LIFE SAVING

Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22336, 25 February 1938, Page 4

LIFE SAVING

♦ MEETING OF NEW ZEALAND COUNCIL Four years ago the London Central Executive of the Royal Life-Saving Society sent two representatives to New Zealand, with the view of inaugurating a change in the system of issuing awrrds. Their plan was, to give the New Zealand Council full control of the matter, and to take the responsibility from the various branches with whose methods they were dissatisfied. The branches strongly opposed the suggestion at the time, and a disappointed delegation returned to London. It was announced, however, at last night’s meeting of the New Zealand Council of the Royal Life-Saving Society that a grant of £IOO had been received from the Central Executive for the furtherance of the abandoned project. The Central Executive, in its letter, made it clear that it was its wish that the New Zealand Council should take full control of the issuing of awards. The meeting decided to inform the New Zealand brances of the executive’s wish. An application for the honorary associates’ award to be given to Mr K. H. 1. Easton was received from the Auckland branch, and it will be forwarded to London for approval.

The council, which formerly had a Royal Charter and now wishes to become an incorporated society, received a letter from the Registrar of Incorporated Societies to the effect that several of the rules in the constitution would need amendment before this could be brought about., The secretary, Mr J. Breward, was instructed to draw up a copy of the constitution, with the amendments suggested by the registrar, for perusal by members. The meeting concluded with a discussion brought up by the chairman, Mr G. E. Billson. who urged the setting up of sub-bfanches in districts where drowning accidents had occurred, or were likely to occur. Mr Billson asserted that the project would necessitate . a man travelling at the expense of She society to various parts of the Dominion. In view of the many recent bathing accidents, he said, it was up to the society to do something material and assist the braAch&3-,tQ.