LIFE-SAVING

Evening Post, Volume CXXVI, Issue 82, 4 October 1938, Page 20

LIFE-SAVING

DOMINION RECORD

WELLINGTON PROGRESS

Pleasure in the fact that Wellington last season established 'a New Zealand record in the number of life-saving awards gained was expressed by delegates at the annual general meeting of the Wellington branch of the Royal Life-saving Society held last night. In moving the adoption of the annual report, the president, Mr. N. A. Ingram, who presided, congratulated the secretary on his work in compiling details of awards issued since the inception of the Wellington branch. Last year's 1661 awards constituted a New Zealand record. Several years ago a total of 1330 was reached, and it was then considered that this figure would be the highest possible, Taking into consideration the population of the district, it would be difficult to expect anything higher from any other part of the Empire. The "Learn to Swim Week" had its reflection in the successful operation of the various associations connected with the effort. In this respect the work of the examiners and instructors was particularly appreciated. The thanks of the executive were also extended to the district's representatives in the country branches and on the other side of Cook Strait. As secretary of the national committee in charge of the effort, he expressed his pleasure in the co-opera-tion of the Royal Life-saving Society. A total of 12,907 certificates was issued as a result of the work of the united aquatic bodies. At a conference of the three associations concerned, to be held in Wellington later this month, many changes would be put forward. The matter of the dates of the movement would be left to the individual district committees. Tributes to the work of the masters and teachers of schools were also in order. This season's effort was to commence on December 1. He made a plea to secondary schools for their participation in the Longuet Shield and William Henry Memorial Cup competitions. When the Longuet Shield contest started, 11 schools took part, but interest had flagged in past years. Mr. G. S. Hill seconded the motion, and commented on the promising fact that there were 445 -elementary certificates, indicating that many children were being instructed in the elements of life-saving. Messrs. W. H. Gerrie, V. L. Allan, G. Perry, W. D. Wilson, T. B. Nelson, and W. F. Dudson also spoke to the motion, which was carried unanimously. Mr. Nelson raised the question of the value of the work of the assistant honorary instructors- appointed by the branch. He pointed out that little use had been made of their services, and suggested that some avenue should be found during the coming season. Mr. Nelson moved, and Mr. Allan seconded, that the matter of assistant instructors should be left to the executive committee. The motion was carried, as was one that the services of interested school teachers should be co-opted. The election of the panel of examiners was also left to the executive. OFFICERS ELECTED. The election of officers resulted as follows:—Patron, Mr. G. S. Hill; president, Mr. N. A. Ingram; chairman of executive, Mr. G. E. Perry; secretarytreasurer, Mr. J. L. Dighton; executive committee, Miss N. Fleming, Bro. James, Messrs. E. S. Williams, W. P. Walsh, C. A. Wilson-Grant, and W. F. Dudson; honorary trustees, Messrs. V. Allan, W. H. Gerrie, and N. A. Ingram; honorary auditor, Mr. F. Renner; honorary chief instructor, Mr. J. White; honorary district representatives— Mastertqn, Miss E. Donald; Greytown, Miss M. Pith'er; Paekakariki, Mr. A. J. Stewart; Blenheim, Mr. R. Bythell; Featherston, Mr. B. Wilton. Messrs. G. Perry and J. L. Dighton were appointed delegates to the conference. The institution of a "Life-saving Month" along the lines of the "Learn to Swim Week" was advocated by Mr. Wilson. The suggestion was adopted as a remit to go forward to the conference of the society. Mr. K. W. Stephen drew attention to the fact that there were no awards listed against the names of the Hutt Valley, Hataitai, Karori, Evans Bay, Petone, and Wellington Swimming Clubs. The surf clubs were also not as prominent as usual. A motion was passed unanimously that the City Council should be again approached on the subject of the provision of municipal tepid baths.