~~~==2 ~ ~ nnual Report SYDNE B A CH Q FINANCIAL STATEMENT SURF LIFE SAVING ASSOCIATION OF AUSTRALIA AND (FORTY-SEVENTH YEAR OF OPERATION)

Transcription

1 ~~~==2 SURF LIFE SAVING ASSOCIATION OF AUSTRALIA Q SYDNE B A CH Q Q Q Q nnual Report AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT (FORTY-SEVENTH YEAR OF OPERATION) ~ ~ ~ Q J

2 N THE SURF LIFE SAVING ASSOCIATION OF AUSTRALIA SYDNEY BRANCH Officers, Season President: Mr. C. Mack. Deputy President: M.. r1 e..;v.)- fi<_ Vice-Pre ident : l-. Messrs. H.. y, F D, W. H. Lucas, C. Rudd, J. Dernoster,,4\ A-: W. ~-n, Th---Gr, J. V. Comans, A. B. Paterson, E. W.., Lawler, R. C..., Stevens-Jones, and the Presidents of affiliated Clubs. Hon. Legal Officers: J Messrs. J. V. Comans and W. A. T. Crain../ Hon. Asst. Secretary: Mr. R. Bridges. Hon. Treasurer: Mr. G. Souter. / Hon. Publicity?fficer: Mr. E. C. Sier. on. Branch Superintendent: Mr W. H. Foerster. Hon. Asst. Treasurer: Hon. Deputy Franch upt: Mr. G. A. Lindsay. ~1. L. cdonald. I Hon. Registrar: Hon. Secretarv, Board of Examiner Mr. G. Davies. V Mr. V..J. Williams. Hon. Asst. Registrar: Chief Supervisors: Mr. s. North-A. May; South-E. J. Marsden. Di trict Supervisors: No. 1 htm: No. 6 District - G. Wilson. No. 2 District -,J. Switzer. No. 7 District - Geo. Willi No. 3 District - K. Flannery. No. 8 District - -S Butler. No. 4 District - M Black. No 9 District - G. Hatten. No. 5 District - R. Burns. Hon. Asst. District Supervisors: Nos. 1 & 2 Districts -A. Jordon. Nos. 5, 6 & 7 Districts-N. May. Nos. 3 & 4 Districts-G. Cavanagh. Nos. 8 & 9 Districts - G.,Joyce. Gear Inspectors: Reels-Messrs. R. Howells and G. Johnson. Belts--Messrs. A. Jordon and A. Moseley. Delegates to N.S.W. State Centre: _ Messrs., J. V. Comans, W., A. R. Lpton, L. S. McDonald and T. Meagher. Hon. Consulting Engineers: 1 " Messrs. D. C. Lucas and R. Howells. Messrs. A McKenzie Hon. Auditors: Messrs. R. ti. Irish and Mietrelmurn:" t""'".,... '... "'... l <9 ~ Executive: Ormsby (Warriewood), C. Christensen (Nth. Bondi), P. (Dee Why), H. Cranfield (Nth. Steyne), G. Stalinton_ 1 (Cronulla). CT A~ ij\' 0,,. Hon. Medical Advifers: / Prof. Cotton, Drs. Elliott Smith, V. Coppleson and D. Humphries. Meritorious Awards Committee: Messrs. E. J. 1,1:arsden, A. Castleman, H. Spurway, A. J. Purcell, E. C. I- "I. Sier, D. Lucas and L. S. McDonald. 1 IJ

3 Gear Improvement Committee: Messrs. E. J. Marsden, G. Williams, D. Lucas, R. Moroney and G. Wilson. Gear Inspection Committee: North Side-Messrs. L. McDonald, R. Moroney and G. Wilson. South Side-Messrs. D. Lucas, E. Marsden, G. Johnson and W. Foerster. Judiciary Committee: Messrs. C. Mack, W. A. Crain, J. B Dillon, T. Meagher and J. V. Comans. Constitution Committee: Messrs. K. Watson, W. A Crain, J. V. Comans, I. Curlewis and A. Castleman. Finance Committee: President, Hon. Treasurer, Hon. Secretary, Messrs. Lindsay and I. C-urlewis. 2

4 N THE SURF LIFE SAVING ASSOCIATION OF AUSTRALIA SYDNEY BRANCH ANNUAL REPORT Season To be presented at the Annual Meeting of the Branch, to be held at Federation House, 166 Phillip Street, on Tuesday, 5th October, 1954, at 7 p.m. Gentlemen, Herewith is submitted the Fifth Annual Report of the Branch for adoption. The past season has again been a strenuous one for your elected officials and much valuable work has been performed. It is pleasing to report that our prime function of life saving has been success!ul1y earned out and no llves were lost whilst patrols were on duty. However, the season was quite a strenuous one as is revealed from 1,he large number of rescues shown in the accompanying schedule. Expansion of the movement in the metropolitan area has continued and a further club was formed at Cooks Terrace. There is some possibility that clubs may be formed at Bundeena and South Maroubra during the forthcoming season. Regular monthly Council meetings and weekly executive meetings have been held and well attended. Most clubs are represented at these meetings and on the Board of Examiners with one or two regrettable except10ns. It is pointed out that there has been a slight decrease in the active membership of some clubs during the season, which should not be allowed to continue, having regard to the ever growing popularity of surf bathing. The highlight of the season was the Royal Surf Carnival at Bondi, on 6th February, 1954, as reported later. Matters of particular interest were as follows:- RESCUES.