SURF LIFE-SAVING

Evening Post, Volume CXXIII, Issue 67, 20 March 1937, Page 14

SURF LIFE-SAVING

AUSTRALIAN TOUR

REPORT ON GEAR

Pleasure was expressed at 'a* night's meeting of the council of the New Zealand Surf Life-saving Association at the success of the recent tour of the Dominion oi the Australian life-saving team. New Zealand had gained much as a result of the visit, said the chairman, Mr. P. Coira, and it had been well worth while. The tour had definitely .cemented the relationship between Australian and New Zealand life-savers, the secretary (Mr. N. A. Ingram) stated, and New Zealand people would look forward lo another visit from the Australians. Surf life-saving in New Zealand had been greatly strengthened, he said, and had gained much by the publicity given to it. It would be a good thing if a New Zealand team could be sent to Australia during the British Empire Games, and he visualised the time when an interchange of visits would be a regular occurrence. Money would be spent lavishly during the Centennial celebrations, and he considered, with the object of bringing another Australian team across in 1940, the centennial committee should be approached with the idea of obtaining a £ for £ subsidy. For 20-odd years the New Zealand clubs had been competing between themselves, but it was outside competition that was needed now. Money from the Government grant for life-saving associations was allocated as follows:—Auckland, £28; Canterbury, £16; Taranaki, £12; Wellington, £10; Otago, £5; Wanganui. £2; Hawke's Bay, £2. Mr. A. Ross, in presenting the report of the gear committee, said that all reels, lines, and belts at the national championships at Lyall Bay had been inspected and the standard had been good. The Australian visitors had been •■ agreeably surprised at the high standard of gear in New Zealand, and he had had the opportunity" of discussing differences in their equipment and that of New Zealand teams with them. The Australian reel was little different, from that used in New Zealand, but the visitors had greatly appreciated the brake clip and guide bar. The waxed line appeared to be definitely superior to the ordinary line, said Mr. Ross, as it was less absorbent and therefore remained lighter. It had a longer life than the usual line, he said, and the sand did not stick to it. The report suggested that Australia and New Zealand should co-operate, as there would be many ways of assisting each other. In conclusion it referred to the sportsmanship of the Australian team, and stated that its members were the finest type of men tr be met. Considerable discussion was caused by a letter from Opunake Club, requesting permission to obtain a number of patrol swimming costumes. The question as to whether a man who had won a surf medallion should be allowed to wear a patrol costume, or whether that privilege was the sole right of a man on patrol, was debated at length, and eventually Opunake s request was granted.