LIFE-SAVING.

Press, Volume LXII, Issue 18675, 26 April 1926, Page 5

LIFE-SAVING.

TO TBS EDITO* OV "XHX Mill." Sir,—l was not aware when I wrote my last letter that the report of' the sub-committee was directed against a particular sohool. Mr Basaett has been unfortunate enough to misconstrue my letter in that respect; so much as to allow the discussion to dwindle down to personalities. Again, Sir, Mr Bassett has evaded the question of issue, via., the report on life-eaving as it ought to be carried out in schools. From Mr Bassett's own statement this report has entirely omitted the chief feature of training in schools, viz., the training for awards and proficiency, not for competitions. A neglect like this is very culpable, ( It only proves to my complete satisfaction that the investigations of the sub-committee, were indeed superficial, and that their report is therefore incomplete. Mr Bassett, I observe, attempts neither to defend the report, nor to express regret, since the report has been published, as to its unfairness. In answer to Mr Bassett'a arguments that a large number of pupils should be coached--for the Society's competitions,- the idea is ridiculous. Even fronting that the available material is t for coaching, with restricted agelimit like that of competition, it ia preferable that the strongest team should compete. The faot of winning such a competition gives a fillip, to the development of that sport in the school. I have previously pointed out that a young team has not the same chance as an experienced team, and is frequently disappointed by being defeated. This was our experience in entering suet a team last year. ! As regards training, all members of the school who take up life-saving sufficient for their needs in cases of practical danger.—Yours, eto., J. STRUTHERS. Ohristchuroh, April 24th,