-The primary purpose of the Association's existence, that of protecting the lives of the surf bathing public and rendering first aid, has been assiduously conducted by the clubs throughout the season. The total number of reported rescues is as follows: With Line and Belt 1,949 Without Line With Surf Boat 147 With Other Gear ,226 The appended schedule gives totals of rescues performed by the individual clubs and of the cases where resuscitation was required (106) and the number of patients given first aid (4,341). It is repeated that no drownings occurred whilst the beaches were patrolled by clubs. The general public and governmental bodies are now realising the value of the work carried out by this Association. There are, however, still those who accept our efforts as a matter of course, and not at its true value of being a highly important public service performed in a voluntary capacity. 3

5 MEMBERSHIP AND AW ARDS.-During the season, Sydney Clubs gained a total of 835 a wards as follows: Bronze Medallions Instructors' Certificates Qualifying Certificates compared with 845 for the previous season. These figures are excellent but there appears to have been some transferance from Active to other classes of membership. BOARD OF EXAMINERS.-Much valuable work was performed by our largest Standing Committee and to the members of this Board we extend thanks and appreciation. It is pleasing to note some increase in Board membership. Mr. G. Wilson was appointed Boat Inspector during the season and performed valuable work in inspecting boat manufacture with particular regard to the new specifications in force. The Gear Inspection Committee carried out valuable work and an R. & R. panel of judges \\'as formed in an endeavour to obtain greater uniformity of judging, which should have beneficial results in the coming season. CARNIVALS.-Many carnivals were held during the <season and materially assisted in clubs maintaining efficiency and in some cases raising necessary finance. Special trophies were donated for competition and to the donors we offer our thanks for their interest, which gave added zest to our competitions. The winners of these events were as follows:- Sir Edward Hallstrom Boat Imperial Canned Foods Reel 835 Freshwater North Bondi (Tankards also awarded to individual winners) Skoll Reel Maroubra Jantzen Boat Maroubra It was decided that in future any member who is placed first, second or third three times in any Novice Surf Race will thereafter be precluded from such events and must contest the Open event. It was also decided that all carnivals must in future include a senior and junior R. & R. event, even though restricted. An unfcrtunate accident occurred at the Freshwater Carnival, when a young surfer hit a surf boat whilst he was shooting a wave and lost his life. A finding of accidental death was returned by the Coroner. Our deepest sympathy is again extended to the relatives. Contact has been made with all Municipal and Sh;re Councils along the Sydney coastline, and the problem of closing beaches whilst carnivals are in progress thoroughly considered. Councils' views differ somewhat and it would appear that some form of publ;c risk policy is advisable. Messrs. Crain and Comans were of great assistance to your Association in this regard, also Mr. Rudd the Insurance Officer. METROPOLITAN CHAMPIONSHIPS.-These were conducted at Coogee Beach and resulted as follows:- Senior R. & R..... Junior R. & R..... Senior Belt Race.. Junior Belt Race 1st, Freshwater; 2nd, Bondi; 3rd, Manly. 1st, Nth. Bondi; 2nd, Dee VVhy; 3rd, Bondi. 1st, R. Matheson (Freshwater) ; 2nd, B. Brown (Coogee); 3rd, T. Dalton (Dee Why). 1st, G. Martin (Whale Beach); 2nd, D. Williams (Freshwater); 3rd, W. Ferguson (Tamarama).

