LIFE-SAVING.

Press, Volume LXVI, Issue 20093, 24 November 1930, Page 7

LIFE-SAVING.

NEW BRIGHTON CLUB. In spite of the inclement weather, there was a good attendance at the opening of the New Brighton Surf and Life-Saving Club's season. Mr D. G. Sullivan, M.P., said that the excellent attendance was indicative of the loyalty of the club members. Difficulties had arisen in connexion with the establishment' of beach patrols, but he hoped that these would be overcome. Human life was too valuable to allow of its loss by drowning through the lack of properly qualified beach patrolmen. In America, the different States made contributions to the life-saving clubs for the upkeep of beffch patrols, and he hoped that in the course of time the New Zealand Government .would give the same assistance. Owing to financial stringency, a grant to surf clubs had not been provided for on the Estimates. The fact that subsequently a grant had been made to the Royal i Life-Saving Society was very gratifying. Mr Sullivan said that .any sport which encouraged the people to get out into the surf and the open air was one to be fostered. The speaker concluded his remarks by expressing the hope that the Government and municipalities of New Zealand realise the importance of life-saving and assist life* saving clubs in every fray possible. The Mayor of New Brighton (Mr J, H. Shaw) said that when a deputation from the New Brighton Surf Club waited upon the Borough Council in the matter of providing a sun-bathing area, a feeling of sympathy was manifested by the Council. He assured members of his persona! assistance towards attaining their objective. Mr Shaw said that the conference which it was proposed to hold to discuss the matter of providing beach patrols would be held as soon as the Sumner Borough Council appointed its representatives. He considered that the offer of the controlling authorities of the miniature golf links, which would open shortly, to give the whote of their takings on opening day to the Surf Club was, a most generous one. He was confident that the financial difficulties which had arisen when the question of providing suitable beach patrols was contemplated would be overcome at the forthcoming eon» ference. To a large extent, the popularity of New Brighton and other seaside resorts depended upon the existence of efficient beach patrols. Mr Shaw • concluded by expressing the hope that the ensuing season would be one of marked success. The president of the club (Mr A. W. Owles) stressed the necessity for beach patrols during the summer, stating that the number of rescues officially recorded did not accurately indicate the number of rescues actually effected. In addition # to this, ignorant bathers were advised against bathing when unsafe conditions prevailed. The speaker considered that it was the duty of all bathers, particularly visiting bathers, to support the surf clubs. In keepin? ,5, the general depression in New Zealand, sports clubs had suffered, but he hoped that the New Brighton Club would share in the better times ahead, and that in the coming season not one life would be lost l drowning. Mr Owles then declared the 19<JU--1931 season officially open. Afternoon tea was served. Weather conditions prevented the holding of the litesaving display which had been arranged.