LIFE SAVING

Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 3, 29 September 1919, Page 6

LIFE SAVING

WELLINGTON CENTUE'S KEPOET. Tho ninth annual-report, of the Wellington head centre of the Eoyal Life Saviivjr Society states that: Immediately -following the commencement of tho year's work of instruction in early October, came the influenza epidemic, closing tho schools over the best part of the summer months, and rendering all attempts at organisation of glasses impossible. It was not until late in March that any candidates submitted themselves for examination, and for a short, period tlio examiners were kopt very busy indeed. It was anticipated that the number of awards for the year would be brought up to normal! hf our operations at tho tepid baths, but the- authorities there unfortunately found it necessary ,to close them down for lack of funds to carry on. It can be safely estimated that two hundred awards were lost to tho centro by this cause. In. this connection it is td'bt) hoped that the City Council wiill see the very great need for either subsidising the Boys' Institute baths regularly or erecting immediately a municipal tepid bath.

In connection with awards a total of 160 certificates and medalllions were made during the year, milking'the grand total •to date 1847. Special reference was due to the Palmerston North Club, where Mt. C. H. Bowen has been instrumental! in training 36 successful candidates. Nine teams were nominated for the schools shield competition, bat only four comn:>!«i, the winei'Vs being Mm"'if ('<■<•':' Boys' School. Although the year had heeii a disastrous one from a financial point of view, the centre had a credit balance of £23'185. 4d. . • MATIANTJI CLUB. The eighth annual 'report of the Jiaranui Surf and Life Saving Club, which is to be'presented at the club's meeting to-night, congratu&ates members on the successful termination of the war, and Tecords with regret the fact that nino of its members lost ■ their lives during the Conflict. v ■ , The club lias made steady progress in spite of all difficulties. Although nothing sensational occurred during the eeaBoii, the presence, of members of the club on the beach gave bathers a senro of security they could not otherwise have felt. A' few minor accidents occurred, which might have led to serious consequences had there- not been somo members at hand to render the necessary.assistance,

In connection with the society's bronze medallion and other awards, the club refers to tho inoreaee in the number of competitors. Since the club has been in existence, 44 members' have gained the bronze medallion, 40 members tho proficiency certificate, 10 members the award of merit, .10 members the instructor's certificate, 2.members tho'teacher's certificate Total, 10G.

During the year ,tlie City Council erectod a new look-out tower, which enables the club's watchmen to obtain a better view of tho bathers. Blankets, oil sheets, and hot water bottles have been .supplied, but the cailiphont which was authorised twelve months ago has not yet materialised. It is to be hoped that this very necessary article will bo installed soon, so as to be availaWle for the coming season. ,

Colonel Potter returned to the club a life-saving reol which was loaned to the oamp during the war. In returning tho red, Colonel Potter said that it had on 6ovoral occasions been instrumental in saving life while the men were bathing In tho Hutt River.