Surf Life-Saving “GROPING FOR SOLUTION”

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29938, 27 September 1962, Page 15

Surf Life-Saving “GROPING FOR SOLUTION”

Basis Of N.Z. (championships An opinion that the New Zealand Surf Life-savinc Association was uncertain as to whether the national championships should be on a Hub or provincial basis was expraaaad by Mr F. D. Mitchell at a meeting of the Canterbury Surf Association last night. Mr Mitchell Mid ha did not think the national body knew exactly where It was going in this regard, and was groping for a solution. Mr Mitchell made his remarks while reporting on the national instructional conference which he attended as Canterbury delegate. Among the items on the conference agenda was the conduct of the 1962-63 contest for the Inter-provincial Surf Trophy, generally known as the Griffiths Trophv after the donor. Mr G. D. Griffiths, of Christchurch The contest has been held annually between representative teams from Canteibury and Wellington, but the national body decided that this season the competition would be open to representative teams from al! surf districts. Mr Mitchell emphasised that the new arrangement was for one season only. It was hoped to carry it on. but there was a feeling that there would be an upheaval with regard to the national "set-up.” The national championships are contested by club teams, although there is nothing to prevent a district association entering a representative side. Canterbury entered association teams at the chrtnpionshipe on occasions up to about 30 years ago. Mr Mitchel! reported that the Inter-provincial contest would be held at Lyall Bay, Wellington. on February 2. Teams would be of 10 surfers, .fight seniors and two juniors, and events would be a march past, a six-man rescue and resuscitation. a four-man alarm, a beltmen’s contest, a team and Individual surf race, a paddle board race, and an individual beach sprint and relay.