6 N Senior Surf Teams Race Junior Surf Teams Race Senior Surf Race Junior Surf Race March Past Cadet Surf Race Senior Surf Boat Race Junior Surf Boat Race Surf Board Race Single Ski Race Double Ski Race Beach Sprint Beach Relay 1st, Manly; 2nd, Nth. Bondi; 3rd, Freshwater. 1st, Nth. Bondi; 2nd, Bronte; 3rd, Manly. 1st, B. Hutchins (Bondi) ; 2nd, R. Barry (Manly); 3rd, B. Lumsdaine (Freshwater). 1st, B. Morten.son (Clovelly); 2nd, J. Rodgers (Maroubra); 3rd, G. Winram (Nth. Bondi). 1st, Maroubra; 2nd, Freshwater; 3rd, Nth. Curl Curl. 1st, P. Rayner (Manly); 2nd, R. Griffith (Manly); 3rd, F. Ellis (Queenscliff). 1st, Whale Beach; 2nd, Bronte; 3rd, Bilgola. 1st, Cronulla; 2nd, Bondi; 3rd, Bronte. 1st, R. Hazelton (Maroubra) ; 2nd, B. Keane (Cronulla); and J. Sorrell (Coogee) deadheat. 1st, K. Howell (Nth. Bondi) ; 2nd, D. Green (Maroubra); 3rd, P. Coles (Nth. Bondi). 1st, Brown and Green (Maroubra) ; 2nd, Carrs and Elliott (Maroubra); 3rd, Jones and Booth ( Coogee). 1st, J. Bliss (Nth. Narrabeen); 2nd, P. Manning (Maroubra); 3rd, B. Squires (Maroubra) and F. Slater (Nth. Narrabeen) dead-heat. 1st, Nth. Narrabeen; 2nd, Queenscliff; 3rd, Tamarama. The date cf the 1955 Branch Championships is 5th February, and the venue is to be decided at the annual meeting. STATE AND AUSTRALIAN TITLES.- These were conducted at Terrigal and Southport (Q) respectively and your Branch was successful in annexing 13 State and 14 Australian titles of the 16 title events conducted. Winners of State titles were:- Senior R. & R Bondi Junior R. & R Dee Why Junior Surf Belt G. Martin (Whale Beach) Senior Surf Race B. Hutchings (Bondi) Junior Surf Race B. Mortenson (Clovelly) Senior Surf Teams Manly Junior Surf Teams North Bondi March Past... Maroubra and Freshwater, aeq. Junior Surf Boat North Bondi Surf Board Race R. Hazelton (Maroubra) Beach Relay.... Maroubra and Queenscliff, aeq. Senior Belt P. Matheson (Freshwater) Double Ski... W. Brown and D. Green (Maroubra) Winners of Australian titles were:- Senior R. & R Freshwater Junior R. & R.... North Bondi Junior Surf Teams Bronte Junior Belt G. Martin (Whale Beach) Surf Board Race... R. Hazelton (Maroubra) March Past Maroubra Junior Surf Race G. Winram (North Bondi) Senior Surf Race... B. Hutchings (Bondi) Beach Relay Maroubra Senior Teams Manly 5

7 Senior Boat Junior Boat Single Ski Double Ski Bronte Cronulla J. Howell (North Bondi) W. Brown and D. Green (Maroubra) Next season's State titles are to be held at Wollongong on the 19th February, and the Australian Championships at North Steyne on the 12th March, ROYAL TOUR SURF CARNIVAL In June, 1953, your Association was requested by the Premier's Department to stage a Surf Carnival for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and H R.H. the Duke of Edinburgh, at Bondi Beach, on Saturday, 6th February, Realising the importance and immensity of the task, a select committee of experts was immediately appointed to organise the function with plenary powers free of central by any body of the Association. This committee comprised Judge Curlewis (Chairman), Vic. Besomo and Sid. Price (Hon. Organisers), Alf Loton (Hon. Carnival Secretary), Bill Whitehead (Hon. Treasurer), C. Mack, K. Watson, J. Hodge, T. Meagher, D. Lucas, A. Castleman, W. Foerster and J. Comans. This committee met on numerous occasions, both in the city and on the site and worked most diligently in order to effect a 100 per cent. organisation for the great day. A large labour pool was required to carry out the committee's ambitious plans and this was drawn from the Bondi and North Bondi Surf Clubs. In addition to organising the display it was necessary to confer constantly with the Royal Visit officials in order to dovetail carnival arrangements with the Royal Visit and in this connection the Carnival Secretary, Mr. Loton, acted as Liaison Officer. To