SCHOOL SPORTS ASSOCIATION

Evening Star, Issue 20134, 26 March 1929, Page 3

SCHOOL SPORTS ASSOCIATION

A SUCCESSFUL YEAR At the annual meeting of the Otago State Primary Schools’ Sports Association the following office-bearers were elected for* the ensuing year:—President, Mr G. T. Palmer; vice-presidents —Messrs F. E. L. Forrester, A. «. Alloo, and A. Thompson; secretary and treasurer, Mr D. Forsyth; auditor, Mr A. J. Woods; executive —Messrs J. P. Hawke, H. H. Hawkins. A. H. Williamson, D. R. Lochart, I). B. Waddell, A. H. Hanna, and H. C. Jones. The annual report stated the various activities of the. association had never been in a more flourishing condition, while all its affairs were being run smoothly and with the utmost harmony. The past year had been one of even greater progress and of much wider expansion than had been the case in any previous year, for during this year the association had become truly an “ Otago" association, having affiliated three sub-associations. The meetings had been well attended and harmoniously conducted, while the financial position was very sound. As in former years, much of the executive’s success had been due to the energetic workers on its various sub-committees, and it had been gratifying to note that numbers of younger members were taking increased interest in tbe running of tbe sub-committees. With eoniViued co-operation of all members tbe present success should bo readily maintained.

During the year seven ordinary and special general meetings had been held, nt most of which attendance had been very satisfactory. Executive meetings bad also been held. During the year {be association was unfortunate in losing one of its life members, Air J. Fitzgerald. To tbe relatives of tbe deceased member tbe association conveyed its sympathy. During the year the executive had been responsible Inrdbe setting up of the various sub-commit-tees necessary to tbe actual carrying on of tbe different sports. Such committees bad, without exception, carried nub their duties faithfully and efficiently.

The Rugby Football Committee held fourteen meetings, and was again responsible, for a very successful season, with a high standard of play and keen competition. Approximately 800 boys WPre engacerl in this sport during tbe season. Forty-four teams competed. Through no fault of the Rugby Committee or of tbe O.R.F.TJ.. tbe annual representative fixtures between Otago and Southland bad to be cancelled alter tbe boys bad been selected and were m training. This unfortunate occurrence was due solely to the fact that the Southland Education Board would not allow its teacher and boys to travel. The sub-committee reported a- successful Association lootball season, liiteen teams entering, as compared with fourteen last year. Two Otago representative teams took part in the South Island tournament, held at Greymoutb, and, though neither team won the championship. tbe A team performed very creditably, being the only team to defeat the winners. The cricket sub-committee reported a highly successful season, due largely to favourable weather, better to a record number of entries. Thirtyeight. teams competed. The sub-com-mittee contemplated lorming a C grade competition in the ensuing season, and Afr W. Strang has kindly donated a trophy for this competition. Five teams again entered for the boys hockey competition. A representative team ' competed unsuccessfully for the Hatch Cup. A successful season was again experienced in the girls’ hockey, ten teams competing. An efficient ladies’ sub-coinmitleo maintained the girls basket ball competition in a very nourishing condition. Thirty-six teams competed. The committee reported the continued success of its athletic meeting, which was held this year at Carisbrook. in March instead of November. This was felt to be advisable in order to iclieve tbe congestion of events com ing at the end of the year, and clashing with proficiency examinations, la spite of the fact that only live months had elapsed since the previous meeting, the sports were very successtul, over 1,200 entries being received, competition throughout being very keen. The success was due not only to the energy of the sub-committee, but also to the loyalty and enthusiasm ol every member "of llio association who helped in the organising and running of the sports. A satisfactory swimming meeting was held on the evenings of November 26 and 27, there being over 01)0 entries, with keen competition in nearly dll events. The attendance on botu evenings more than taxed the limited accommodation at the Municipal Baths. In addition to the programme events further attractions were exhibition swimming and diving events by local champions. It was with regret that the executive recorded tbe Joss, through promo lion to South Canterbury, of Mr RAllan as an association member. ’The year had been a success!nl one financially. The executive reported the increase of the reserve fund, such a .slop having been deemed nceesoiry owing to the increased scope and r«sponsihilities of the association. A sum approximating £65 had again been distributed to school committees for the purchase of sports’ material. This yeai a new method of distribution was fol lowed. Orders were issued to schools for slated amounts, and the expenditure incurred was met ty the treas urer on receipt of order and account. ’This ensured that every school was spending the money as intended, and was a guarantee that the association vis getting value for its donations. The amount which the association had distiibuted in the past three years was iu the vicinity of £2OO. all of which lias been utilised to further sport in schools. Tbe cordial relations that bad existed between the association and the governing educational bodies, the Otago Education Board, and the- school committees, bad this year been fully maintained. The board again closed the schools for a day in order that the •sports might be held, while it was also represented at tbe athletic sports and swimming carnival. The executive wished to thank all who contributed to such a successful year during its term of office. The report was adopted.