BATHS AT MARUIA SPRINGS

Press, Volume XCIII, Issue 27910, 6 March 1956, Page 10

BATHS AT MARUIA SPRINGS

TENDERS HIGHER THAN ESTIMATE Tenders called by the Tourist and Publicity Department for the construction of bathing facilities at Maruia Springs, in the Lewis Pass, were so much in excess of the estimated cost that none of the tenders could be accepted, said the secretary of the Canterbury Progress League (Mr T. M. Charters). The Ministry of Works was arranging to call fresh tenders for the work, he said. Since 1952, he said, the league had been pressing the Government to improve the amenities at Maruia Springs so that sufferers from rheumatic troubles could avail themselves of the healing properties of the thermal waters, which were considered to be more powerful than those at Hanmer Springs. In June, 1954. the league learned that funds had been provided on the works programme for that year to cover the cost of erecting a swimming pool and amenities at an estimated cost of £6OOO, Mr Charters said. The league was also informed that as soon as the works programme was approved authority would be given for the calling of tenders.

Mr Charters said that in July, 1955, the general manager of the Tourist and Publicity Department (Mr R. W. Marshall) advised him that tenders were being called immediately, and that, subject to a suitable tender being received, provision would be made for the work to begin in the early spring. “On February 6 this year I received the disappointing news that the tenders were so much in excess of the estimated cost that none was able to be accepted,” he said. “It is felt that much valuable time is being wasted in providing relief to many who seek it and who cannot face the shockingly primitive arrangements now provided and the means of access to and from the hostel to the baths,” Mr Charters said.