SURPRISE FOR CLUB.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVI, Issue 250, 22 October 1935, Page 8

SURPRISE FOR CLUB.

DUTY ON PIHA LIFEBOAT."

NOT MUCH HOPE OF REFUND.

"We were very surprised at having to pay £19 duty and sales tax, but expected to obtain a refund. Imagine our surprise when we received word from the Minister of Customs that he could not accede to our request. Surely the work we are doing is sufficient .without us having to pay the Government for the privilege of doing it. We are making further efforts to obtain a refund, but are not very hopeful."

■ This reference to the Government's action in charging duty on the lifeboat purchased by the Piha Surf Life Saving Club from the Bronte Club in Sydney occurs in the annual report of the Piha Club as adopted at the second annual meeting.

During the year 1G persons were rescued and 2G were given first aid treatment. Thus the object of the club has been achieved and the vigilance of the members rewarded. "This is as it should be," states the report, "and we do not seek praise for the achievement, but the assurance felt by the public that they can bathe in safety while members of the club are on the beach is no small factor iu the increasing popularity of Piha."

"The club can be considered to have had a most successful season financially," remarked the president, Mr. F. E. d e Guerrier, "and the committee are to bi heartily congratulated upon their efforts."

The secretary, Mr. C. E. Holt, in a review of the financial statement, pointed out that while the assets of the club were quite substantial the actual cash balance was very small, and strong efforts would have to be made during the next few weeks to raise sufficient money to pay the balance on the boat and to erect a boathonse.

The following office-bearers were elected: Patron, Mr. F. K. Hunt, S.M.; vice-patron, Mr. H. G. R. Mason, M.P.; president, Mr. F. E. de Guerrier; lion, medical officer, Dr. <T. H. H. Wood; hon. solicitor, Mr. S. White; hon. auditor, Mr. N. I. McKean; vice-presidents, Messrs. A. E. Odlin, E. Le Grice, A. Fearon, G. C. Bromley, F. H. Archibald, E. Phillipson, W. A. Bishop, H. C. Sidford, Captain M. Pierrotti; club captain, Mr. H. C. Sidford; vice-captain, Mr. J. L. Wilson; hon. secretary and treasurer, Mr. C. I\. Holt; trustee, Mr. M. G. Adams; committee, Messrs. C. F. Holt, A. Jackson, F. Gittos, A. L. Sutton, J. C. Curtice, J. Oxspring, J. Matheson.