accommodate the large crowd expected, provision was made for a huge enclosure involving a large competition area with boat and board buoys at both north and south ends and swimming buoys between. Seating accommodation for over 10,000 was provided and a contract was let to Mills Scaffolding, providing for seventeen rows of tiered seating in addition to deck chairs and other seats. Drinking. toilet, first aid and food requirements were provided in the area Costs exceeded over 6,000, including approximately 5,000 for seating, but a really magnificent area was provided. Detailed liaisons were worked out with Army Signals, Police, Government, Council. Press, Radio and Television, Ambulance, Bey Scouts and other authorities and resulted in not the slightest hitch. A special souvenir programme including illustrations was prepared and printed by Mr. Ken Watson. The great day dawned bright and sunny with a glorious surf running and approximately 2,000 competitors on hand representing all Sydney clubs, most of the New South Wales country clubs, with a sprinkling of interstate competitors, including a team from Queensland. Events commenced promptly at 10 a.m. and all officials carried out their duties most efficiently. A most spectacular March Past was presented, led by the Police Pipe Band, comprising fifty-four teams, and the Guard of Honour of sixty-four specially selected men, one from each club participating. A colour party carrying the blue ensign, New Zealand and Australian flags and the pennants of the six State Associations followed the band at the head of the teams. On arrival at the dais entrance, Her Majesty and His Royal Highness were met by the Hon. A. Landa, Minister for Labour and Industry and Social Welfare, who then presented the Association President, Judge Curlewis, his wife and Ken Watson. Her Majesty and the Duke then proceeded through the ranks of the Guard of Honour to the dais. The National Anthem was played by the Hurstville Municipal band, the Royal Standard broken, and the sixty-three standard bearers lowered their standards in salute. Then followed the magnificent sight of the teams 6

8 N advancing up the beach. To avoid delay, teams were not marched off, but dispersed around the arena whilst events proceeded, thus adding to the colour and spectacle. During this short break, Judge Curlewis presented to Her Majesty the Mayor of Waverley, Ald. C. Jeppersen, and Mrs. Jeppersen, Mr. and Mrs. Cec. Mack, Mr. and Mrs. J. Hodge, Mr. T. Meagher and Miss E. Meagher, and Mrs. Watson. A most spectacular display of surf work on a scale never before attempted, then commenced, with sometimes three and four events being simultaneously conducted. The Royal couple were so thrilled and enjoyed Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second and H.R.H. The Duke of Edinburgh, accompanied by Judge Adrian Curleivis (President S.L.S.A. of A.), on the occasion of their visit to The Royal Surf Carnival at Bondi on 6th February,

9 the carnival to such an extent that they overstayed their visit by some forty-five minutes. Competitors, spectators and officials behaved magnificently, and in contrast with some events of the tour, one critic described the scene as a "mass display of impeccable manners.'' Towards the end, Her Majesty and His Royal Highness accompanied by Judge Curlewis, entered a Land-Rover on the beach and toured the whole arena inspecting events at close quarters, being given a magnificent ovation by the spectators. On returning to the dais they chatted informally for a few minutes with the captains of the New Zealand and Australian teams, Alan Johnston and Jack Ryan, the Organisers, Vic Besomo and Sid Price, and the Carnival Hon. Secretary, Alf. Laton, before being farewelled and escorted to the Royal car by Judge and Mrs. Curlewis and Ken Watson. Overseas and local press were