SURF LIFE-SAVING.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIX, Issue 220, 17 September 1938, Page 12

SURF LIFE-SAVING.

NEED FOR STATE HELP.

CLUB DEPLORES REFUSAL.

After stating fciiat the total number of deaths by drowning in New Zealand, for the year ended March 31, 1937, was 113. Mr. E. D. C. Badham, president of the Kar e Kare Surf Life-Saving Club, in his annual report, deplores the refusal of the Government to render financial assistance to the club. "I eay, without fear of reasonable contradiction," writes Mr. Badham, "that if surf clubs throughout this country were receiving sufficient monetary assistance from the Government to function as they should, the loss I have mentioned which would represent about £11.").000 in monetary value, would be reduced by 7-5 per cent to 80 per cent at the very least. I say, therefore that Government assistance would not be a liability, T>ecnuse these clubs would turn it into an asset. "We men and women who have the interests of life-saving at heart, therefore." continues, "consider our appeal to the Government has a backing of common .-ense, business sense and a sense of the proper value of human life. All we ask i« an opportunity to serve more fully the people of this country.

"Members give freely of their services without thought of reward," he goes on, "and I have never heard of a surfman to hesitate when a call comes for assistance from some unfortunate in need. All they ask in return for their services is just sufficient financial aid to enab!" them to function efficiently.

"Therefore," he concludes, "on behalf, not only of this club, but of all lifesaving associations throughout the Dominion. I appeal most earnestly to the Government for adequate monetary assistance to carry on this great, necessary and humane work."

Elsewhere in his report, the president mentions that the club has received the donation of r section on the "Watchman." for the site of a clubhouse, and also that another reel, line and belt, as well as a surf ski. all much-needed items, have been added to the equipment of the club.