"SURF LIFE SAVING."

Press, Volume LV, Issue 16462, 4 March 1919, Page 7

"SURF LIFE SAVING."

TO THE EDITOR. OF "TUB I'BESS."

Sir, —As a visitor from tlio North Island unofficially interested iii the swimming championships to be held this week, I went out to North Now Brighton yesterday to witness . the surf competitions for the Sir Joseph Ward and 15. B. Wood cups. I should like to say how highly pleased and surprised I . was at tho really fino displays of tho various teams, us I was not aware that life-saving in tho surf had reached such a high standard in this district, or, in fact, in New Zealand. I understand that a new governing body is specially encouraging this branch of sport, and I can only say that if- should be gratified at the response. Having takon interest in this work in Australia, I was' not only interested in the actual surf work, but also in the judging, and after being permitted to examine tho judge's cards, I was very much impressod with tho system of scoring the marks, and also with the very apparent ability of the judges (Messr? Bryant and Benson), who, whilst working entirely apart from each other, and doing their scoring ouite independently—as judging should cortainly alwavs" be done— hardly differed in their totals of points for each event. To me, this appoarod to bo particularly good, in view of the difficulty of the task, and if tho judges in question aro / a fair samnle, then the various clubs must have full confidence in the governing body, which is fortunate enough to have officials so capable. T shall look forward with considerable pleasure to witnessing further displays about next January, when I hope to visit Canterbury again.—Yours, otc..

"N.P." Christchurch, March 2nd, 1919.