LIFE SAVING

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 74, Issue 230, 29 September 1931, Page 5

LIFE SAVING

THE WANGANUI CENTRE A SUCCESSFUL YEAR The following report of the Wanganui Royal Life-saving Society (head centre) will be tabled at the annual meeting, to be held to-morrow night in the Jockey Club’s rooms:— “Our local competitions were well contested and resulted as follows: “Paterson Cup.—Miss H. ReesJones, Girls’ College, and Miss D. Anderson, Gon illc Ladies’ Club, dead-heat, 1; Miss E. Watson, Technical College, 3; Miss D. Reid, Convent, 4. “Silver Medal Competition.—Senior boys: G. Allen, Wanganui East School. Junior boys: J. Batt, Gonvillo School. Senior girls: P. Cox, Gonvillo School. Junior girls: D. Stbrey, Wanganui East School. “Shield Competition.—Girls: Avenue School, time 3min. 43sec. Boys: Gonvine School, time, smin. 28 2-ssec. “Payije Memorial Life-Saving Cup (excellence competition).-Queen’s Park School, 36 per cent., 1; Victoria Avenue School, 22 per cent., 2; Wanganui East School, 18 per cent., 3; Gonville School, 10 per cent., 4. . Queen’s Park put up a good performance inasmuch as they were last the previous season, whilst they gained tho highest percentage for the season under review. Services in the Surf. “Surf Section.—No drowning fatalities occurred at Castlecliff during the season, but Fad it not been for the services rendered by the active members, it is almost certain that several lives would have been lost. No fewer than 36 persons were brought in on the lines, and although none required resuscitation, many were in a completely exhausted state and needed stimulants and careful handling to restore them back to normal. “Most of those who got into trouble had waded out to the second bank at low water. On returning they found the tide had risen and that the depth made it impossible to wade back so that a fairly long swim had to be undertaken. A rush of water across the second bank on the incoming tide would create a strong set which added to the difficulty of getting back to shore. Your executive feel that unless bathers are prevented from going out to the second bank or at least recalled from there before the tide commences to come in, a serious accident will occur. New Zealand Championships. “The Centre conducted the New Zealand championships in March last. The buoy was moored » long distance from the shore and this, coupled with a strong set and an angry surf, made the competitions one of the most severe tests ever carried out. We heartily congratulate the winners and also the competing teams on their excellent work. Detailed results are as follow: Nelson Shield Competition, for seven-men teams.—Lyall Bay Surf Club, 176 points, 1; Maranui Surf Club, “A,” 175 points, 2; Maranui Surf Club, “B,” 164 points, 3; Patca Surf Club, 145 points, 4; Castlecliff Surf Club, 13'0 points, 5; Opunake Surf Club, 120 points, 6. William Henry Memorial Trophy Competition, for four-men teams.— Maranui Surf Club “B,” 269; points; Opunake Surf Club, 262| points, 2; Maranui Surf Club “C,” 262 points, 3; Lyall Bay Surf Club “B,” 261 J points, 4; Lyall Bay Surf Club “C,” 241$ points, 5; East End Surf Club (New Plymouth), 240$ points, 6. Competitions. Hackshaw Searle Shield. The Opunake Club were successful in retaining this shield. The competition was held at Castlecliff on February 15. Four teams competed and the competition resulted as follows: —Opunake 1, Castlecliff “A” 2, Patea 3, Castlecliff “B” 4. “President’s Cup.—There was a good competition for the President’s Cup, which resulted in a win for Castlecliff “B” team, comprised as follows: —D. Lucas (captain)’, A. Kjoss, D. Clark, A. and J. Gerrie, H. Morris, B. A., Currie, and G. Soff. “Gibson Cup.—This is a challenge cup for a four-men run out, and changed hands many times during the season. The present holders arc: D. Lucas (captain), A. Kjoss, A. Gerrie, and B. A. Currie. Attendances. “Attendances.—The average attendances for active members for weekends and holidays was 10. Although this may appear satisfactory, it is always the same few who are on duty, and if the good record of the club is to be maintained, the active membership will have to be increased. The City Council issued free tram passes to our active members last season. This privilege was much appreciated, and we trust that it will operate again for the ensuing season. “Alarm Posts. —The committee further considered the matter of erecting alarm posts at Castlecliff beach, but owing to lack of funds it has been necessary to postpone the project. Financial Matters.

“Finance.—lt will be seen by the statement of accounts and expenditure that our receipts have fallen off considerably. This is mainly due to decreased amounts received for eexamination fees and sale of badges. Permission is being sought to conduct an art union for tho purpose of raising funds for the various surf clubs throughout New Zealand, ’"here is no doubt the activities of Surf Life Saving Clubs are hindered by the lack of funds for the purchase of the necessary life saving gear. We feel certain that an art union could not be granted for a more worthy object. We have to thank tho following for financial assistance: Mosdames Bonner and A. E. Turnbull, Dr. M. M. Earle, Messrs Crichton and Newman, D. McFarlane, E. D. Bennett, I. Higgie, and F. K. Turnbull.

“Thanks.—The thanks of the society are also tendered to all who have contributed to the success of the society’s work, to the instructors and examiners, to the custodians of the various baths, and to Mr Roydhouse for furthering tho society’s aims in the country schools, and to the Press for their assistance at all times. Our thanks arc also extended to the City Council for their assistance at all times, particularly in regard to tho issuing of free season tickets to the Municipal Baths to children gaining proficiency

certificates, and also for issuing free tram passes to our active members journeying to Castlecliff. Mr Robbins’ Enthusiasm. • “Valedictory.—lt is with very much regret that we have to record the resignation of our president, Mr D. R. Robbins. Mr Robbins has boon interested in the society’s work ever since tho inception of this Centro in 1910, in which year ho gained the bronze medallion. Tn 1911 ho was elected hon. secretary, and was elected president in 1924, and hold that position up to the time of his resignation. Your executive desire to place on record its high appreciation of tho valuable services rendered by Mr Robbins to tho cause of life saving both in surf and still water, during the 21 years that he has been associated with tho Centre. “Condolence.—lt is with deep regret we have to record tho death of one of our vice-presidents, Mr C. H. Warden. For many years Mr Warden had been keenly interested in tho work of the society, as headmaster of Queen’s Park and Wanganui East schools he did excellent work in fostering the ideals of the society. By the death of Mr Warden tho Royal Life Saving Socieyt lias lost a valued suoDorter.