SURF AND LIFE-SAVING CLUB.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVII, Issue 193, 23 January 1915, Page 4

SURF AND LIFE-SAVING CLUB.

ANNUAL MEETING. ' The annual meeting of the New Plymouth Surf ami Life-saving Club was held at the Borough Chambers last evening, when there was only a moderate attendance. In the absence of the president, Mr. L. B. Stohr was voted to> the chair. In submitt : ng the annual report and balance-sheet. t'i« secretary, Mr. W. R.- . Ainsworth, stated that though a small •redit balance (viz., £1 Os 9d) was shown, the club was not in that ing condition, nor did it receive the enthusiastic support which its importance should ensure. He mentioned that this flack of interest was keenly felt by one of the late vice-presideiits (the late Mr. George Tabor), who, by his personal efforts and generosity, did his utmost to. promote a healthy interest in the club. With this end in view lie very kindly donated a handsome shield for competition amongst the various clubs, but, owing to his untimely death, the competitions were postponed for this year. It would appear that there was some misinterpretation of the designation and objects of this club. Primarily, it was formed for the purpose of training men: to be efficient in the methods of lifesaving on the beaches of New Plymouth, and reels were placed at both East Eftd and at the Breakwater, but up to the present the only tangible result had been obtained at East End, and to the best of ( the club's knowledge no practical ÜBS [■had been made of the reel placed at the creakwater, which lack of interest, to- ' say the least, was very discouraging to 'those officers of the club, who were do* ing their best to promote knowledge of life-saving methods among the swimmers' of New Plymouth. It was, however, hoped that the coming year would see a much livelier interest taken in the affairs of the club. The club had paid two visits to Waitara last year, and had given demonstrations there. As a result there was every prospect of a club being formed at the river port. Fortunately the club had had ho serious call on its services during the past year. In. conclusion, he thanked those members who had taken a keen interest in the affairs of the club, and hoped by this time next year to see it in a moreflourishing condition.

; OFFICERS, J The following officers were elected j for the ensuing season:—Patron, Mr. , W. T. Jennings, M.P.; president, Mr. J. [E. Wilson (Mayor); vice-presidents, Messrs. E. Whittle, A. S. Brooker, W. H. Moyes, W. N. Ewing, H. J. Okev, . M.P., E. L. Blundell, J. Hayden, R. 0. Ellis, and L. Hoffmann; club captain, Mr. A. V. Stohr; vice-captain, Mr "S. Boulton; hon. medical instructors, DrsWylic and Fookes; hon. instructor, Mr. Schwartz; secretary and treasurer, My. W. R. Ainsworth (re-elected); executive, Messrs. Stohr, P. Flanagan, A. Standish. E. -Whittle, S. G. Smith, R. Ellis, J. Hayden, and W, Whitaker, with the secretary and club captain ex officio. THE TIABOR MEMORIAL SHIELD. In accordance with the wish expressed by Mrs. Tabor, it was resolved to restrict competition for the Tabor Memorial Shield to Taranaki only, and that outside clubs be advised accordingly. It was resolved to hold two rounds of the competition, one at East ISnd and one at the Breakwater. GENERAL. The club decided to give a demonstration with the reel at the Breakwater Beach on Sunday afternoon, at 3.30. The usual votes of thanks were passed.