LIFEBOAT BRIGADE.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVII, Issue 18143, 8 July 1919, Page 2

LIFEBOAT BRIGADE.

DEPUTATION TO SUMNER COUNCIL.

Last night a deputation from the Sumner Volunteer Lifeboat Brigade waited on the Sumner Borough Council and solicited their support to a movement for improving the position which the society was now placed in. Lieutenant 11. J. Marrinsr said that) at present the brigade was far from satisfied with the position, and they earnestly sought the assistance and advice of the council. The. first matter of importance was the insurance of members- The results of any accident now would throw the responsibility on the individual- Secondly, the members felt that a board, of contttjj* should be set up. This might consistof councillors, members of the brigade, and representatives from interested bodies. This would strengthen the finances of the brigade and place the responsibility on the right shouldersAt present the alarm cell was absolutely useless. They' wanted a siren or a good bell. A cradle for launching the boat was aiso very necessary. At present there was often, much, danger to the crew whilst launching. The pile on the right hand' side wa-5f a menace to life at ebb tide during a strong wind. Mr Marriner urged the necessity of outside bodies sharing the expense. Fully 95 per cent of those rescued from drowning belonged to districts outside the borough. Captain Hines dealt more fully with the constitution of the board of control. He pointed out that, as the war was now over, a busy time was aheadThe appliances were so unreliable now that the public would be safer if they wore out of the way. The Mayor said the matter was ol great importance and the council would give it very serious ationMr Marriner thanked the council for the reception it had _ given the deputation, which then withdrew. During discussion afterwards, the proposal to' hold a Lifeboat Saturday was generally favoured. The Mayor suggested enlisting the help of enthusiasts of the boating clubs. A committee consisting of Councillors Yates, Jamieson and Rosswill waa appointed to deal with the matter.