LIFE-SAVING SOCIETY

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIV, Issue 286, 31 October 1934, Page 16

LIFE-SAVING SOCIETY

MANAWATU HEAD CENTRE. DEVELOPMENT IN THE SCHOOLS. The annual meeting of the Manawatu head centre of the Royal Life-Saving Society was hold last evening, when Mr E. J. Werry (chairman of tlio executive) presided in the absence of the president (Mr W. L. Eitzherbert). The report stated, inter alia:—“The results obtained in the past season again show a decrease in the number of awards gained but, nevertheless, it must be regarded as quite satisfactory when the weather conditions that prevailed during last summer are taken into account. The stricter conditions as laid down in the new hand book also had a tightening effect on the classes, but we hope with resultant good effects. Since the centre was Formed as a sub-centre of the Wellington head centre, awards gained aggregate -192 breajst-stroke certificates, 858 elementary, 742 proficiency, 897 bronze medallion, 32 bars to bronze medallion, 9 surf medallions, 67 awards of merit, 15 bars to merit, 75 hon. teachers’ certificates, and 18 lion, instructors’ certificates —a total of 2705 during the period 1926 to 1933-34. All the sdiools are to be congratulated on the classes brought forward for examination, TO schools being awarded 111 elementary certificates, 95 proficiency, 49 bronze medallions, 12 second class instructors’ certificates, one award of merit, 80 primary certifiates, and 6 bars to bronze medallion, making a total of 354 awards for the season. It is regretted that the swimming clubs, particularly in Palmerston North, show such a lack of interest in life-saving, and it is hoped that the coming season will see a revival of interest in that direction. The Cunningham Shield, for competition among the primary schools of Palmerston North and controlled by the Assistant Masters’ Association, was won by Hokowhitu. In the Herbert Smith Trust Shield competitions, the a wards were: Group 1 (for schools with an average attendance for Standards 3 to 6 of over 225), Terrace End (40pts) 1, Central (39pts) 2, College Street (30pts) 3. Group 2 (schools with average of 101-225): Hokowhitu (80pts). Group 3 (average 100 and under) : Milson. Secondary Schools shields (teams of four) : Boys, Boys’ High Sohool A team (41*pts) ; girls, Girls High School (41pts). Weston J. Smith rose bowl (team of two): Terrace End (342pts) 1, Technical School and Boys High School (31Jpts). “Surf life-saving is now controlled by the New Zealand Surf Life-Saving Association, as a branch of the Royal Life-Saving Society. In this centres territory there are only two surf hiesaving clubs—at Foxton and langimoana. The Foxton Club is now well established with good equipment and its members arc very keen and during the season the beach is very well patrolled. Tlic dangimoana Club is not nearly as strong as the Foxton Club, but with the assistance of the Tang’imoana Beach Improvement Society is now equipped with good reels and lines. We have to congratulate Mr W. C. Collier on the distinction conferred on him by the central executive, London. In consideration of his long and able services to the societv in both Wellington and the Manawatu, the Central Executive unanimously decided to award him a ‘certificate of thanks.' Ibe .centie has managed to keep ahead of its expenditure, hut this was only achieved late in the season as a result of a combined effort by the Manawatu Swimming Centre, and members of tliis society assisted by a committee of ladies under the leadership of the Mayoress (Mrs Mansford).” The report in conclusion thanked all who had helped the society and was adopted.

ELECTION OF OFFICERS. The election of officers for tlie incoming season resulted: —President, Mr W. L. Fitzherbert (re-elected) ; past president, Mr R. H. Spencer (re-elect-ed) ; vice-presidents, Messrs A. E. Mansford, J. Wallace, A. J. Graham, A. McKegg, H. C. Collinson, J. Linklater, M.P., W. J. Smith, F. E. Leddra, M. Perreau, R. H. Billens; lion, members, headmasters and headmistresses of all secondary and primary schools in the centre’s territory; chairman of executive, Mr E. J. Werry (reelected) ; hon. secretary-treasurer, Mr R. E. Small (re-elected); chief examiner, Mr D. C. Pryor (re-elected); chief instructor, Mr W, Schwarz; board of examiner's, Messrs W. C. Collier, W. Eyre, D. McLeod, G. G. Hancox, E. W. Schwarz, P. G. Stevens, A. M. Stevenson, P. Gleeson, T. Twigge, and G. Shaw; district representatives, Messrs J. Barrat (Levin), and P. Gleeson (Dannevirke); delegate to the New Zealand Council, Mr B. A. Brown (re-elected); delegate to N.Z.A.S.A., Mr E. J. Werry (reelected) ; delegate to N.Z. Surf Association, Mr F. Chapman, Wellington; hon. auditor, Mr C. Turner; executive committee, Messrs N. D. Stubbs, J. D. Arthur, R. Belfit, M. F. Henry, A. M. Stevenson, J. Connor, S. A. Sims, K. Dawkins, R. Warwick, J. C. Johnson, M. Baird, R. R. Browne; Miss Hume and a representative from the Technical School.