SUMNER BEACH.

Press, Volume LXI, Issue 18571, 22 December 1925, Page 17

SUMNER BEACH.

BATHING IMPROVEMENT SCHEME

Holding that Ihn present bathing accommodation at Sumner is totally inadequate to cope with the demand made upon it, a deputation from the Citizens' Bathing Improvement Committee waited on the Sumner Borough Council last night and placed before it a scheme for the provision of an adequate system of bathing conveniences on the main beach. After the members of the deputation had withdrawn, tho Council discussed the matter in committee', but stated that no decision for publication would be arrived at that night. Discussion Opened,

On behalf of the deputation, Mr G. P. Allen submitted that the dressing sheds were totally inadequate, and, at least, required remodelling. "I think we are all agreed that tlicrc is a real and live need for more adequate accommodation as far as bathing and life-saving are concerned," said Mr P. It. Olimic', who. spoke ill support of Mr Alleu. A plan, depictiug a very fine and imposing building, which had been drawn by Mr B. J. Ager, architect, was produced by Mr Climie, who proceeded to explain the points in the scheme. All told, the maximum estimated cost was £2500, which included the lay-out of the ground in front, of the proposed building, which would bo in keeping with the rest of the borough. The total accommodation provided would (excluding tho present: life-saving accommodation) be 268, for men and women, boys and girls. The plans provided for cubicles, shower-baths, wash-basins, lavatories, lockers, and extra shower-baths for the Life-Saving Club. Another feature of the building, explained Mr Climie, would be the provisions made for people who went to Sumner for picnics, so that, they could, if they wanted to, avail themselves of the conveniences there by placing a coin in a slot; machine. The unimproved rateable value, of the borough was £302,897. A loan of £2500 for 20 years at 6 per cent, interest and 2 per cent, sinking fund amounted to £2OO per annum, and if 10 per cent, was added on to £2OO to cover overncad costs as required by law it brought the total aunual amount required to £220, which would require a rate of 4359-25,000 of a penny in tho £. Owners of property which was valued at £IOO would contribute Is od per annum; £l5O, 2s 2d; £2OO, 2s lid; £3OO, 4s 4d; £SOO, 7s 3d; £IOOO. 14s 6d, and so ou. In. urgiug tho necessity of the scheme, Mr V. E- Hamilton, the third speaker, said the Council would have nothing, to fear if the. poll was not carried, because the expenses were guaranteed. The matter of a. rate was very small, and he did not think (.here would be many objections. He contended that it would 'oc "fatal" if a poi! were taken anytime later than next, i'ebruarv. Tho Mayor (Mr ~\V. 11. Nicholson) said it was quite out of the question to have things ready to take, a poll in February, for there wero certain formalities to be gone through. "If it can't lie got. through by February," said Mr Hamilton, "it would only be courting disaster to take it after then until the next bathing season." The. Council then went into committee.