RAPID PROGRESS MADE

Chronicle (Levin), 2 October 1947, Page 4

RAPID PROGRESS MADE

MarchingAssociation's Fjrst Year

The first annual meeting of the Horowhenua Marching A^so.ciation was held in the Druids' Hall, Levin, last night, Mr. R. Murray presidin'g. The association will be one year old next month. The rapid progress of its activities and the satisf actory state of its finances after such a short period was the subject of comment by the president in his annual report. The climax of this first year of existence was the holding in Levin of the Wellington provincial championships. . That all outside associations had been satisfied with the arrangements made for their entertainment, and the organisation generally, was apparent by the numerous "glowing" letters of appreciation that had been received by the association. The souvenir programme had received the widest of publicity, eopies going to all parts of New Zealand and some to England and Australia.

President's Report Newly-formed bodies generally net with difficulties in the first. /ear, but this had not heen the jase with the association, said the president, Mr. R. Murray, in the iourse of his annual report. Since .ts birth in November, it had eonDinued to make progress. Two teams were formed at that time Linder the capable direction of Mr. J. R. Macfarlane and with the advent of the Horowhenua Marching Association, these teams were taken to other towns in the district to foster the formation of teams. The services of the K.B.H. and Caledonian teams had beefi recog- , nised during the year when, together with their parents, they were entertained at a social evening. Commenting on the work of the parents' committee, Mr. Murray made particular reference to the chairwoman, Mrs. C. Nichol, and secretary, Mrs. J. Perigo, for the way in which they" had taken eharge of ihe catering arrangements on the association's big day. He also expressed grateful thanks to the coaehes and team members for their co-operation and fine performances in open competitions. To the judges and bands he also tendered the association's thanks. Just as the parents' commiitee had done a grand job, so also had the committees in Shannon and Foxton. Particular mention was made of Mrs. Ciough (Shannon) and Mrs. J. Goodwin (Foxton) .

Ihe interest taken in the assohation's activities by the patron, Mr. H. B. Burdekin had been outstanding, as also had that of Mr. J. J. Maher, M.P., continued Mr. Murray. The efforts of these two gentlemen, together -with the Mayor of Shannon, Mr. R. E. Downes, and the Levin Junior Chamber of Commerce, were successful in that the headquarters of the" Manawatu Marching Centre were transferred from Palmerston North to Levin. He also thanked the St. - John Anibulanee Brigade, Boy Scouts, Sergeant W. Gramger (of the Levin Police) and his staff, Traffic Inspector M. Kehoe, the county engmeer (Mr. W. H. Fraser) , the borough overseer (Mr. E. Lycette) and staff of the Borough Council for their co-operation, without which the various functions would not have been such a success. Mr. Murray congratulated the various delegates who had represented the association at outside meetings during the year, namely, Messrs. J. R. Macfarlane, A. L. Dob.son and R. J. Davies (Petone), resident delegate for the association on the N.Z. executive. Appreciation of the work: of . the association's honorary auditor, Mr.

j. a. Erooawm, was voicea oy -iv.in Murray, and alSo- that of \ - the secretary, Mr. A. L. Dobson. ; Mh :T. S. Downes, of Shan-nonj- vh'dd also done excellent work for the association cluring the year, added the president.

Finahcial Position The balance sheet sliowed a net Incorne of £914 2s Od. After the scason's expenditure there remained a credit balance of £101 5s. Complete assets amounted to £145. The president said that when the association was formed on November last its assets had been nil. It had done very well for its first year. Officers Elected The following officers were elected for the forthcoming year: — Patron: The Mayor of Shannon; vice-patrons : The Mayors of Levin, Foxton and Otaki; president: Mr. R. Murray; vice-presidents : Drs. S. J. Thompson and L. J. Hunter, Messrs. T. Downes and R. Watson; secretary-treasurer : Mr. A. Dobson; hon. auditor: Mr. J. A. Goodwin; official coach: Mr. J. R. Macfarlane; executive committee: Messrs. W. R. Jack, L. A. Humphrey, D. Convery, W. Skilton, L. A. Spicer and R. Watson. Shannon, Foxtonand Otaki are to appoint delegates.