ROYAL LIFE-SAVING SOCIETY.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXVII, Issue 1464, 26 October 1915, Page 3

ROYAL LIFE-SAVING SOCIETY.

DEMONSTRATION AT THE SEASIDE.

Members of the Wellington branch of the above society gave a demonstration at the seaside on Sunday afternoon before a gathering of upwards of seven hundred people, representative of all parts ot the district. The site selected for the demonstration was a little to the north of the river eni ranee — a rather dangerous spot and one not used for bathing owing m .'be cross currents and undertow. The time appointed did not suit the tide, which was practically full out with little or no surf, and the demonstrators with the reel had to go out a considerable distance to make an effective display. Prior to the demonstration the Mayor, Mr Alf. Fraser, welcomed the visitors and stated that the Wellington centre had decided to visit Foxton with the object of stirring up interest in lile-saving methods and if possible to prevent further loss ol life at the seaside. The team came at great personal sacrifice without fee or reward, their only desire being to see a local branch formed. The movement, should appeal to those not only resident here but residents at Feilding and Palmerston, who periodically resided at the local seaside. The public were deeply grateful to the Wellington centre lor what it was doing and he hoped a«ea result of the visit a strong club would be formed with the necessary equipment. Mr Hill, president of the Wellington centre, thanked the Mayor for his kindly words and said the Wellington centre had had their eyes on Foxton ever since the terrible drowning fatality here. It was nothing short of criminal to neglect the formation of a lifesaving club at such a popular seaside resort. If a club were formed it would tend to make the resort even more popular than at present and would inspire confidence in people who desired to spend a holiday at the seaside. If the club’s visit resulted in the formation of a local organisation then it would feel amply repaid for the sacrifices made. He urged those willing to form a local branch to hand in their names after the demonstration. The teams, under the direction of Mr Duffy, gave a practical demonstration of laud drills and Schafer method of resuscitation. The drills were watched with close interest. The surf drill evoked keen interest. One of the team was sent out through the surf to represent a drowning man. The rescuer soon followed, then the life line and team got to work and illustrated the method ot rescue and resuscitation. The “patient,” Mr J. H. Kober, was a very realistic partly drowned man and caused much amusement by emitting jets ot water from his mouth under the skilled treatment of Mr NealAfter the surf display the team disported themselves in the waves on surf boards. The weather held tine until after the demonstration when rain commenced to fall. The demonstration, on the whole, was of a highly educative nature and gave a clear indication of how to act in cases of necessity. The team proceeded yesterday to Levin where demonstrations were given at the Weraroa Training Farm and the public baths. The club desire to thank Mesdames Hornblow, Fraser, W. E. Barber, Greig and Boyes lor hospitality and entertainment during the visit.