Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), Monday 19 December 1938, page 5


SURF PAVILION AT

MANLY.

Official Opening.

ASSISTANCE PROMISED TO

LIFE-SAVERS.

The new surf pavilion, erected at South Steyne by the Manly Council at a cost of nearly £34,000, was opened on Saturday afternoon by the Minister for Local Government, Mr. E. S. Spooner.

The Minister said that, although the Govern-ment had make no contribution to the cost of the pavilion, sympathetic consideration would be given to a request in regard to the cost of improving the surroundings.

He also indicated that the Government would be willing to assist surf life-saving clubs where it could be shown that such assist-ance would be in the public interest.

Mr. Spooner said that there had been much difference of opinion and some local conflict over the election of the pavilion, but the completion of the building added a crown to

the acts of life-savers.

"Manly is the premier tourist resort of Aus- tralia," Mr. Spooner added. "It was known years before other beaches came into pro-minence, and its picturesque surroundings would help to keep it in that position. The people privileged to live there held it in trust for future generations, to beautify it and to maintain it for all time."

In recent years the Minister said, £80,000 had been spent by the Government on build-

ings on beaches, thereby encouraging a sport that had become of national importance.

"UNIQUE PLAN."

Mr. Spooner added that there were no other surf sheds just like this one at Manly. He congratulated the architect upon his unique plan, and his unorthodox method of treating a difficult site, having regard to space and

surroundings.

The Mayor, Alderman Hanson-Norman, said the pavilion was the last word in modernity. Accommodation could be provided for 5,000 bathers with all the latest conveniences, in-cluding adequate sun-bathing facilities. The surf life-savers also were generously catered for in their quarters in recognition of the work they were doing for the public.

Among those present at the opening cere-mony were the Minister for Customs, Mr. Perkins, the Federal Minister for Health, Senator Foll, Mr. A. A. E. V. Reid, M.L.A., and Alderman P. L. Nolan, who was Mayor of Manly when the project was undertaken.

About 5,000 people inspected the pavilion during the afternoon.

It was used for the first time by bathers yesterday.