LIFE-SAVING AFFAIRS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 79, Issue 227, 27 September 1935, Page 5

LIFE-SAVING AFFAIRS

CASTLECLIFF SURF SECTION. Ail M PLUS’ ANNUAL MEETING. At the annual meeting of the Castlct .ifl' Suit' Section ol tne Royal Lifeouviiig Society (Wanganui Dead Centre), acid last night in the Y.M.C.A. rooms, Air. F. K. I'urnbull, president, was in the mair. The attendance was a pariicum. ly good one, over 80 per cent, ol' the active membership being 1 resent. In complimenting members on the an.iiial report the president stated that it was to- the credit, of the Surf Section 'Jmt lire CastlcelilT beach retaine i its popu.ai'ity and enjoyed tne reputatioi of being one of the safest beaches in the Dominion. During the season members had maintained a beach patrol which had been instru mental in doing much work of an instructional nature as ‘well as proving iii't'icC.ing t- the thousands of people who patron.sed the beach. The financial lonita ol the year’s operations were most -Satisfactory, and it was to be hoped that members would endeavour, at the commencement of the new season, to gather in new members and increase the sphere of the Surf Section’s interest. The Annual Report The annual repoit, which was adopted, was as follows: — Lad.ies’ Committee. —Early in the season your committee met to form t» ladies’ committee to assist the sectiton, both socially and financially. This was the first occasion that the ladies have been actively represented and the innovation proved an entire success. To the ladies we have to extend our sincere thanks and congratulate them on the initial effort. Melnbcrs. —As in past years it has t?een very difficult to procure new mem bers. If this difficulty continues tho section will soon find itself unable to maintain its usual degree of efficiency. Old members are again asked to assist and induce new members to join our ranks.

Finance. —The past year has been particularly successful and after paying all expenses the balance-sheet shows a credit of £l5 5s lOd. Considering that the section paid for new costumes and extra timber for the new clubroom and painting of same, and also sent a team to New’ Plymouth to the New Zealand surf championships, it is apparent that the financial position is ideed satisfactory. Even so it must not be forgotten that more funds are needed to maintain our live-saving gear, and it is most necessary to purchase a new line and belt immediately-

Equipment. —The section has three reels of which two are in fair condition; the remaining one is used only for practices. Our signposts are still in good, order ftnd will not require any further repair. It must still be admitted that members are not showing kcen.ness in keeping the reels in order and much benefit would be obtained if same were more frequently oiled and polished.

New Clubroom and Lookout. —A new clubioom has been erected during the season. The majority of the timber required for this building was donated by an interested supporter and we take this opportunity of extending sincere thanks to this unknowm donor. This clubroom has already been very useful and has proved a great asset. Reels are now housed in th<» underneath portion and are . -ich handier, especially in the case of an emergency. The roof will require renewing imme-

diateiy, so this also will be another item of expense.

Rescue and Patrol Work. —It is with much regret that we have to record that two drowning accidents occuired at Castlecliff Beach in the past season. On both occasions the bathers were well out of the area patrolled by the

section. Fifteen persons were assisted from the water and this help tendered by members was undoubtedly responsible for there being no other fatal accidents. On many occasions bathers were rescued at evening during the week, and whenever help is required there always seems to be a sur i ! patrolman at hand.

Educational.—Members assisted the R.L.S.S. in giving demonstrations on the beach almost every week-end, arid on holidays. A demonstration was given at the City Council Chambers in October, J 934, the occasion being the visit to London of Mr H. 11. Lock, chairman of the Central Executive, R.L.B-8 , London.

Inter-club. —A team visited Opunake on Februaiy 9 and 10, 1935, to compete in the Patea Beach Improvement Shield and bcltman’s trophv. Although not successful the trip was much en joyed and members are looking forward to another trip to Opunake. Or; February 23 a team journeyed to New Plymouth to the New Zealand surf lifesaving championships. Owing to unforeseen circumstances our •.•ntiance fees were not received and Castlecliff could not compete officially, but were allowed to compete in all events. Castlecliff’s performance was well up to the standard shown by the other competitors. Castlecliff were represented by: D. Langslow, B. Tasker, 8. Goff, B. Currie, H- AfcLi.iky, C. Nayior, J/. O'Brien and W. Broadhead. Mr T. Luff was a capable manager. At Castleci.ff on Alarch <3 the We>t Coast champ’onships (Hackshaw - Searle Shie’j), the Gibson Cup (4-rnan), and also the Williams Cup (march past) competitions were held. The day was most successful and drew a large crowd of interested onlookers. Clubs from Taranaki and Wellington were represented, there being eight teams competing. The efficiency of the teams was of a high standard, and tne march past was a very impressive sight. Patea were the winners of the AVest Coast surf championship, and therefore took the Hackshaw-Searle Shield with them. Castlecliff were runners-up in this event. Island Bay were again successful in the march past and retain the Williams Cup- The Gibson Cup was won by Fitzroy A, their beltman (C. McLean) also winning the bcltman’s championship. To clubs we extend our heartiest vongratulacions and wish them all success in the future.

Thanks.—The thanks of the section are one to the following for their support and assistance at all times; Wanganui City Council, the president and secretary of the Wanganui Head Centre of the R.L.S.S., and members of that body; the Press for assistance to the cause of life-saving, and the Castlecliff Scout troop for controlling crowds; also the many kind supporters who helped the section by donations. Election of Officers. The election of officers resulted as follows:—Chairman, Air. T. Luff; committee, Messrs. G. Darbyshire, B. Tasker, A. R. McKenzie, C. Naylor, L. Newman, C. A. Palmer, D. Langslow and W. B. Broudlread; delegates to R.L.S.S., Messrs G. Darbyshire, D. Langslow, W. Broadhead ami B. Tasker; captain, D. A, Langslowj deputy-captains, L. Newman and B. Tasker; lion, secretary and treasurer, W. B. Broadhead; hon. auditor, Air. 11. Haguc-iSmith; delegates to N.Z. Surf Association, Messrs. F. K. Turnbull and K. Congreve. It was decided that, the incoming committee arrange a date for the West Coast championship and Hackshaw Searle Shield competition as soon as possible. The annual meeting of delegates to the AVanganui Head Centre, it was announced, would be held on Wednesday, October 9. On the suggestion of Mr. Newman it was decided to endeavour to arrange for a beach instructor with a view to providing for physical drill instruc lion and a gymnastic display. The thanks of the Surf Section was also due to Air. TL -T. Trussell and his orchestra for the benefit concert staged in'the Regent Theatre, an action much appreciated. During the past season the section, with other life-saving bodies, suffered a great loss through the death of ATr. ,T. Manley, who for mnny years Ind rendered yeoman service to the Surf Section.

CHANGE OF CONTROL

LIFE-SAVING MOVEMENT SELF-GOVERNMENT FOR N.Z. | Per Press Association. 1 CHRISTCHURCH, Sept. 26. The central executive of the Royal Life-Saving Society in London has altered the constitution for New Zealand, handing over full control to the New Zealand Council. The present head centre will bo known in future as branches, and save in matters of apneal or examinations for the diploma will Tease to deal direct with the central execi live. Tho new constitution, which means complete, self-government, of life-saving for New Zealand, is accompanied by a gift of £lOO to the New Zealand Council. 'l'he conference of life-saving centres arranged to take, place in Wellington next month has been postponed to enable the New Zealand Council to consider the new position.