Council Pool For Hamner Springs?

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31364, 9 May 1967, Page 16

Council Pool For Hamner Springs?

Provision of a council swimming pool at Hanmer Springs will be investigated by the Amuri County Council. The council agreed to this during a discussion of the state of the mineral pools run by the Health Department.

Referring to congestion at the present pools at times of peak patronage, Cr. T. Fraser suggested that the remedy mighty be to provide a new pool for mixed bathing. "A mixed pool is the thing,” said Cr. Fraser. “Take the school holidays, when dad is probably still at work and mum brings the family to Hanmer but can’t take the little boys swimming because of the segregated pools.” The council representatives had talked to representatives of the Tourist Department in Wellington, said the chairman (Mr A. A. Macfarlane). The department was prepared to support any moves the council might make for new pools, but it had no money to put in to such a project. “It looked good on TV, but it isn’t really,” said Mr Macfarlane, referring to a recent “Town and Around” programme on the pools. “We should see who we must take it up witfj. There should be some move for a new pool.”

Fraser. “It’s like a race track.”

Although some councillors spoke of a need for a cold water pool as well, the general feeling favoured the provision of a modem pool supplied from the hot springs.

As a result of a newspaper report of the previous council meeting dealing with the council’s wish to develop Hanmer Springs as a tourist centre, three letters were received from Christchurch residents. One of these said Hanmer “has something and it could have a lot more.” A “nice big sheltered pool” was needed for the public, not merely the residents of the Lodge, open all year round for swimming as distinct from medicinal pools. The council could be involved in this, said the County Clerk (Mr T. M. Hansby), who referred to the success of council-financed pools in Christchurch. It was then agreed that Mr Hansby should, make inquiries about the financing and running of these pools by local bodies.

“Christchurch people come up here at the week-end to bathe in the pools,” said Cr.