“ MARANUI THE FIRST ”

New Zealand Times, Volume L, Issue 11686, 26 November 1923, Page 9

“ MARANUI THE FIRST ”

SUCCESSFUL LAUNCHING. OPENING CEREMONY AT LYALL BAY, There was a large attendance of cluib members and their friends at Lyall Bay on Saturday, when the Maranui Surf Bathing and Life-Saving: Chib held their official opening. The president, Mr J. A. Tripe, in his opening speech, congratulated the club on the splendid afternoon. He wished the club every success for the ensuing season, and hoped that they would win everything for which they entered. Mr Queree, the donator of a fine oup for competition among the club teams, also wished the olub the success which was due to them, by reason of the sacrifices they made in order ’to be present to safeguard the beach. THE QUEREE CUP. Four teams competed for the honour of holding the Queree Cup for one year, and an excellent display was given. The winning team consisted of K. Bversleigh, E. Robson, H. Diaper, P . D. Owen, with E. Hughe® (captain). Mr J. A. Tripe, in presenting tht trophy on behalf of Mr Queree, congratulated the winning team, and also the losers for the good exhibition that had been given. Cheers were given for the competitors. The judges of the competition were Mr R, Binn® and Mr E. S. Evans. FIRST IN NEW ZEALAND. Great interest was shown in the launching of the gurfboat, the first in New Zealand, which has been especially made for the dub from the specifications of the New South Wales LifeSaving Association. Mr R-. Smith, a life member of the club, originated the idea of a suarfboat, and he induced the club to form a committee to raise the necessary funds. “PULL WITH A STEADY OAR.” The president, in his address to the club members, said : “I am proud of you chap®, and proud of your boat for which you" have worked so hard to get. My only regret is that I am not able to put some togs on and take the steersman’s oar when the boat is launched. My advice is always pull with a steady' oar; pull for the honour of your club and the honour of life-sav-

ing.” Mr Queree wished the boat every success, and hoped it would he the means of preventing deaths by drowning at Lyall Bay. j The Rev. Catherwood (vice-president) I said there was nothing more manly than self-saorifloe to save life. (Football, boxing, and athletics were all manly games, but life-saving was the best of them all. At hia instigation cheers were accorded Mr It. Binna, the popular custodian of the beach THE BOAT LAUNCHED. The crew took their position at the launching ropes, and Mrs J. A. Tripe broke the customary bottle of champagne on the sternpost of the craft, at the same time saying: “I christen you Maranui the First.” The crew consisted of J. Chapman, E. Robson, 8. Hammond, K. Eversleigh, and E. Hughes (steersman and captain). A surf race far a handsome gold medal (presented by L. Turner) was then raced for over a distance of 300 yards, and was won by K. Bversdeigh. Other competitors were: K. Robson, J. Alexander, B. Hughes, S. Kirk, K. Turner, F. Adam, v. Fletcher. The official® for the day were: Director of sports, Mr F. Chapman; call steward, Mr G. Nordstrom; judges, Messrs fe. Binns and E. 8. Evans.

The ladies of the club were a considerable help in making the afternoon the success which it was, afternoon tea being dispensed in the kiosk.