THE LONDON CUP

Evening Post, Volume CXXI, Issue 21, 25 January 1936, Page 23

THE LONDON CUP

ROYAL SOCIETY'S ATTITUDE

The attitude of the central executive of the Royal Life-saving Society in regard to the London Cup which it is presenting for .competition between the various districts in New Zealand is indicated in a recent letter from the central body to the secretary of the New Zealand Surf Lifesaving Association. Extracts from the letter are as follows:—

"It was suggested that the competition should be between the best surf club teams, but the actual tftest to be performed was left to the New Zealand Council to decide. As you probably know, we are running a similar contest in Australia and the trophy will go to the team of four performing our award of merit test in the most meritorious manner. This will not be suitable for your Surf Association, but we should prefer that actual watermanship should be definitely considered rather than that the contest should only be a question of speed in rescuing. We should be glad if you would let us know what rules and conditions you recommend. It is hoped that this competition will be mutually helpful and stimulating to yourselves and us.

"Whilst the trophy is mainly being awarded to promote enthusiasm amongst your surf clubs, the exam-

iners' subsequent report to us may contain matter which will be helpful to ourselves, considering we have our own Life Guard Corps for the protection of sea-coast bathers in this country. We mention this so that you may realise that the trophy can provide a useful link between us. As the competition is amongst the best surf club teams within the areas of our society's branches, it may be found helpful to you, and would be appreciated by us, if you arrange for a member from your New Zealand Council to attend and represent the society on occasions when the competition is being organised by your surf council." The letter, requests that Mr. S. K. Bassett, of Christchurch, should be consulted with regard to the appointment of a suitable representative.

"We are quite willing for a contest to take place during the coming season if you have time to make the necessary arrangements and appoint a suitable examiner," concludes the letter. "For the first year a member of the New Zealand Surf Council might be appointed, and thus provide an opportunty for one such member to tour the Dominion and become acquainted with the various surf associations." .

Details of the New Zealand Council's suggested rules for the competi-j tion, compiled by Messrs. V. L. Allan! and N. A. Ingram, were published in "The Post" some time ago. Briefly, they provide for an annual points contest between the district associations in which efficiency in surf and stillwater life saving, together with other activities indicating progress of a general nature, are taken into consideration.