SURF CLUB

Hokitika Guardian, 16 November 1933, Page 4

SURF CLUB

HOKITIKA MEMBERS MEET. THE ELECTION OF OFFICERS. The first annual meeting of the Hokitika Surf Club was held ..last evening when Mr R. Lynn presided over a large and enthusiastic, attendance. Mr R. L. Horn, in reporting that the reel and line had been taken possession ‘of, said that the Club was in readiness to commence active operations, It was the intention to instruct all member# ill the necessary features of life-saving, an f ] that this would be begun at the earliest opportunity. He wished to correct the impression that it was necessary to he a good swimmer to belong to the club. That was "'erroneous, as a life-saving team needed only two or three strong swimmers, the remainder of the team not necessarily being required to swim. The Club possessed some fine swimmers, who only needed instruction to develop into first class life-saVers. Fourteen new members were elected. The election of officers resulted as follows:— President, Mr R. Lynn; vicepresidents,. Messrs W. H. Stopfortli, H. Kortegast, H. Lawn, and Dr. B. L. Wilson; chairman, Mr M. F. Robilliard; club captain, Mr F. Burrowes, instructor, Mr.R. L. Horn; committee, Messrs'B. Wyles, J. Stuart, M. Davidson, H. Sumner and E. Heenan, with officers ex-officio; secretary, Mr C. Reese. The committee was further instructed to take over th e duties of a beach committee.

The president reported that the Borough. Council had granted the Club permission to take control of the beach in the interests and safety of the public. . . . : ,

It was decided that a yellow and black flag be flown from the masthead of the scouts’ hall when the beach was suitable for bathing,' and when club members were in attendance; that ft red flag be flown when, the beach was considered dangerous or unsafe ; and that the stretch of beach, along which it was considered there was no risk attached to bathing he marked off with discs.

The urgent necessity for the provision of a life-saving team' in case of necessity wa,s strongly stressed, and the hope was expressed that the public would realise the asset that had been provided, and give the Club every assistance, as it had been instituted on ' their behalf. An appeal is' to be made for financial aid to enable the Club to operate, members of the Club have bemi appointed to canvass.for a&s' vt * ance in this respect. Further, the desire for more members wa s expressed, and names can be handed in to the secretary immediately. Other minor business relative to the working of the Club received full consideration.