lavish in their praise of the organisation and the Carnival generally, typical headlines being: "Colossal Spectacle captivates Royal Pair," "Thrills for Queen at Bondi Carnival-stayed extra time," "Magmficent Organisation," "Queen fascinated by Bondi Surf Carnival.'' Many unsolicited letters of praise were received from the general public and others, expressing pride at our achievement in so successfully organising a function which the Royal couple really enjoyed. The Bondi and North Bondi Clubs cannot be too highly praised for the manner in which they, assisted by their Ladies' Auxiliaries, carried out the herculean task allotted them. The two clubs divided 20% of the nett proceeds whilst the balance went to National Council, after assisting country and interstate clubs with their travelling expenses. All clubs taking part were presented with a special pennant to commemorate the occasion and specially designed trophies were awarded to event place getters. Subsequent to the Carnival, Messrs. Besomo, Price and Loton were made a presentation in appreciation of their work. General consensus of opinion is that this was the greatest surf carnival ever and one cf which we can be justifiably proud. NEW ZEALAND VISIT.-We enjoyed the visit of a New Zealand team for the Royal Carnival, and the test match at Bondi was won by Australia. During the team's visit to the southern states, Mr. W. Foerster travelled with the team as Liaison Officer and was of great assistance. In a New South Wales Branch versus New Zealand carnival at Wollongong, your Branch was successful in winning a very fine trophy donated by the Illawarra Leagues Club. SOUTH AFRICAN TOUR.-At the invitation of the South African Association, a team of seven and a manager was chosen from all states, excluding Queensland, and visited South Africa demonstrating our methods. Our congratulations to the members of this Branch chosen, viz.: Ken Watson (Manager), R. Twight (Captain), R. Matheson, B. Lumsdaine, G. Winram and B. Hutchins. In order to raise the necessary finance, a large proportion of which became the responsibility of Sydney, an Art Union was conducted and Mr. A. Fidler appointed promoter. This gentleman carried out his duty with excellent results, and following his resignation, Mr. J. Comans ably took over the final conduct. SYDNEY SURFERS'' CLUB.-During the year, steps were taken to form a club for surfers with all the amenities of the usual social club, including a liquor license. Much work has been carried out by the formulators of the idea which has now reached the stage of obtaining suitable premises. In the forefront of this project are Messrs. J. Comans and W. Crain, both devoting a great deal of time and effort. BRONZE MEDALLION AGE.-Following steps initiated by tl1is Branch the decision to reduce the Bronze Medallion age to 15 was reversed, and it is again necessary for candidates to reach 16 years before being eligible to obtain the Award. 8

10 N STATE CENTRE AND NATIONAL COUNCIL.-Your Branch has continued to take a keen interest in the affairs of State Centre and National Council. However, the position now exists that National Council is not merely a Board of Reference as first intended, but assumes to itself the supreme control of surf life saving in Australia, and as your Branch is not able to adequately express its views in accord with its true import in the movement, a move has been initiated to have Sydney Branch formed into a Centre with direct affiliation to National Council. CONGRATULATIONS.-At the last Annual Meeting, Mr. A. Castleman was elected a life member of the Branch, and he, with Mr. G. Lindsay, were elected life members of New South Wales State Centre and are to be congratulated. STAFF.