LYALL BAY SURFERS.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1618, 9 December 1912, Page 7

LYALL BAY SURFERS.

LYAU BAY CLUB.

MARANUI CLUB. OFFICIAL OPENING 1912-1913. ' / Lyall Bay looked gay with bunting ofl Saturday, the occasion being the official opening of the Maranui Surf Club's new club rooms. Among those present were: His Worship the Mayor (Mr. D. M'Laren), Councillors Frost;- Tregear, Fuller, Fletcher, Messrs. Maxwell, Hislop, Hill, and Morton (City Engineer). At 3 p.m. the weather was anything but pleasant, the strong northerly carrying with, it clouds of blinding dust. Notwithstanding theso conditions, between 500 and 000 people were present to witness the ceremony, and the subsequent interesting programme given by the Surf Club members and Mr. Garnet Sims. The Mayor, in opening proceedings, commented on the progress which had followed the club's inauguration, and added that a club which had begun with 90 mombers and winch in a year had increased its strength- to 250. (including 80 lady members, was worthy of a front rank position. He also commented upon, the energetic work of the secretary and chief instructor. "While Lyall Bay had such men as these to encourage bathers to the teach," continued his Worship, "there was no doubt that's, new 'Manl/ will exist here in'a very short*time. I have much pleasure in handing over to Dr. Newman, tho club's president, the clubrooms, and express on behalf of the City Council my sincere wishes for a prosperous season, and for a continuance in future seasons." : ■ * Dr. Newman had pleasure in taking over tho club-rooms. He stated that he felt sure that the club members would merit the good things which the Mayor' had said. He then referred to several pieces of Maori folk-lore, in connection with' the bay, and concluded an interesting speech ty unfurling the club's flag. This was the signal for prolonged eathu* siastic cheering.- ' L ', Mr. G. S. Hill, chairman of the Royal Life Saving Society, pointed out the great good which institutions such as this club wero doing, not only in New Zealand, but all over the world. He hoped that tho public would'recognise thedr worth/ and give them deserving support. Councillors Frost, Tregear, and Fletcher also spoke. Councillor Frost mentioned that .£2700 had been spent on Lyall Bay, This club was an asset to the city, but, instead of the City Council assisting it, tho reverse course had been followed. An interesting programme of events was then gone through, the club mem-» bers acquitting themselves admirably, both in land drills and in rescue work with the Hfe-saving reel. In the .first rescue exhibition, the patient was supposed, through, being "dumped" by thebreakers, to have fractured a leg and jaw. He was attended.to in skilful style by the club's first aid squad, whose members were successful in passing their St, John Ambulance examinations last year. Mr. Ralph Hogg gave an exhibition of scientific club-swinging, and Mr. Garnet Sims, with Master A. W. Marley, displayed a mastery of the art of physical culture. Master Marley, who is.Now Zealand's junior champion at advanced physical culture exercises, is a pupil of Mr, Garnet Sims. ,-',... ~ Towards tho latter part of the afternoon the wind died down, and by 4.30 fully 800 people wero on the beach. After* noon tea was served in tho men's dressings room.

SYDNEY MEN ENTERTAINED. Members of the Lyall Bay Surf Club entertained the Australian swimmers, Messrs. "Tod" Solomons, Hay, and Riddington, at their club rooms yesterday. A dinner was given in their honour at Hart's tea rooms. An extensive toast list was gone through, the principal toasts being "The Australian Swimmers," "Kindred Sports," "The Vice-Presidents," and "The Chairman." The presidents of the Sports Protection League-and Olympic Council were present, and both spoke emphatically against that section of the community who. belittle and attack sport. ~ ' ' During the proceedings a framed photograph of the executive of the club was presented to Mr. Atkins, who is president of the Club. The presentation was made by Mr. E. Levy. During the afternoon a life-saving competition was held, in which the Coogee Surf Club and the Lyall Bay Surf Club A and B teams competed, and resulted in an easy win for the Australians. Mr. "Tod" Solomons, the eminent Sydney swimmer, gave an exhibition of resuscitation, which proved to bo of great interest to the largo crowd present. Aftornoon tea was provided by tho club.