ROYAL LIFE-SAVING SOCIETY.

Taranaki Daily News, 27 September 1917, Page 8

ROYAL LIFE-SAVING SOCIETY.

INSTRUCTING SCHOOL CHILDREN. With a view to introducing the methods of the Royal Life Saving Society into the schools of Taranaki, three officials of the Taranaki Head 'Centre, accompanied by Mr. D. .J. Hughes (presulentj. yesterday visited several schools in South Taranaki, a list of which has already been published, and save demonstration* of the different methods of rescue and release drills, fgllowed by an exhibition of the Sehafer method of resuscitation. At each school two pupils were instructed in the drills, and the promptness vifti which they picked up the instruction amply demonstrated the ease with which it can be assimilated. At Hav.era District High School the demonstration >\as given to close on COO children. All Hie teachers were in sympathy with ;he objects of the society, but in some casei« nro handicapped by the lack of '>athing facilities in the districts, and l.his was reflected by the number of children in each school who were able to swim. In all 1032 pupils were addressed, of whom 334 (or about 33 per cent.) were able to swim, At Hawera, where there are municipal baths, 270 out of 500 children addressed were able to swim. The figures at the other schools Wire: Normanby (ifi (5); Manaia 150 (17); -"lUkeho SO (5), Auroa 45 (18), Kapmii 3? (3), Kaponga 54 (16). This shows the need that exists for encouraging gvimming. At some of the schools, notably Normanby, Otakeho, and Kaponga, the teachers are very keen on the subject of providing swimmins pools in the school grounds. This was under eonside-:r.ion. but the war has interfered \v;i,h the plans for the time being. At each school visited the instructors were iviumly welcomed and thanked for their vwil. Opportunity was taken by the officials to place before the teachers the conditions attached to the competitions which have been inaugurated by the society aircng secondary and primary schools ivspeeJively. Silver cups will be presented In the winning school, whilst medals will be given to each of the two members of the winning team and the instructor. Tests are to be those for the Life Saving Society's elementary for the primary schools, and'for the vroficicncy certificate for the secondary schools.

The society intends if possible vinilhig every school in the district during the season.