WOMEN LIFE SAVERS

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30277, 1 November 1963, Page 15

WOMEN LIFE SAVERS

Their Ability

Doubted

Doubts on the ability of women to carry out rescue* unassisted were expressed by Mr C. O’Neill at last evening’* meeting of the Canterbury Surf Life-Saving Association.

He was commenting on the application made to the Christchurch City Council bv the newly-formed Central Brighton Ladies’ Surf LifeSaving Club for a club-house site and patrol area just south of the New Brighton Pier adjacent to the car perk.

Mr O’Neill suggested that the proposed site for the club-house and petrol area should be closer to an established club. “We as an association should protect these ladies.” he arid. “I would not bke to see these girl* try to rescue a male who is violent.”

When it came to patrolling an area he did not think that they should be left on their own. "I don’t think that it is a job for ladies on their own. I am quite aincere about thi*.” he arid. However, he agreed that the club should be supported in every way possible. The Town Clerk (Mr C. S. Bowie) said in a letter to the association that the women's dub had applied for a site a* the south end of the car pork between Hood street and Beresford street so that member* would be able to patrol an area south of the pier to Hood street. It was presumed that a pavilion was to be erected on the requested site, he Mid. Mr Bowie arid that befor* the matter was referred to the reserve* committee of th* council he felt that it should be submitted to the life-sav-ing association for considerstion and comment*. The association agreed to support the application by the club.