SHELLY BEACH BATHS.

Auckland Star, Volume XLIV, Issue 22, 25 January 1913, Page 9

SHELLY BEACH BATHS.

(To the Editor.)

Sir, —Will you allow mc space in your paper to criticise Shelly Beach baths and the way in which they are managed? In the first place let mc state my experience. 1 was informed by several persons that the baths were open to men on Friday nights up til! 9 p.m. It having been such a hot day on Friday, two or three of Us decided to go for a dip nftcr we had finished our day's work. By the time \ve pot home, had tea, and dressed, then hurried off to the baths it was 8.30 p.m. Now, Sir. you can imagine our disgust when we were politely informed that we were too late, and that the baths had just been closed. We then thought of bathing off the beach, but in this we were disappointed also, having been informed that the dressing shed was closed. I would ask, of what use are tlie baths to workers, when we are to be disappointed in this way? 1 would like to make this suuggestion, that the baths be krpt open till 0.30 There has been talk of allowing mixed bathing. Upon this I look with favour if only to do away with false modesty. But thingß are quite bad enough, for, in my opinion, if the baths were twice the size they would not permit room for more than one sex at a time. It is impossible to have anything like a decent swim on v Sunday morning. 1 have seen more than one collision bcour, the baths being overcrowded with bathers. Again I ask, what is the matter with our Mayor and Coun-' cillors? How 19 it they do not look five minutes ahead and give a thought for the Future ? The baths are not by any means a success, and never will be until they are enlarged to a greater extent. The absence of water shoots is greatly m'sseti by bathers from other towns. Taking into consideration, the inconveniences, I think the price of admission should be reduced.—l am, etc., TANTWHA.