TURKISH AND TEPID BATHS

Dominion, Volume 18, Issue 195, 13 May 1924, Page 8

TURKISH AND TEPID BATHS

TO KEEP YOUNG PEOPLE FIT COUNCIL ASKED TO MAKE PROVISION THE PROBLEM OF FINANCE A suggestion that Turkish baths, a swimming pool, and gymnasium, on the lines of institutions in America and Europe, should be established in Wellington, was made to the Baths and Reserves Committee of the City Council by a deputation yesterday afternoon. It was stated that such an establishment would make an admirable rallying place for young people on wet Saturday afternoons, as wen as improving the general health of the community. The deputation, which was from the North Wellington Ratepayers’ As, sociation, consisted of Mr. R. 4V. Shallorass, Doctors W. E Herbert and C M. Hector, Mr. McClure (secretary), and. Mr. J. F. B. Stevenson. Mr Shal’crass said that the object of tho deputation was to endeavour to induce the City Council to erect Turkish baths, in conjunction with tepid baths, as soon as ever electric light became available. They understood that when the Turkish baths in Manners Street had to bo dismantled tho council had given an undertaking that they would, 'oe re-erected elsewhere. Dr Herbert said that he approached tho subject entirely from a medical point of view. It was within the power of tho City Council to do the citizens a great service. In America there were largo establishments with tepid baths and a gymnasium under the same roof. “Where, ho asked, “are young people to go on a net Saturday afternoon in 44’01111121011 except to tho pubs or tho pictures? 44 e could keep our young people fit if wo were to do what they do in America. We would, bo all the better if an establishment Were provided where everyone could go on a Saturday al telnoon, and have, a Turkish bath, lollowed by a tepid bath. This was one of the suggestions from Health Veek. I am satisfied that you would receive the full support in such an undertaking from the medical men and tho sports bodies of the city.” , Dr Hector stated that tho estaolisliment of Turkish baths and a swimming pool would make for the health of tho community. Edinburgh University, which h< had attended as a student, was equipped with such conveniences, which added materially to the health of the students. , .. . Mr. Stevenson said that no city ot any size in America or Europe was without its Turkish and tepid baths. During tho war the first place troops on leave made for was a Turkish bath, where tlmv could get a good clean up. Tho establishment of Turkish baths here would bo a great asset. there were a larixo number of elderly people who used Turkish baths when they could get them, but they corn’d not get them here. Visitors wero astounded that no such facilities were provided in Wellington, and it was high time that such a renroach was removed. Councillor 4V. J. Thompson chairman of the committee, said that £26,8i0 had been set aside by the council for public baths, and of this £15,000 had been raised for hot frosh and salt water baths at Thorndqn. It was. the intention of the council to establish Turkish baths and tepid baths on tho site at present occupied by the eletcric light station, but thev could not proceed with the work until the electric plant had been removed. The Public 44’orks Department had insisted upon the baths in Manners Street being removed. The Thorndon baths were nearly completed, but they would not. be much use in winter time. He quite agreed with Dr. Herbert that the establishment of hot salt-water baths would be a very good thing for footballers and other athletes on Saturday afternoons.

Dr. Herbert: Can you give us an assurance that the council will agree to erect something worthy of the city? Councillor Thompson said that the trouble was that only £ll,OOO was available for such a purpose. Dr. Herbert: 4Voukl you like a bigger deputation? Councillor Thompson: We would like a big lot of money. If tho public would come forward with financial assistance it would help us to provide something of the kind worthy of tho city.

Bathing Facilities Wanted at Evans Bay.

No sooner had the Wellington North deputation retired than a deputation from tho Kilbirnie Electors’ Association, consisting of Messrs. A. G. Jorgenson (chairman). J. J. Clark, and Morgan, waited upon tho committee with a request that better bathing facilities should be provided at Evans Bay.

Mr. Jorgenson said that from time to time the Citv Council had erected bathine- sheds at the foot of Wellington Road at Evans Bay. . A great many ;>eople from Hataitai availed themselves of these sheds, which had become too small for the purpose. There was no caretaker to prevent thefts from clothing, or to keep the sheds as clean as they might be. They asked tho council to take into consideration tho erection of a Lathing shed with proper facilities. If a tally were taken of the people who went there to bathe thev would know that the bathing shed was required. Mr. Clarke stated that six schools, comprising 3610 children, used the shed at Evans Bav. The facilities were very poor. They had been improved from time to time, but had not kept pace with the growth of tho districts. The common rules of decency could not bo observed now. Thefts were common, and even clothing had born taken.

Councillor Thompson said that the committee had recently visited the beaches and had a pretty good idea of whan was required. The suggestion to appoint a caretaker was a good one, and this, together with the other •epresentation.; made by the de. potation, would be given full consideration.