Marching Teams In First Display Of Season

Chronicle (Levin), 10 November 1949, Page 7

Marching Teams In First Display Of Season

The first outing this season for gifts ' marching teams in this district took place in Palmerston North on Saturday, when 10 teams competed in the sa'tet marching contest. Commencing at the post ofiice, they marched to the showgrounds and 011 the way had to perform several drill movements. The judges for the competitions were appointed by the Palmerston North Marching Association. They were not members of the official judging panel, but sanction was granted by the Manawatu Centre only after it became known a few days before the contest that the centre was not being consuited reaardino: the annointments.

The street march results were not made known until after the demonstrations were given at the showgrounds that night. As it happened, the team which had been adjudged the winner had returned hohie. Of the ten teams competing, R.S.A. (Bulls) checked in 87 points for first place and Caledonians (Levin) were second with 86 points. Bandoliers (Otaki) performed very much better than their 10th equal placing indica.ted. In the opinj.on of a competent judge this team should have been within the first three. I11 the afternoon, the maze march was performed on the oval and although it was effec'tive it failed to reach the high standard set in previous performanees. The demonstrations at night were carried out under difficult conditions because of. the poor lighting arrangements and a lack of space. The Caledonians demonstrated the current season's contest plan as well as their optional march and produced an excellent reception from the crowdecl stands. The other teams, partieularly two that were appearing for the first time, performed exceptionally well. Next Saturday the local season will open when it is hoped also that the Horowhenua Pipe Band will demonstrate its contest march.