LIFE-SAVING

Manawatu Standard, Volume LV, Issue 257, 27 September 1935, Page 7

LIFE-SAVING

MANAAVATU CENTRE. ANNUAL REPORT. An increase in the number of awards gained for life-saving proficiency in the district last summer is commented on in the annual report of the executive of the Manawatu head centre of the Royal Life-Saving Society. The remark is made, however, that the total of last year does not approximate that of 626 achieved in the 1931-32 season. “This is partly accounted for by the fact that at least two of the schools in Palmerston North did not bring forward any classes for examination—particularly Bokowhitu School—but we are anticipating some really good classes from them during the coming season,” tlie report proceeds. “The standard of ability shown by the majority of the classes reflects great credit on the instructors and the thanks of the executive are tendered to them. The total of awards granted by this centre since its inception in 1928 is now the satisfactory number of 3085. “Unfortunately complete returns are not to band from all the schools in regard to competition for the three Herbert Smith Trust shields, so the awards have not yet been made. We are pleased to be able to record entries from the Feilding Agricultural High School and the Dannevirke High School, as well as the three Palmerston North schools in the secondary school competitions, and very fine competitions resulted. The winners were: Boys, P.N. Boys’ High School B team, points; girls, P.N. Girls’ High School. 41J points. Weston J. Smith Rose Bowl: There was a very disappointing entry for this competition, two teams from the Palmerston North Boys’ High School being the only entries. The B team was first with 32 points and the A team was second with 20f points. Wigram Shield (an awards competition between head centres): For the fourth consecutive time this centre secured second place to Taranaki, the points being:—Taranaki 19.2, Manawatu 15, Wellington 10.87. Wanganui 6.5. Bamford Shield : This is a Dominion competition for school, college or club gaining the greatest number of awards during the season, and we have much pleasure in congratulating the Palmerston North Boys’ High School on gaining second place equal with Christchurch Technical College, with 96 awards. New Plymouth Girls’ High School retained the shield with 186 awards.

“The necessity for the formation of surf life-saving clubs at all popular beaches was again forcibly demonstrated last season. At both Foxton and Tangimoana bathers found themselves in difficulty necessitating the assistance of other bathers. Very fortunately at both these beaches there are active surf clubs with very keen members. The Foxton Club in particular is now well established and the members are to be congratulated on their unselfish and untiring attendance at the beach at week-ends and on holidays during the summer months. The Tangimoana Club lias a very keen body of young men and their, enthusiasm is most gratifying. During the season threo of their members gained the bronze medallion of the society and we are looking forward to another class for examination during the coming season. At Waitalcre the Domain Board has collected sufficient funds to provide a reel and lino for the beach, and it is hoped it will be to hand before the end of October. This centre contributed £2 2s towards this and is very hopeful that it will not lie long before a surf life-saving club is formed there.

“In October last wo had much pleasure in welcoming to Palmerston North Mr H. H. Lock, chairman of tlie central executive, London, who made a hurried tour through New Zealand. His visit was much appreciated by examiners and instructors. Following on Mr Lock’s visit we were again favoured with a visit from an official of the central executive. when Mr J. C. Fishenden (a vicepresident of the society from London) toured fho Dominion in February.

“The centre’s finances are in quite a sound state. However, our own undivided efforts are not responsible for this. The New Zealand Council was successful in securing a grant of £IOO from Government art union funds, as also did the Surf Life-Saving Association. The New Zealand Council very generously divided the £IOO among the head centres, our share amounting to £l3 9s Bd. We also received £3 from the Surf Association. Toward the end of the season it was decided to issue an appeal to the public for funds, but we have to report a very disappointing . result. In response to our request for assistance donations totalled £l2 19s 6d. As the expenses incurred in sending out the appeal amounted to £7 10s the net return was only £5 8s 9d.

“It is with deep regret we have to record the death of Mr T. R. Moore, of Terrace End. whose very generous donation to our appeal entitled him to life membership of the society. We extend our deepest sympathy to Mrs Moore in her sad loss. During the season we wero unfortunate in losing the services, of Mr J. D. Arthur, of Terrace End, who returned to Scotland. Later on Mr S. Sim was transferred from Central School to Raetihi. Both these gentlemen were keen and enthusiastic workers, and we will miss them very • much, We have also to record the departure from the district of Mr W. C. Collier. It should be needless for us to recount all that Mr Collier did for life-saving and swimming in the Manawatu. It is understood Mr Collier has already begun to carry on the same work in Waihi, where he is now situated. The centre tenders its thanks to all who have assisted in fostering the ideals of the society, particularly the instructors and examiners and those members of the teaching profession who regularly give much of their time, both in and out of school hours, with the children at the baths. The keen interest and support of our president (Mr W. L, Fitzherbert) has been much appreciated, as also have been the services of Mr Brown (our delegate on the New Zealand Council) and Mr Chapman (our representative on the council of the New Zealand Surf LifeSaving Association). The continued support and publicity given by tho Palmerston North City Council and the assistance given by the stajf of the municipal baths and others are particularly deserving of our thanks.”