ISLAND BAY BEACH GALA

Dominion, Volume 23, Issue 79, 27 December 1929, Page 9

ISLAND BAY BEACH GALA

INTERESTING PROGRAMME OPENED

WIND WRECKS SKITTLE BOOTH

Yesterday was the first day of the beach gala inaugurated by the Island Bay Life Saving and Surf Club. An interesting programme has been arranged, lasting till January 4. Yesterday, however, the crowd contented itself, in the teeth of a brisk northerly wind, with patronising the numerous side shows provided close by the bathing sheds. The proceeds of this gala will go towards the purchase of a surf boat and a shed in which to house it. Members of the Surf Club had been busy for some days beforehand erecting the various booths that form the sideshows and making arrangements amongst themselves concerning the running of them. Situated as they are in one of the windiest spots of the bay these booths on the Opening day had to withstand gusts that strained them to the utmost. Slightly before eleven yesterday morning, and before the public had been admitted, an unusually strong gust took charge of the skittle booth. In a matter of a few seconds it was reduced to matchwood, and its contents scattered all over the ground. In fact, when the gust had passed little could be seen of the structure, some ten feet high by fifteen or twenty feet across, except a tangled mass of broken wood mixed up with electric light wires and supports. Fortunately at the time of the accident the booth was empty, and nobody was hurt In spite of this unfortunate set-back the various side-shows were* well patronised all day. The “prize darts” vied with the merry-go-round for popularity, and there was always a queue waiting their turn.

In the absence of Mr. McKeen, member for the district, the gala was opened informally by Mr. N. A. Ingram, the secretary of the Surf Club. Amongst other activities of the elub he explained that four swimming instructors had been engaged this year for the benefit of those who use the beach. Instruction will be free, and parents could send in the names of children they wished to be taught swimming and arrange suitable hours with one of the instructors. The object of the beach gala was to raise money for the purchase of a surf boat and a shed to house it. This boat would patrol beyond the fishing launches moored in the bay, and would come to the rescue of children in difficulties in canoes. Unless a boat of this nature could be obtained Mr. Ingram thought the practice of allowing children out at Island Bay in easily upset canoes would have to be stopped as it was very dangerous. Amongst other attractions there will be a display at three o’clock on Sunday, December 29, by members of the Life Saying Club. Friday, January 3, will be ladies’ and children’s day. All kinds of games have arranged,, including a “treasure hunt," and numerous prizes will be distributed for this and other events.