WOMEN'S REST ROOM

Press, Volume LXXI, Issue 21510, 27 June 1935, Page 9

WOMEN'S REST ROOM

TO THE r.OJTOJH OV THE W.BSS. Sir,- —When the new Ladies' Rest Itoom buildings were built as a "city improvement," country women fondly hoped for the comfort of a place they could go to any day in the city. I arrived in Cluistehurch on the recent cold "snow Sunday" morning, to find I could not even leave my suit case there —the doors being closed! At II a.m. they were still phut, and not even a lavatory available for women and children. Is that serving the public? I consider it a disgrace. Surely one attendant's lee there would not be a heavy drain on public funds for the necessary convenience of females on Sundays. Another sad surprise awaited mc in finding I could not leave parcels there to pick up after the evening pictures—which is very awkward for shoppers staying on in town from a distance for an evening's amusement. These comforts were obtainable in the old tram shelter days, yet after thousands being spent on a building they are denied us—why? Could not an extra attendant keep the doors open for a short time after the picture theatres close, and combine that duty with extra Sunday hours for the benefit of the public? Hoping "the powers that be" will not delay in accomplishing these necessary reforms, which would mean a very small cost—but greater comfort —especially for mothers with children. —Yours, etc., ONE OF THEM. June 2.1, 1935. T'At one time the women's rest room was open only until 10 p.m.," said Cr. J. W. Boan'iand, DeputyMayor and chairman of the works committee of the Christchurch City Council, when commenting on this letter, "but for the convenience of picturegoeis the hours were extended to 10.30 p.m. Also it wps not customary to open the building on Sunday, but in response to numerous requests th council decided to open from 2 p.m. to 9 pin. Further, the parcels office, which previously opened at S> a.m., now opens at 7.30 a.m. for the convenience of persons going to work at an early hour."] j