LIFE-SAVING.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVI, Issue 35, 11 February 1935, Page 9

LIFE-SAVING.

PIHA SURF CLUB.

NEW CLUBHOUSE OPENED

DEDICATION BY RADIO. Probably the largest crowd ever seen at Piha attended the official opening of the new pavilion of the Piha Surf Lifesaving Club yesterday. In the morning the clubhouse was dedicated by radio from station IZB by the Rev. C. G. Scrimgeour. "For all who engage in the voluntary and noble work, of life-saving," he said, "and serve with selfless devotion the cause of this, and every other surf club, we ask Divine blessing. May men ever be guided and inspired by such an example as set by these brave young men, who take pride in a service which means safety to the unwary, and strength to the weak. May their labour never be in vain, and their reward a record of meritorious service. Grant to each of them a valiant heart, and mav we who arc thus served remember" them with gratitude in our hearts." In the afternoon, after a march-past of life-saving teams representing Piha, Takapuna, Waitemata, Milford. Browns Bay and North Shore, Dr. T. H. Pettit, president of the Auckland Surf Lifesaving Association, declared the pavilion officially open. "Without Fee or Reward." Dr Pettit said that life-saving was the only sport'that had as its object the protection and preservation ot human life. For that reason alone it was worthv of public support. the Piha Club was the youngest of the 14 clubs in the Auckland Province, and probably the most important one near the city. When it was founded in January of Inst year, it had five members and one reel. Now there were 17 members, and a distinct need for two more reels. "Surf life-savers serve without fee or reward," he said, "and never, under any circumstances, allow personal considerations to obstruct them in their selfimposed duty. The quiet, unostentatious work of the clubs during the summer months has set the seal of security upon our beach.es, eased the anxious minds of countless parents and made bathing a pleasure without danger." Dr. Pettit made an appeal for funds. He said the clubhouse, which contained a general utility room, a casualty room, a look-out tower, a kitchen and bunks to accommodate six members, had a mortgage of £125. For further equip, ment, needed for the adequate patrol of such a beach, more funds would be needed. Each reel cost in the vicinity of £16. The Atta taxi organisation had given a surf boat to the club.

Dependent on Public. Mr. E. de Guerrier, president of the club, said that as the beach was becoming more and more popular the need for protection in the surf was increasing. The club was dependent for its sustenance on thefpublic. The more it was helped, the more service it Could give. As a result of the appeal, a sum of several pounds was given to the club. The Onohunga Citizens' Band played during the day.