SPORTS RALLY TODAY

Southland Times, Issue 24243, 28 September 1940, Page 7

SPORTS RALLY TODAY

Support Appreciated NATIONAL FITNESS DISPLAY Appreciation of the support given to the national fitness rally by the sports bodies of the city, bands, bushcralt competitors and primary and sccondaiy schools was expressed yesterday by the manager of the rally, Mr P. Linton Hodge. Mr Hodge said that afternoon tea would be available at Rugby Park this afternoon and there would also be stalls of sweets and cordials under the supervision of the women of the Patriotic Committee. Mr J. Gerrand, of Christchurch, had agreed to have his merry-go-round on the ground and this attraction should appeal to the children,' “It only remains for a fine day and the support of the public to justify the work of the committee, and particularly the very efficient work of the organizer, Mr Lloyd Woods,” said Mr Hodge.

MESSAGE FROM MINISTER The chairman of the Invercargill Metropolitan Patriotic Committee (Mr William Grieve) has received the following telegram from the Minister of Internal Affairs (the Hon. W. E. Parry):— “I wish very heartily to congratulate the Metropolitan Patriotic Committee and sports organizations in Invercargill on the plans prepared for the national fitness rally to take place at Rugby Park. The plans are excellently drawn to cover many interesting and instructive features and I feel, with my knowledge of the fine achievements of sports and kindred bodies in Southland, that the day will be made memorable by the displays given and the entertainment provided. I feel also that apart from the entertainment value of the rally and the aid given by it to a cause to which all will subscribe, the public will gather from this rally the great all-round advantages to be gained by physical fitness, and thus afford in future fuller encouragement to reach even greater progress of work than in the past. I send my very good wishes and regret that I shall not be able to be present.” SCHOOL’S PART

"As one interested in the national fitness display I wish to express the board’s appreciation to all primary and secondary schools who have signified their willingness to assist on this occasion,” said the chairman of the Southland Education Board (Mr S. Rice) at the board meeting yesterday. “When the children turn out in their hundreds the parents must ir consequence be interested in the display given by them. This goes a long way to ensure a successful function. I have attended many school children’s sports days and most of the efforts have been interesting and some outstanding. Unfortunately, school sports have not attracted big attendances, due no doubt to their being held on a Friday, but the national fitness rally will be held on Saturday afternoon and I feel quite sure parents will attend to see how the children and adults aoquit themselves “Particularly do I wish to thank the school teachers who are showing such a keen interest in this big patriotic effort and national fitness rally,” added Mr Rice.