SWIMMING.

Press, Volume LXIII, Issue 19151, 7 November 1927, Page 10

SWIMMING.

I NEW BRIGHTON SURF CLUB OPENING OF SEASON. ■ Overcast skies and a cold north-easter with scattered showers did not favour the New Brighton Surf Bathing and LifeSaving Club's opening day during the weekend. < The Mayor, Mr A. 'V\*. Owles, who is also club president, occupied the chair, the function being, held in the pavilion, into which' the public were invited.. In the course of tho opening remarks,.' the. chairman said he was delighted that the summertime Bill had been passed. It. was the 19th, anniversary of the club's' opening season function, and he felt that the: club had now every opportunity of going ahead. He strongly impressed upon his hearers the necessity for all ' to pay attention when surfing to the instructions they may get. j from time to time from the club members who knew more about the peculiarities of (he surf and tides than anyone else. He had in mind a scheme to build a huge .swimming bath on the sea front just- north of the pavilion. The . surf..-was- delightful all knew, but there was no place in New Brighton as yet where boys and girls could -be taught to swim, hence the journeys to tho city tepid baths by the schoolwhich cost annually w£34 16s. He would' make the proposed baths, free to public school children. The following telegram was received from Mr T. K. Sidey, M.P., and. was read. out bv the club captain," Mr F. S. Taylor: "I am deeply sensible of the honour you are paying me in opening your season out of compliment to myself on the day summer time commences. This is characteristic of the support Christchurcb has always accorded the proposal. I should like to take this opportunity of acknowledging the valuable assistance of the Christchurcb Members of Parliament. Accept my sincere thanks and may the longer summer evenings enhance the prosperity of your club and the health and happiness of your members." Mr D. G. Sullivan, M.P'.,, said the' summer, Bill hnd now been placed on'trial and he sincerely hoped it would be successful. He had at all, time assisted Mr Sidoy in tho furtherance of the : project. As a. result of the coming in of* the Bumniertable table, he felt sure there would bo a considerable increase- in the number of people who would visit ■ the seashore. He believed that Parliament, which.- fully recognised the _ value of the life-saving clubs, would assist by • making a. substantial grant to their respective funds. He was a firm believer that all children should be not only swimming, but should add life-saving. Many very valuable lives were lost for want of knoweldge in these matters. He referred briefly to the late Mr Bril- ' lard. Minister for Internal Affairs, who had at all times recognised the good work done by the various life-saving clubs' in the' j Dominion. Mr .Sullivan concluded his remarks by wishing the dub a very successful season.' -In the dual position of Mayoir of the ■borough and as president of the" club,' Mr Owles presented -Master/. Rodney Cooper (a junior -member) .with . the Royal.' Humane Sooicty's bronze- medallion for bravery in saving tho life of a boy.from drowning inthe river Avon. \ Afternoon tea was dispensed to (lie visitors, while' the New Brighton Municipal Band gave a pleasing i musical programmefrom ihe rotunda. ,