ST. CLAIR BEACH DAY

Evening Star, Issue 20981, 21 December 1931, Page 13

ST. CLAIR BEACH DAY

RAIN MARS ATTRACTIVE EVENT UNTIMELY END TO PROCEEDINGS Every arrangement relying on human agency to ensure the success of the St. Clair Improvement Association's beach day on Saturday afternoon was carefully attended to; the rest was in the hands of the weather—and it failed. Not before many hundred visitors had reached the beach, however, did a likely shower, heavy enough to delight many persons who had been watching vegetation parch for \v;ant of water, set in and bring about an untimely halt In the proceedings, which up till that time had been quite enjoyable. A lengthy and varied programme had been drawn up, including numerous races and novelty events for children, and a life-saving competition among teams from St. Clair (two) and St. Kildn. Most of the youngsters’ racing had been completed, and the big attraction was about to commence, when a fresh southerly brought with it the inevitable rain, which drove visitors to shelter and eventually homeward.

By the time the function was ready to bo opened there was a large crowd present on the Esplanade and on the sand, and though it looked dull there were any number of optimists to be found glibly sneering at suggestions that wet weather was due at any moment. The opening ceremony was conducted from the steps in front of the bathing pavilion, Mr F. 0. Bridgeman (president of the Improvement Association), in introducing Mr F. Jones, M.P., being pleased to welcome such a satisfactory crowd to the beach.. The public was indebted to the association for the erection of the bathing pavilion and numerous improvements effected in the baths. Although the function that day was entirely for the children’s benefit (no collections would be taken up), the association’s carnival would be held next month, when it was hoped to raise sufficient funds to make further improvements. He then called upon Mr Jones to open the gala. After thanking the association for its invitation, Mr Jones said that .it was to bo congratulated on the work it had performed, especially in connection with the surf bathing pavilion and also for assisting the Citv Council to improve the baths.. Support from all should be forthcoming, for the association had splendid schemes to make the beach even more attractive, ami everyone knew what a great asset to the city the beach was. For its plan to

extend the Esplanade alone, the association deserved support. He hoped the association would have success with everything it attempted, and then declared the function officially open. Immediately after this ceremony announcement was made that the programme of children’s events would commence with sand modelling, which was keenly indulged in by many kiddies. Later, down near the water’s edge, where a track was roped off, a number of races were hold. Big "fields” were received for tho racing, and most of the runners had difficulty in keeping out of the other fellow’s road without putting his own chance of a fair deal in danger. The result was a most amusing entertainment. When the rain commenced a curtailment of tlie programme was found necessary, and a treasure hunt, which was most enthusiastically entered into, brought the outing, as far as tho children wore concerned, to a close. Meanwhile, preparations had been made by the life-saving teams, which, after ah impressive march past, sot out in earnest to go through their paces in the surf. St. Clair’s “ crack ” team took to the water first, and the other competitors were able to benefit by the

misjudgment of these men ns regards the cuiTGut. The other St. Clair team was next, and tho St. Kilda representatives were, unfortunately, watched by very few, for by the time they went into action the beach had been practically cleared of visitors. The water work of all was excellent, decision in the competition going to St. Clair o. 1 (52 points out of 65), whilst the other competitors gained an equal number of points (46) . Popular musical selections by the 3rd Artillery Band (under conductorship of Mr Hilmer Davie) were presented during the afternoon.