CENTENNIAL SURFING CHAMPIONSHIPS

Dominion, Volume 30, Issue 41, 12 November 1936, Page 13

CENTENNIAL SURFING CHAMPIONSHIPS

Request For Grant

COUNCIL PUTS FORWARD PROPOSAL "1 think we should get in early or else we will find that some other society has stepped in ahead of us and we will be politely told that we are too late,” observed Mr. N. A. Ingram, secretary, at last night’s meeting of the Dominion Council of the New Zealand Surf Life Saving Association, when bringing forward a proposal to approach the National Centennial Committee for a grant to cover special features at the 1940 national surf championships, which are to be held in Wellington. Mr. Ingram’s scheme is to bring two ter us from Australia and keep them, in the Dominion for six weeks, during which time they would tour extensively, giving demonstrations in surf life saving and also competing in district championships. He also proposes that the New Zealand champion team be sent on a tour of the Dominion with the visitors, after the conclusion of the national championships. "This, of course, would bo a fairly expensive matter,” continued Mr. Ingram, "and I propose that we approach the National Centennial Committee for a grant of £lOOO to finance the venture. There is no doubt that this association is doing splendid and humane work throughout the Dominion, and such publicity and first-hand demonstrations by champion teams would do much to further our worthy objects. I feel certain, too, that the centennial committee realises the importance of our work in saving hundreds of lives annually from drowning, and in view of that great service I am sure our request would meet with favourable consdieration.”

Mr. F. H. Jackson, treasurer, said that £lOOO would scarcely be sufficient. It would probably cost £l5OO or even more. He quoted figures in support of this claim.

Other speakers, including the chairman, Mr. P. F. Coira, endorsed Mr. Jackson’s remarks, and, after further brief discussion, it was resolved that the association’e executive committee prepare a report on the matter, with details of finance estimated as closely as possible, for submission to the National Centennial Committee in support of a request for a grant of up to £2OOO to finance the proposal and to help make the 1940 national surf championships one of the outstanding events of the centennial celebrations.