SURF BATHING.

Press, Volume LXVI, Issue 13910, 8 December 1910, Page 8

SURF BATHING.

LACK OF ACCOMMODATION AT . NEW BRIGHTON.

The lack of accommodation for bathers at New Brighton was the salient point which was brought out at the Magistrate's Court yesterday morning, when John Jennings, Thos. Trim, D."F. Knight, John Haywood and J. E. Suckling were charged with undressing themselves at New Brighton in view of a public place. Mr T. A. B. Bailey, S.M., was on the Bench, and Mr Alpers appeared for accused.

Constable Rowe gave evidence as ♦<> defendants not displaying sufficient decorum when taking off their costumes after bathing in the vicinity of the pier. It was about 6.30 o'clock in the morning, and there were many ladies about. The trouble was that there was not -Sufficient accommodation. Mr Alpers, in opening for the defence, said that the New Brighton by-law** were a net that caught all kinds of fish. Instead of providing accommodation, like any sane body would do, it seemed to spend its time purchasing draper.*, to drape the bare legs of the taoles. The allegation of exposure, he said, was entirely incorrect. At that time of the morning there was very cftcn no one in charge of the pier bathing boxes, and with the exception of two small sheds about a mile down the beach, on either side of tho pier, there was absolutely no places whore bathers could dress and undrew. If ever thero whs a case which came within the meaning of section 92 of the Justice of the Peace Act it was tho present one. One of the defendants had his little children with him at the time, and "it was just a little family party." There was great rivalry between Sumner and New Brighton, and because Sumner had seen fit to tie itself up with bathing regulations, New Brighton thought it must do tho same. Why, New Brighton hud actually talked of having an artificial cave rock! The public were practically invited to go down for a bath, and then there was no accommodation.

Sub-Inspector McGrath denied any insinuation that the proprietor of the pier had laid tho informations. The Magistrate (to Mr Alpers): Aro the new by-laws in force yet?

Mr Alpers: No, unfortunately. If they were, New Brighton would be> deserted. (Laughter). Continuing, Mr Alpers said that dressing was a matter of degree. For instance, a Scotchman in kilts wouid not be deemed sufficiently dressed by the New Brighton Borough Council, whereas in the Islands a man was quite respectable if he had a towel wrapped round him.

Mr Alpers then called two of the defendants, who gave evidence as to every care being used during the dressing process. One of them stated that the palings were nearly all off the two shelter sheds on the beach, ami tho sand had drifted so high that it was possible to step over the fences.

The Magistrate said it was quite clear that thero was nothing like adequate provisions for bathers. Tho Borough Council should provide accommodation, as was done at the watering places in Australia. At these X>laces tho strictest regulations were observed, and only a very nominal charge was made for the use of the accommodation. Defendants would each be fined Is and costs.

Similar charges against G. B. Brown and Cecil Bonnington were adjourned until December 21st.