SURF CLUBS’ ACTIVITIES

Press, Volume XCVIII, Issue 28820, 14 February 1959, Page 4

SURF CLUBS’ ACTIVITIES

Extension Sought By Association

Because of the numbers of people using Christchurch beaches, surf clubs have been asked by the Canterbury Surf Association to consider extending the patrols near their own clubs. The population of Christchurch had increased by more than 70,000 since the early 1930’5, but only one new club had been established since then said Mr S. B. Mason at a meeting of the association's executive. Canterbury claimed to have nearly as many active members as Wellington, which had more clubs, he said. Conditions in Wellington could not compare with those in Canterbury, said Mr J. Pltcaithly. In Wellington, tor instance, there were three clubs on one beach within 100 yards of each other. There were also many small bays around Wellington which lent themselves to the establishment of more clubs. In Christchurch, however, the number of people bathing on the beach from Waimairi to the south was considerably greater and these were scattered over the whole area and not concentrated as in smaller bays, he said. In closing the discussion Mr Mason said it was a challenge to clubs to either extend their activities or to form new clubs. Contest with Wellington Confirmation of February 22 as the date for the Wellington-Can-terbury contest to be held at Taylor’s Mistake, was received. Mr F. Mitchell was appointed manager of the Canterbury team. Three rescues during the last week were reported by the North Beach and New Brighton clubs. Two men and a boy had got into difficulties and had to be helped out of channels running along the beach. Although all were exhausted no medical attention was necessary.

After discussing the report of the treasurer (Mr M. B. Restall) it was decided that £4BO should be distributed equally among the six clubs.