A HUNDRED ART UNIONS

Hokitika Guardian, 2 July 1931, Page 7

A HUNDRED ART UNIONS

APPLICATIONS MADE. CASE OF THE LIFE SAVING CLUBS. WELLINGTON, June 29. A, request for permission to conduct an art union for the purposes of raising funds was made to the Minister of Internal Affairs (the Hon P. A. de la, Perrelle) to-day by a large deputation representative of the combined life, saving clubs of New Zealand. The value of the work done by these organisations was admitted by the Minister, who promised that the application would have early consideration. Incidentally, he pointed out that the Government had received about a hundred applications to hold art unions during the coming months.

Mr D. Coira, chairman of the central committee, said the official figures showed that during the past ten years there had been 1740 deaths from drowning in New Zealand. It was certain the total would have been much grenter had tlie life saying societies not been active. During the same period 207(5 lives had been saved and it was safe to say that one quarter were saved by members of life saving clubs. The fact was that members actually paid for the privilege of saving life, for they maintained the clubs and worked voluntarily.

Mr F, Campbell appealed for consideration of the request, not as an active participant in the work of the life saving clubs, but as one vitally Interested in their work. Seine years ago he and a companion had been saved at LyajJ Hay by life savers on the beach. Members of life saving chibs had the admiration of the people of New Zealand! and their appeal for funds through an art union would meet with general approval. None connected with tlie movement received payment for his services. Many had given their time and money over a long period of years for humanitarian reasons.

The Minister said he realised the importance of the work of the life saving clubs and the value of life saving to the community. At present there were about a hundred applications for art unions before him .The next two for which permission had been granted were for the protection of native birds and for the cancer research campaign. Many of the art union were sought for excellent purposes. Some could stand over; but that for life saving work was recognised as being for an excellent purpose. However, the application would first of all have to go before the committee of Cabinet and then before Cabinet itself. The life saving im rement, being of such value, there’was no doubt that its application would receive full consideration.