SWIMMING

Evening Post, Volume CVIII, Issue 115, 11 November 1929, Page 15

SWIMMING

ISLAND BAY CLUB

SEASON OPENED

Fine weather with warm .sunshine has usually favoured the Island Bay Life-sav-ing and Surf Club on its opening day, but on Saturday a biting southerly which carried the sand off the beach and mingled it with the driving-showers which swept in from the sea, made the conditions unpleasant for swimmers and spectators alike. Mr. E. A.- Wright, M.P.; opened the season from a sheltered position at the back of the clubhouse. Mr. A. Dicker, the club's president,' who introduced Mr. Wright, extended a welcome to the visitors and congratulated the club on its success during the .past season. Individual members of the club had secured 44 awards, which was 'a very .fine performance. Included in that number of awards were eight bronze medallions, which had been won-by lady"members; Mr.. Wright expressed his regret at the unfortunate state of the weather, which made it .impossible to adhere to the original programme;. He. congratulated the club on its success ..during the past season, -when' it had won the Island Bay Shield against all-comers, and' also the Law Rose Bowl. Mr. Wright paid tribute to the club's social committee, to the Island Bay School Drum and Fife Band, and to the Institute Band, which were in attendance. He wished the club every ciiccess, and declared the season open. _Mr. R. M'Keen," M.P., joined with Mr. Wright in wishing ,the club success during theL.B.Q.ming season'l „_■. ... .. Although there was a'goocf gathering" of spectators, only a few members of the outside life-saving -teams put in. au appearance, and .consequently the. march past of the teams, which has.been one of the features ot opening day at Island Bay, was missing. Members of the Island Bay Club, .however marched along: the beach, in good style, and gave a "run-out" display, which was much appreciated, despite the rough weather. The club members also en"af!cd in beach games. .Had it not been, for .the .efforts'of the social committee, opening day "would eerily have been ::much- less successful JN early everyone managed to crowd into the largo clubroom, where afternoon tea was served by the ladies under the direction of the ladies' superintendent (Mrs •A. . M. .lanner.). -'■• The opportunity was taken while afternoon tea was being served to make a presentation to Mi's. E. Parsons who for many years had ably assisted the club- m; the. capacity of ladies' superintenuent. ' '- ■-■ '-■ - " ■■.:.. : ..-..-.. The- afternoon's: proceedings' Were! much enlivened, with selections' by the Institute Band and the Island Bay School Drum and i lfe Band; ....