ST. ALBANS BATHS

Press, Volume LXX, Issue 21087, 12 February 1934, Page 16

ST. ALBANS BATHS

OPENED IN POURING RAIN

CANON W. S. BEAN TAKES FIRST PLUNGE Although the opening of the St. Albans baths was held in pouring rain on Saturday afternoon, (here was a good attendance of the public, about 150 being present. The deputy-Mayor (Mr J. K. Archer) declared the baths open, and the Rev. Canon W. S. Bean took the first plunge and was heartily applauded. The chairman of the St. Albans baths committee, Mr F. J. Prouting, welcomed those present and outlined the history of the construction of the baths. He expressed appreciation for the assistance that had been received, from the Christchurch City Council. Mr W. Thomson, treasurer of the committee, gave details of the cost of construction and complimented the contractor. Mr W. P. Glue, on the way he had carried out the work. He also referred to the very great assistance that the committee had received from Cr. J. W. Bcanland, chairman of the works committee of the Christchurch City Council, from numeroui individuals and the newspapers ia Christchurch. Finest in North Canterbury The baths were described as the finest open air baths controlled by the Canterbury Swimming Centre by Mr M. E. Lyons, president of the centre. They could not be called the finest in Canterbury, because Timaru had a 50yards bath. It was regrettable that the original plans provided for a 50yards bath had been reduced to 33 1-3 yards, but the committee had done very well to produce such splendid baths at the present time. The New Zealand swimming championships would be held in the baths on February 17, 19, and 21. and he expressed the hope that records would be established that would place SI. Albans on the map. Some humorous comments on the commissariat at Waitangi were made by Mr H. Holland, M.P., who went on to say that he was glad to see facilities provided for swimmers. Almost every day the newspapers published accounts of rescues from drowning, and there could not be too many places where the younger members of the community could learn the art of lifesaving. Baths Declared Open In declaring the baths open Mr Archer said that they were the finest open-air baths in the district, and the committee deserved great credit for having built them. It appeared to him that the contractors had given very good value for their money, and he was surprised to learn that such excellent seating accommodation had been provided for £6O. He wished the committee success and said that he hoped many records would be made in the baths. Canon Bean received a round of applause when he appeared on the spring-board to take the first plunge. In a brief speech he said that the baths were the finest open-air baths he had seen, and expressed the hope that many records would be made there. Later, an exhibition of diving was given by C. R. Riordan, Canterbury diving champion, who showed splendid form, and R. Rimmer, East Christchurch Club, gave an exhibition of swimming.