MARCHING TEAMS ENTERTAIN

Chronicle (Levin), 9 December 1946, Page 3

MARCHING TEAMS ENTERTAIN

LARGE GATHERING AT THE DOMAIN Shannon turned out in full force on Saturday evening to witness a marching display give by the K.B.H. and Caledonian girls' marching teams from Levin. The display, which was arranged by the Horowhenua Marching Association, was to foster the sport of marching in Shannon, and to give the girls who were interested some idea of what is expected of them when the local teams are formed. Prior to the display in the domain the two teams formed up near the Bank of New Zealand, and, headed by the Horowhenua Pipe Band, marched through the town to the domain. A large crowd gathered alopg the streets and followed the girls to the domain, and it was not long before a crowd of almost 300 had gathered.

The display opened with a competition march by the K.B.H. team and this was followed by the Caledonian team doing a similar march. Each team then entertained with a drill display. The highlight of the evening was a massed display by .both teams working in conjunction. The two teams were under the control of Miss Smith, the leader of the Caledonian team. Just recently it was stated by some experts on marching that it was impossible to work two or more teams under one leader, but these girls proved that it could be done. Considering that the girls had only received sixteen and a-half hours of training since they were formed into teams, their display on Saturday evening was indeed a credit to Mr. J. Macfarlane, their coach. The K.B.H. team in their blue and white dresses and the Caledonians in green and white, made a striking picture. ' The Horowhenua Pipe Band, who supplied the mus'ic, also gave two excellent marching displays.

Local residents greatly appreci- , ated the display and when a colllection was taken to cover the cost jof the travelling of the two teams i and the band, over £12 was sub- | scribed. s Mr. R. Murray, president of the , Horowhenua Marching Association, ithanked the people of Shannon for j the interest which they had taken. : and also outlined the objects of his association. Mr. Ned Birch, on behalf of the public of Shannon, expressed thanks to the association, the girls of' * the >;teaimfl • and ■ .the band . if-or coming along to start Shannon off with their marching teams, and giving the public and the girls who were interested an idea of what a marching display was like. The crowd joined in giving three hearty cheers to those responsibie for the display. . h!"!

During the evening an invitation was extended to any interested local girls to hand in their names, and. Mr.- A. Dobson,. secretary. of the association, was kept very busy for some considerable time recording the names of girls anxious to form local teams. In all 45 names were listed, which is enough to form four teams. It is also hoped that a junior team will be formed from the school children. All persons interested are reminded of the public meeting to be held in the supper room of the Druids' Hall at 7.30 p.m. this evening to organise the local teams. On Wednesday evening the two Levin teams will present a similar display at Otaki.