SURF LIFE-SAVING CLUBS OPEN SEASON.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18627, 3 December 1928, Page 6

SURF LIFE-SAVING CLUBS OPEN SEASON.

GOOD DISPLAY GIVEN AT NORTH BEACH. At North Beach on Saturday afternoon the North Beach Surf and LifeSaving Club held its opening day for the 1928-29 season. There was present a large gathering of spectators, all of whom took a keen interest in the proceedings. ; The Mayor of New Brighton, Captain A. W. Owles, after apologising for the absence of the club’s patron, Mr D. G. Sullivan, M.P., declared the season open. Making special reference to the great service rendered to the public by the surf life-saving clubs on the various beaches, he was emphatic in his praise of the members, who, he said, besides being liable to be called upon at a moment’s notice to risk their lives in effecting a rescue, had to find practically the whole, cost of life-sav-ing equipment out of their own pockets. He considered it very remarkable that no State aid was given to such institutions. After the official ceremony a splendid exhibition of an alarm rescue was given by a team under Mr W. A. Smith, the club’s instructor. This was followed by a display by a junior team, composed mainly of schoolboys, with their instructor, Mr J. Breward. They effected a very creditable “rescue,” and their performance was received iVith great enthusiasm by the crowd. During the afternoon the New Brighton Municipal Band played an excellent musical programme, after which afternoon tea w r as served to those present in the Memorial Hall. SUMNER. The netv season of the Sumner LifeSaving and Surf Club was- opened on Saturday afternoon at the pavilion. The weather conditions were unusually squally. Near the building a sandstorm made matters almost unbearable, while later heavy sou'-west weather was accompanied by rain. Under these circumstances the function was greatly curtailed. Some pony -rides were enjoyed for a short time, but the out-of-door stalls all had to be abandoned, and the scheme for raising funds had to be postponed. Mr S. K. Bassett, the president, extended a welcome to those present. The last season had been very successful and the club had won the Wigram Cup for most points in life-saving awards. Two ladies had won the coveted surf award, and their section was a very strong one.

Mr J. M’Combs, M.P., congratulated the club on its progress. He had urged larger grants for the surf clubs and felt that the work done spread beyond the actual club and was deserving of the support of the Government. He would always be pleased to help, and wished them a successful and prosperous season.

Mr G. F. Allen, representing the United Sports Association and the District High School, thanked the club for the interest it was taking in the interborough sports and in the education of the juveniles in life-saving. He hoped the club would do their best to win the life-saving event against New Brighton. Mr W. H. Nicholson, Mayor of Sumner, before declaring the season opened, referred to the excellent results of the practical work of the club. He would always do his best for the club. He hoped they would again win the Wigram Cup. The club was to be complimented on its progress, and in wishing them a good year he also hoped they would have no difficulty in reducing the debt.

The demonstration of life-saving which had been arranged was abandoned owing to the cold sou’-west gale. '

Mr Hunnibell’s orchestra provided a programme of music, while the lady members served afternoon tea.