SURF AND SUNSHINE

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIII, Issue 194, 25 November 1910, Page 8

SURF AND SUNSHINE

AX THE EAST END BEACH. Providence was good to New Plymouth yesterday, and "all the world,'' his wife and the children—especially the children —thronged to the East End Bathing Reserve. The beach was a garden of children, and the strong sun, tempered with a soft breeze, made set-, and sun-bathing the most luxurious indulgence. The shady banks under the big trees, from a distance, looked like a lieltl of while lilies, for the prevailing ladies' wear was white. Everywhere were children tumbling in and out 01 the surf in glad contusion, and vocai with the joy of the occasion. All the adults forgot to be grown up. and entered with tremendous zest into the enjoyment of the kiddies. Old men and maidens, young men and children, in all stages of sunburn, lay on the beaches, cuddling the sands. There were vigorous sports for the children, and certainly the committee of management put as much work into them and got as much enjoyment out of them as the little ones. There were huge entries for the races, for the boxes full of toys appealed to every yonugster there. The "going" on the sands was heavy enough for anybody —except children. There was wild hilarity when the "bun and treacle" race happened. Buns were suspended from a line and liberally dosed with golden syrup. The boys who entered for the hilarious event rushed wildly for the bobbing buns, and managed, after exceedingly hard work, to eat them from the strings. A dozen young faces, plastered thick with treacle, gave the boys the -appearance of perambulating flypapers. The Garrison Band was in specially fine form, and the weather favored open-air music. It also favored the consumption of afternoon tea, mineral waters and anything moist that happened to be procurable. A gentleman of sombre complexion, but sunny smile, .called the hungry to the refectory with a bell, and constituted himself master of ceremonies, with humorous results. Many tanned young men exhibited their swimming prowess *m the surf, and a bevy of beautiful ladies were the admired of all eyes for their graceful gambols in the waves. There 'were "Aunt Sallies" to be thrown at, and tugs of war for the boys, a beauty '-show, and a surf-sliding exhibition. The committee perspired with the strenuousnes? of their activities, and kept the ball rolling with a vigor that makes it necessary for them to be detailed for similar work some other time. The revels lasted until the sun had gone and the electric light was necessary, and the evening entertainment was fully as enjoyable as that of the glad day, for fireworks took the place of surf-sliding, and songs succeeded sun baths. Of particular interest was the presentation, by Mr. Tisch, the Mayor, of the Royal Humane Society's medal ana certificate for life-saving to Mr. A. Hardgrave. Mr. Tisch, whose mission 'was a highly popular one, together with Mr. Hardgrave, was received with warm applause, and he told how on December 19, 1909, Mr. Hardgrave had been on the beach when Walter Kisby got into difficulties in the surf. A man named Shearer made a gallant attempt at rescue, but was unable to effect the purpose. Mr. Hardgrave went to the assistance of the drowning man and, after a, great struggle, succeeded in bringing him ashore. In the meantime Mr. Shearer had collapsed, and happily Mr. Crisp, a chemist, was on the beach and, under his direction, restoration was effected. Mr. Tisch said that the most coveted reward for bravery was the Victoria Cross, and he was sure that the great deed done by Mr. Hardgrave was as worthy as any for which the little bronze cross had been given. In four years Mr. Hardgrave had saved from drowning six people, and it was his (Mr. Tiscli's) pride that he was now able to hand to Mr. Hardgrave a decoration that recognised his heroism. (Cheers.) The Mayor made a particularly happy reference to those citizens who had popularised swimming and had made the accommodation for the healthiest of all pastimes second to none in New Zealand. He was always highly pleased to be present at such functions, and this particular one represented . his \ hobby horse. New Plymouth people had a beautiful sandy beach, and the wholehearted efforts of the citizens referred to had resulted in the splendid accommodation now available. It was a magnificent tribute to the value of organised effort that the Municipal Baths had been the means of teaching swimming to 1000 children. Of these 285 had gained proficiency certificates in swimming and life-saving, and it was highly creditable that the West End School had 200 such certificates. He was such a staunch believer in the value of swimming that he would like it to be made a compulsory school subject. Its value as a life-saving agency could not be exaggerated; it was clean, wholesome ana health-giving. He hoped that the splendid example of the West End School would be followed by every other school. (Cheers.) And so tired children and sunburnt fathers and mothers drifted from the beaches in little squads, gladdened by a day of perfect weather and the splendid provision made for their enjoyment. The day was a notable one for fun and merriment. The proceeds are to be used partly for the improvement of the bathing reserve and partly for the Garrison Band.