SURF LIFE SAVING

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26636, 5 December 1947, Page 6

SURF LIFE SAVING

OTAGO ASSOCIATION TRIBUTE TO BEACH PATROLS The re-election of. Mr H. D. Gillies as president of the Otago Surf Life Saving Association met with unanimous approval at the annual meeting this week. Mr Gillies, in commenting on the annual report, said that the total of 16 surf medallions gained by the five affiliated clubs was not as good as in previous years, and it was expected that the holding of the New Zealand championships in Dunedin from February 13 to 15 would stimulate clubs to gain more awards before then. Beach patrols maintained during the week days of the summer school holidays would again function this year from December 18 in the flagged areas of St. Kilda and St. Clair, Mr Gillies continued. It was only with the assistance of local bodies that the Otago Association was able to continue this service. The president explained that Otago was the only association which undertook this service. The association would experience an active time before the New Zealand championships, as a great deal of preparatory work had to be done, especially in regard to accommodation, he added. Sub-committees were working actively, and it was proposed to supply a certain amount of seating in the enclosed area on St. Clair beach. The financial statement showed that £l2O was in hand, but in view of the heavy expenses involved in the centennial year in conducting the New Zealand championships this would be little enough, the retiring treasurer, Mr H. C. Sidford, explained. The association had to entertain visiting surfmen who woud be coming from as far afield as Auckland. The chief instructor for New Zealand, Mr F. H. Jackson, who is also the Otago chief instructor, emphasised the need for surf clubs to have adequate first aid gear available. First aid to children especially was a further community service which clubs gave to the public. While the protection of bathers in controlled areas was a surfmans primary duty, other services to the community were mentioned in the annual report. The'St. Clair Club, when visiting the Oreti Club in Southland, had successfully fought an extensive grass Are which threatened valuable seaside property. _, _ It was decided to hold the Otago championships at Oreti on January 25. Office-bearers elected were:—Patron, Mr H. H. Henderson: president, Mr H. D. Gillies; vice-presidents, the presidents of each affiliated club and Messrs N. D. Anderson, R. Baker and O. Jones; hon. secretary, Mr H. C. Sidford; assistant secretary, Mr R. Baker: hon. treasurer, Mr B. F. Simonsen; registrar, Mr J. M. Rodgerson; chief instructor. Mr F. H. Jackson: publicity officer,'Mr R. Baker: gear superintendent Mr E. Dowland; delegate to N.Z.S.L.S.A. Council. Mr G. Perry.