Proposed Concrete Swimming Bath.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume xxxii, Issue 8375, 23 May 1911, Page 4

Proposed Concrete Swimming Bath.

To the Editor

Sir,—Most warmly do I sub«crib# to the views esprW by "A . Rodent of Many Years" in last «vanuiß s issue of your paper. His broad-imndtd *ud common-sense view of th* matter of * suitable Coronation memorial, via-, a swimming bath, is in striking contrast xo the utterances of "One o Thirteen." After rending the letter ot •'One of Thirteen," one -feels .that it needs little imagination indeed to picture the smug self-satisfaction with which this heaven-born genius looks down on all other men's opinions, when they differ from his own. A?° n7 aider that he is the sort of individual whom Bracken described as poor souls with stunted vision," but 1 would add that in this-instance the "soul" is the size of a roasted peanut. So long as we have men in Ashburton whose brain power and progressive views are at the disposal of the ratepayers, we need have no anxiety that this little town will be guided by such, a fossilized mummy-worshipper as "One of Thirteen" appears to be. His brain seems only capable of destructive criticism, and works without a very commendable regard" for. facts'or figures. Take two instances: — He writes: "They used, a little influence to have £50 spent on the . . . pond." That is, not true, as the expenditure came as a surprise to those j interested in swimming matters, igain, he mentions cost as being up to £3000. and adds: "Experience teach«s us, as a rule, that tne cost becomes more as the work goes on. 1 Just imagine it—that more work costs more money! Does he think that as "work goes on" the cost becomes less. He would soon be asking for. money if the worker stayed with him long enough! The cost of a Oath need •ot exceed £650, this being the amorist asked for some time ago, and the sum "was-based on the figures of the Borough Council's engineer,--and a pton-i----nent builder and contractor in Ashburton. For £650 dressing rooms, lavatories, concrete sides, and b, saDstat.tial fence could be erected, and considering the fact that His Majesty King George V. has such a decided- leaning towards matters of an aquatic nature, Uj« construction of-a swimming bath in

place of the present mud-hole would j serve as a very suitable memorial, and at the same time satisfy a went that must be met and supplied in the near future. Let "One of Thirteen" } turn his mind to something of a constructive nature arid remember that he ought to "try and reform the world or bear with it." NOTLIMAH. May 23, 1911. [In justice to '.'One of Thirteen," it | should be stated that the sum of £3000 was a misprint for £1000.— Editor "Guardian."] !