NEW AUSTRALIAN HANDBOOK

Press, Volume LXXXVIII, Issue 26869, 23 October 1952, Page 13

NEW AUSTRALIAN HANDBOOK

SURF LIFB SAVING .

ADOPTION FAVOURED CANTERBURY DELEGATES MEET ‘Tt looks to me as if a dream may come true this year—uniformity of methods between New Zealand and Australia,” said the veteran surf swimmer, Mr A. T. T. Stokes, when the Canterbury Surf and Life-Saving Association last evening gave support to the adoption of the new Australian drill handbook, including the Holger-Nielsen method of resuscitation. The annual meeting was informed that this proposal would come before the Dominion conference in Wellington this we«k-end, that the Holger-Nielsen method would be demonstrated, and that an Australian official would attend to discuss co-ordination. Mr Stokes moved immediately that approval should be given by the association. Mr S. B. Mason, the association’s chief examiner, said the new handbook was clear in its directions and well illustrated. In drill there were some variations from New Zealand practice, but the change hinged on the Holger-Nielsen method. A delegate said the major change was desirable, if only to end the “chopping and changing” of New Zealand rules. How would the New Zealand Association stand with the Royal Life Saving Society? asked Mr L. J. Tolnton. Another delegate said the New Zealand body was formed in 1917 chiefly to ensure that surf clubs were controlled by surf life-savers and not by the London society. Australia was not likely to change to the New Zealand scheme, so the sooner the Dominion fell in line the better, said Mr Mason.

The Holger-Nielsen method had undergone different interpretations, said the patron (Mr G. D. Griffiths). The Royal Life-Saving Society had one, and the Australians seemed to have leaned to the American interpretation. Personally he would like to see British countries uniform In their interpretation. "We want the best method; where it comes from does not matter,” said a delegate.

“I agree,” said Mr Stokes. “It could come from Greenland, Iceland—” “I understand it comes from Denmark,” said the president (Mr L. J. Sutherland). The -meeting indicated its approval of the change being made before the next Dominion championships, and suggested waiving the rule that a year’s notice should be given. “If It’s got to be done, lets do It rijtht away," delegates said. Discretionary powers were given to delegates.

When someone asked whether judges would have time to adapt themselves, Mr Mason said: ‘"nxey will be on a par with competitors. To learn the new system, they will have to get down on the beaches with the dubs, which is where they should be."

An effort to form more clubs will be nade. Mr Tointon said that there were lone between Waikuku and Christchurch. ‘I m a tiger for punishment and will give my assistance,” he said.

The Dewar Shield, valued at £5O to £7O, will be taken over by the association from the defunct Greymouth club for a competition which could be adopted by the Greymouth club if It is revived. It was stated that increased bus services to South Brighton would probably necessitate a full-time beach patrol there this summer.

General membership of clubs affiliated was reported at 852, with 305 on the active list. “Club members have carried out their self-imposed task of maintaining patrols on our beaches during weekends and holidays to such good effect that once again we have had a season free from fatal drownings," said Mr Sutherland’s report. Four rescues were made and first-aid given in 64 cases. Members had considerable success in national championships. The following officers were elected : Patron, Mr G. D. Griffiths; president, Mr L. J. Sutherland; immediate past president, Mr A. T. F. Stokes; vice-presidents, Messrs S. B. Mason, C. C. Couldweil, and A. I. Cottrell; chief Instructor, Mr A. B. Bacon; secretary (pro tern), Mr G. D. Frost; gear inspector. Mr F. S. Jennings; treasurer. Mr H. Goldsmith; auditor, Mr D. V. Wilson; registrar, Mr J. Huhne; chief examiner, Mr Mason; publicity officers. Messrs B. A. Mair and L. J. Tointon; solicitor, Mr V. G. Spiller; delegates to New Zealand Council. Messrs J. K. Roberts and L. Swindale; delegate to Pioneer Sports Club. Mr N. M. Smith.