N.Z. LIFE-SAVING TEAM

Press, Volume XCIV, Issue 28130, 20 November 1956, Page 16

N.Z. LIFE-SAVING TEAM

Farewell Function In Christchurch PRESENTATIONS TQ RYAN AND GARRATT The 10 members of the Nr-v Zealand surf life-saving team who will leave by air this morning to take part in international events in Australia were bidden farewell at a special function organised by the Canterbury centre of the association last evening. About 60 members of Christchurch clubs attended. Mr S. B. Mason, president of the Canterbury association. who welcomed the team and visitors, said the team was one of the finest New Zealand had ever had. The president of the New Zealand association (Mr H. D. Gillies), who (ravelled from Dunedin for (he func-

tion, paid a tribute to the high standard the team had achieved. He was sure, he said, the team would prove worthy representatives of the country-

The members of the team were introduced to the meeting by the team manager and chairman of the New Zealand council (Mr B. J. Mclvor), and on behalf of the Canterbury association Mr Mason presented the two Canterbury members of the team, J. A. Ryan and P. R. Garratt, with small gifts. “This is the third time a New Zealand team has visited Australia, and the team we have met this evening are worthy successors,” said Mr Gillies. “Whatever they learn in the events in Australia will be spread through our own country and will be of great benefit.”

In reply to Mr Gillies, Mr Mclvor thanked the Canterbury association for the farewell function. “At least if we get beaten it won’t be through straining hamstring muscles. We are’ going there to win, and we hope we are

taking the good wishes of New Zeeland with us.” Films on surfing in Australia were shown, and members of the team liter met the members of Canterbury clubs present. The team will begin its training in Melbourne on Thursday in preparation for the international surf carnival in which New Zealand, Australian and South African teams are taking part on Sunday. November 25. The following week the team will resume training at Melbourne and Torquay, and on Sunday, December 2, will take part in the Australian surf championships at Torquay. On Monday. December 3, the team will travel from Melbourne to Sydney, and for the following two days will have training periods. On Saturday, December 8. and December 9 the team will take part In the surfing test matches at Maroubfa and Collaroy Beach, The team is: J. R. Jarvis (Otago), P. R. Garratt (Canterbury), R. N. Hafker (Auckland), M. Haxton (Wellington), J. Sneyd (Auckland), A. J. Cotterill (Western Districts). A. J. Laing (Taranaki), and J. .A. Ryan (Canterbury).