LIFE-SAVING SKI

New Zealand Herald, Volume 82, Issue 25345, 29 October 1945, Page 6

LIFE-SAVING SKI

NEW APPLIANCES TEIEI) SURF CLUB DEMONSTRATION The use of the newest and most modern appliances in the rescue and resuscitation of drowning persons was demonstrated by members of the Piha Surf Club at Auckland's Beach yesterday afternoon. In spite of tlio unfavourable conditions caused by an overcast sky and cold, blustery winds, there was a crowd of about 200 spectators, including representatives of the New Zealand Life-saving Association. The appliance used for the rescue of the member of the club who filled the role of patient was a locally-made adaptation of the Australian surf ski. Two Viodels, a two-man ski measuring 16ft by 3ft 6in, and a one-man craft 12ft by 3ft, wore utilised in _ the demonstration. They have been designed and produced by Mr D. Wright, a member of tho Piha Club. It is claimed that the New Zealand adaptation results in better buoyancy and stability, one of tho features being a greater sheer of tho bow and stern, which make for bettor riding of the surf and broken waters.

Fast Progress Through Seas

To demonstrate the rescue process, a member of tho club dived into the chill waters —amid gasps from the onlookers who were enduring tho bitter wind under the protection of coats and wraps—and swam well out into the channel. At a signal, four members of tho crew lifted the two-man craft and ran it into tho soa. Two members boarded the craft and commenced to propel it seaward with the large paddles secured by ropes to the how—a provision against losing them on capsizing in the heavy seas. There are no seats on the smooth and level deck, the only support for the men being toe-holds formed by straps, into-which the instep fits.

The craft made remarkably fast progross through the heavy seas as the paddles were plied in unison. On reaching the "drowning" person the forward man slipped into the water and heaved the patient aboard, an t achievement which was carried out with surprising ease. The patient was placod fare downward with head toward the bow and straddled by the forward man, who, if conditions and contingencies necessitated, could carry out resuscitation as the ski was directed to the shore. Under tho conditions yesterday, with no breakers to assist, the crew had to paddle back. It is found that, on a surf beach, although the effort to reach a drowning person would be somewhat slower and more arduous, the skilful uso of the breakers would shoot the ski to the shore in a few minutes.

Resuscitation Apparatus The rocker apparatus for resuscitation was demonstrated when the "patient" was brought ashore. Placed on a stretcher, the patient was secured by tieing each wrist to one of the front handles and fastening a strap across the back. The underside of the stretcher was equipped with a transverse metal bar fitting into slots on the top of the rocker —a small wooden framework standing about 3ft high. Once in this position, two of the rescue squad commenced to rock the stretcher as it rested on the frame. The head of the patient dipped and rose alternately to angles of about 45 degrees, a motion which induces a return of respiration. The movements in this process are maintained at an even rhythmic action.

, It is claimed for this innovation in resuscitation that it. ensures a steadier and more constant reaction on the lungs of the patient that can be obtained through the direct human agency of the Schaeffer method. Experts in the latter say that even the most experienced resuscitators tire_ and subconsciously flag in their ministrations, while in changing reliefs there is a break in the treatment which may be vital.

A rescue was also carried out by the one-man ski. The demonstration concluded with a display to show the stability of both types of ski. Their crews rolled and frolicked and finally capsized them, and demonstrated the ease with which they could be righted singlehanded.

- MEMORIAL CEREMONIES " LATE MR TAI MITCHELL J MAORI LEADER COMMEMORATED 1 (0.C.) ROTOR.UA, Sunday The Prime Minister, Mr Eraser, ac--1 companicd by Mr W. J. Jordan, High 2 Commissioner for New Zealand in Lon--5 don, and Mrs Jordan, unveiled a s memorial bell on the marao at Ohinemutu today in commemoration of the life and work of the late Mr H. Taiporutu Mitchell. The bell, the gift of an anonymous donors, stands outside the portals of Tamatckapua meetinghouse, itself one of the last undertakings of Mr Mitchell. It is hung under a canopy with carved ; supports and carries an inscription in I Maori, the English translation being: ' "Although dead, he still speaks." ' • After traditional speeches from repre- ; sentatives of the Arawa and Matatua 1 canoes, the unveiling was performed in the rain in the presence of a large crowd. The Prime Minister referred to , the deceased leader's great qualities, ■ which had made his name synonomous . with hospitality and friendliness, foresight and modesty, and to the talents he had dedicated to the progress of his people. The Rev. W. N, Farm at a, of Ohinemutu, conducted a short dedication service on the marae, and immediately afterward in the church a carved chancel chair was unveiled by Captain A. Mitchell. A panegyric on the late leader was delivered in both languages by Mr A. 11. King. The last ceremony of the day was the unveiling by Captain Mitchell of a tablet on the wall of the church to the memory of Private Hohepa te liahui Elian, a member of the 28th Maori Battalion, who was killed at El Alamein. HIGH COMMISSIONER MR JORDAN IN HAMILTON (0.C.) HAMILTON, Sunday Appreciation of the services of Mr W. J. Jordan, High Commissioner for New Zealand in the United Kingdom, was expressed by the Mayor of Hamilton, Mr H. D. Caro, at a civic reception given in honour of Mr and Mrs Jordan in Hamilton last night. There was a largo attendance. The kindness shovrn by Mr and Mrs Jordan to New Zealand service men and women in Great Britain was especially referred to and grateful thanks were expressed. Mr H. C. Norris and Mr P. .Mantle, ! presidents of t.ho Waikato branch of tho Returned Services Association and the 2nd N.Z.E.F. Association respectively, said that Mr and Mrs Jordan's influence had had a great effort on tho morale of the fighting services. Mr and Mrs Jordan paid a brief visit to Rotorua today. They called nt the Servicemen's Convalescent Hostel and exchanged greetings and reminiscences with the patients. . RECREATION OFFICER MISSION WORK IN CHINA (O'C.) _ ROTORTTA, Sunday Mr J. 8. Muir, who has been the officer in charge of recreational and welfare activities at the Rotorua Servicemen's Convalescent Hospital for tho past three and a-half years, will leavo Kotorua this week on the first stage of his journey to rejoin the China Inland Mission. Mr Muir will report, first at Chungking. Mrs Muir and family will reside in. Auckland in the meantime.