-During the year we were faced with the unfortunate resignations of Mr. A. Fidler, as General Secretary, and Miss G. Poole, as Office Assistant. The loss has been greatly felt by your officers and at the moment the only assistance available is a typiste. Following the National Council's Easter meeting, statements appeared in the Minutes which were not acceptable either to this Branch or Mr. Fidler, resulting in the resignation of this capable official, and distinct loss to the Branch. It is the considered opinion of this Branch that in the interests of the Association generally the services of a person in a similar capacity are essential, but the lack of co-operation shown by officers outside this Branch in the appointment and financing the services of another male clerical official is causing great concern to this Branch so far as the future administration of Association activities is concerned, particularly as they affect the heart of the movement, centered, as it if, in Sydney. THANKS.-We acknowledge with thanks financial assistance rendered by the Commonwealth a~d State Governments to the movement; i:ijso assistance by Local Government authorities to our affiliated clubs and donations by various bodies and persons. The Press and Radio Stations are thanked for their continued interest and support, and particularly do we stress deep appreciation to our Hon. Auditors, Messrs. Irish and Michelmore, for their continued and valuable services. On behalf of the Branch Council, A. R. LOTON, Honorary Secretary. ADDENDUM The year provided the Association's finest hour when Her Majesty the Queen. and His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh graced us with their presence at the Royal Carnival. That magnificent display of surf life saving was made possible only by the wealth of organising talent possessed by the enthusiastic band of Association officers capably led by Messrs. A. Loton, V. Besomo and S. Price. Congratulations to these men and the host of co-workers in their masterly effort. My thanks and appreciation are also extended to Mr. Loton on his continued service in the administration of Branch affairs. On his retirement from the position of Hon. Secretary, I cannot speak too highly of his worth as an officer. His duties have been performed with that ability, enthusiasm and spirit of cordiality which has reflected credit upon himself and the movement generally. 9 C. Mack, President.

11 ) THE SURF LIFE SAVING ASSOCIATION OF AUSTRALIA CLUBS, RESCUES, AWARDS, CLUB GEAR, MEMBERSHIP SURF RESCUES, SEASON SURF AWARDS I CLUB i::: Patients Season Grand Total to Approxi- MEMBER-.8 Given: Date ::... mate SHIP Q) Q) _.., Q) Cl) Q) (IS..c: 'O Value ~ ~ _.., _.., i:::...:, 0 ;::J... s ~ of o...:l Cl) I Q)..c: Cl)..c: +>..c: :-.. ;::J _.., Club _.., Q) Q) _.., ti$ _.., ti$ :5 ""' Q) Cl) Cl)... i::: ~ 0 0 ~ 0 -~ 0 Gear _..,... 0 Q) ::.....c: C) ~~ ~c, p:i ~i:q ~~ P:: ~ H (j p:i,-; (j ~ 0 ~ North Side: Avalon Bilgola , Bungan Beach Collaroy Cooks Terrace... New Club 7 10 Dee Why Freshwater Long Reef Manly , Mona Vale , Newport North Curl Curl North Narrabeen , North Palm Beach w North Steyne Palm Beach Queenscliff South Curl Curl South Narrabeen Warriewood Whale Beach

12 South Side: ---- CLUBS, RESCUES, AWARDS, CLUB GEAR, MEMBERSHIP THE SURF LIFE SAVING ASSOCIATION OF AUSTRALIA SURF RESCUES, SEASON SURF AWARDS I CLUB ~ Patients Season Grand Total to Approxi- MEMBER- I-<.8 Given: Date mate SHIP Q) Q) Q)..µ Ul Q) ~..c "Cl Value..µ J..µ ~ J ~ 0 ~... C,) of 0~ VJ < I-<..c: Ul..c: Club..µ,CI-< ~..µ ;::,. Q)..µ Q)..µ ~..µ ~ 5 Q) Ul Ul... ~ 0 0 ~ 0 0 Gear :0..c: ~... 0 ~c,... I-<..µ C,) ~~ ~~ ~J ~ ~ p:i H ( p:i H (j <! " Bondi " Bronte Burning Palms Clovelly Ccogee , Cronulla , , Era... " " Garie Malabar Maroubra North Bondi , North Cronulla Tamarama Wanda TOTALS 1, , ,413 2,215 1,038 18,012 3,731 3,082 I Q) ~

13 PRINTED BY KENNY & WATSON, 7 MARY ST., SYDNEY. MA 1093.

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