SWIMMING BATHS FOR NURSES

Press, Volume LXXVIII, Issue 23750, 23 September 1942, Page 2

SWIMMING BATHS FOR NURSES

+ UNITED CLUB’S OFFER

The decision to allow nurses at the Christchurch Public Hospital to become honorary members of the Christchurch and United Swimming Club for the coming season and to use the club’s baths at the Christchurch West High School, was made at the annual meeting of the club last evening, when members discussed the falling off in adult membership of the club during the war and the absence of any women’s section. ‘•What has become of our women members?” a member asked. “They’ve all fizzled out or got married.’’ "said the chairman (Mr J. R. Buchanan). “In the old days the nurses at the Public Hospital used to swim in the Christchurch West High School baths and could use them at any time they were free,” said Mr B. O'Neill, “But now we pay a small rent for the use of the baths, and the Canterbury University College Council has made the rule that only our members and their friends may use the baths, and then only between 5 p.m, and sundown. The nurses used to go across to the baths at 6 or 7 o’clock in the mornings and now I suppose they are forced to swim in the river. We should encourage them *0 use the baths by granting them honorary membership and then they might become paying members next season.” Mr G. R. Laurie; We need to do something to get a women’s section going again. The cup for them has not been competed for since 1938. Mr T. H. Harker: Here's a good chance to get it competed for again. Some of these nurses might become very good coaches, The secretary (Mr Laurie) was instructed to write to the matron of the hospital issuing an invitation from the club. Mr O'Neill recommended that the photographs of the secretary and (he president should be enclosed with the letter.