelty events the main objective appeared to be to ensure that all chiil-* dren received prizes of some sort. ►The meeting ran continuously from 1.30 p.m. until after four ? and we have not met one young participant who has not declared that lie or she bad had a wonderful time.