MARCHING AT TOKOMARU

Chronicle (Levin), 13 February 1947, Page 3

MARCHING AT TOKOMARU

DISPLAY BY SHANNON GIRLS Members of the two Shannon marching teams visited Tokomaru on Tuesday evening ro present a display arranged by the Horowhenua -Marching Association to encourage the formation of teams at Tokomaru. The display, which was held in the school grounds, was well received by a large gathering of residents from Tokomaru and the surrounding district. In spite of the fact that they were working under difficult condihons, 'he ground being too small to present a large display march, and also that they did not have the services of a band, the Shannon girls gave a very good exhibition. The weather was also against marching as a heavy wind was blowing, making it difficult to hear the whistle and the verba'i orders of the leaders. The first.team to take the field was that formerly sponsored by Mr. N. Birch and under the command of Miss N. Peach, who pre- ■ sented the Horowhenua champioaship march. This was followed by a drill display by the Broadway team, which was led. by Miss C. Stern, owing to Miss Birss, the regular leader, being indisposed.

Miss Peach's team then presemed a section of the New Zealand chamjpionship march, the g'round being I too small to give every movement. jThese items, together with the jother displays presentcd by the two j teams, were well received by the Tokomaru people, so much so that jwhen a collection was taken up to ' assist with the travelling costs they irespoiided to the amount of £6, f which is excellent for such a small jtown. Following the display the Shannon girls were rhe guests of the newly-formed Tokomaru team and their parents at supper. Mr. R. Muvray, president of the association, later spoke at length to those present on the activities of the Horowhenua Association. Mr. D. Convery, and Mr. T. S. Dqwnes, executive officers of the association, were also present. Among the visitors was the Camp Commandant of the Linton Military Camp, who also addressed the gathering a,nd stated that if it was at all possible he would arrange for a n.c.o. from the Linton camp to coach the Tokomaru team until such time as it was able to carry on by itself. It is understood that the public of Tokomaru district are right behind their local team, and have every hope of forming a juvenile team as well as the senior team. A meeting ^f parents is callod for Thursday evening to form a parents' committee. Mrs. W. R. Clough, president of the Shannon parents' committee, acted as chaperon to the local teams for the evening.