Reply To Complaint On Hanmer Springs Pool

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31349, 20 April 1967, Page 7

Reply To Complaint On Hanmer Springs Pool

“The administration of Queen Mary Hospital is well aware of the shortcomings of the mineral pools in the public grounds of the hospital,” says Dr. T. W. Harrison, the medical superintendent, in reply to a letter from a correspondent, to the editor from a correspondent, “Visitor," who complained about the facilities of the women's pool in the hospital grounds. The correspondent said: “The pool should not be unattended, allowing visitors to walk in, stare, and pass rude remarks. Too many women are bringing their children, boys and girls, into the pool when they should use the Marion pool. Hanmer is a lovely place with a nice men’s pool, but how much longer do the women have to endure the small crowded pool with poor dressing-sheds without electricity? The cracked concrete and water lying about must harbour germs. What has been done to improve conditions during the last 30 years? One more toilet and a coat of paint now peeling off. There are rumours of a new pool, but will the department repsonsible tell us when we may expect it?” “Until the policy of the future control of the amenity has been decided on, the necessary remodelling and reconstruction can not take place,” says Dr. Harrison. “I am not in a position to predict when this decision will be made.

“During the last 12 months a considerable amount of minor renovation has been done. Three new lavatories and new showers had been installed. All three pools have been replastered and enclosing walls and dressing sheds, which are lit by electric lights, have been painted.

“Since February 27 this year, the pools have been open seven days a week, eight hours a day, instead of six days for six hours fifty minutes a day as previously. “The Marion pool is used twice weekly to allow for the necessary cleaning .of the main pools. The present staffing situation does not permit the Marion pool to be in daily use except during the holidays when an extra attendant is temporarily employed.”