THE TABOR SHIELD.

Taranaki Daily News, 27 February 1920, Page 6

THE TABOR SHIELD.

LIFE SAVING COMPETITION. EAST END WINS. The Waitara Seaside and Surf Bathing Society were very unfortunate in regard to the weather yesterday on the occasion of the picnic which was to have been held in aid of the funds for the erection of a tea kiosk and social hall. The weather, which prevailed from about 11 a.m. until late in the afternoon, not only prevented the public ironi attending, but also compelled the postponement of the programme, with the exception of the Tabor Shield competition, which was run off under difficulties. In this life saving competition three teams had entered, viz., Waitara (the present holders of the Shield), East End, and New Plymouth Head Centre. Evidently some slight misundertanding had arisen in regard to the time of starting the competition, for the Waitara team were on the ground at 11.30, under the impression that the event was timed to take place between 12.30 and 1 p.m., whereas the New Plymouth teams arrived on the ground at 1.20 p.m. under the impression that 1.30 p.m was the fixed hour. The sea was very rough and there ' was a good deal of floating rubbish to contend with, but despite this some ex- . cellent work was done. East End scored n narrow victory over New Plymouth i Head Centre, with Waitara third. > Though the decision of the judges found i (general favor there &pp"eaTed to Ibe some confusion owr the rule regarding position, which reacts as follows:—"On the command position, which is given by the Nu. 1 goes to the rescue, and on reaching No. 7 takes hold of . him by the second or third method (R.L.S-S.) and supports him until the arrival of the belt man or may carry him towards the belt man. The belt will have been placed in position immediately in front of reel prior to the team falling in and on the. same command position, the belt man puts on the belt, which is fastened on No_ 3. The others take up their positions. No. 4 takes command' of brake and handles the reel, etc." Waitara interpreted this to mean that two commands must be given and their belt man waited accordingly, whereas the New Plymouth ' Head Centre team only waited one com- ' mand position. Despite this, and the ■ fact that they had very rough water, 1 Waitara gained fastest time. Points ! were awarded as follows: Reel to water, > lOpts.; water to subject, 20pts.; rescue, lOpts.; bringing subject in, lOpts.; carrying in and depositing patient, lflpts.; other members going back to reel, opts.: i resuscitation, SOpts,; promoting warmth, . lflpts.; drill to finish, lOpts.; command, , lflpts.; general efficiency, neatness, and , appearance, 20pts.; fastest time, 3pts.; j second fastest. 2pts.: third fastest, lpt. The judges were: Messrs Mathieson. Darling, and Dr Wade, and they announced their decision as follows: East End—P. J. Mason (support), A. Hard graves (belt man), W. Tlardgraves (captain and first line man), L. Knight (reel man), W. Dean (second lineman), P. Sims (third lino man and resuscitator), N. Rerge (patient), OOpts.—l.

North Taranaki Head Centre. —K_ Kirk. N. Winter, W. J. Davis (captain). W. R. Brown, C. Davis, D. Owen's, and 0. McHardv, flSpts.—2. Laing, R. Frost, R. St. George (captain), C. Keig, R. Butcher. H. G. McGarvcv, and E. Proctor, 89pts'. -3 Waitara gained 2" points for resuscitation and warmth, East End 23'/ 2 points, and New Plymouth Head Centre 24 points. It was impossible to obtain details of the other points awarded, publication of which would add greatly to the educational value of the competition w spectators. After the conclusion of the competition the competitors were entertained to light luncheon, when cheers were given for the winners judges and officials. Messrs J. Bennett (New Plymouth) and J Butcher (Waitara) were the timekeepers. The balance of the programme will be carried out to-morrow afternoon, when it is hoped the weather will be propitious, as the committee, which comprises Messrs J. C. Blanehard (president), J. W. T>ang, L. Sampson, 0. Wosworthy, L. Sampson, E. Huffam, A. Pizzey, and F. Hoskin, had gone to considerable trouble to ensure the success of the gathering, and they had been ably assisted by a strong ladies' committee: Mesdames Blanehard, Brabant. Muschamp, G. Wilson, J. Brough, IT. Spindle, and Misses Purdie, Gavin, and M. .Spindle, who had. charge of the catering arrangements, and Mesdames Young, G. Nosworthy, and Char>ple, who had charge of the sweets and ice cream stall. Mr George Bird also filled the office of secretary in a very efficient manner.