TEPID BATHS

Dominion, Volume 22, Issue 52, 24 November 1928, Page 14

TEPID BATHS

“A LOSING PROPOSITION”

“The timidity of the City Council in proceeding with the erection of tepid swimming baths has its origin in a conscientious objection to embark on a proposal that involves an economic ‘white elephant; in other words, a beneficial convenience that must make a steady loss annually and just as ofteeu become a burden on the rates (writes H.P.). Time after time influential deputations have waited on the council urging the provision of tepid swimming baths, and every councillor has agreed with every member of each deputation in the belief that stteb baths would be of immense value in the matter of health, but unfortunately the experience of the whole world is available, and that reveals that tepid baths are the surest losing proposition for a city or borough council. Christchurch lias the best tepid swimming baths in New Zealand, but it showed a loss of over £6OO last year, and Dunedin's loss ran into four figures. If a local example were needed, citizens have only to consult the authorities of the Boys' Institute to ascertain how such baths, when kept in order, can run into money.

“Perhaps the benefaction of the late Mr. Walter 11. Bailey—an amount of £5OOO or over — will raise the issue of tepid baths once more, but a wise council will hesitate over expending the money in that direction when the need for the extension of the Te Aro Raths is so para mon nt. If the corporation wishes to use heated wale”, tie Thorndon Bullis —another ‘white elephant.’—is always available.- The Inst idea made public was to i-lace such baths in the Corporation Trrd reserve at. Clyde Ounv — a false move. The council should be considering ways end means of erecting a now flosfroctor e’spwlwre and disposing of the works at Civile Quay un’il the whole of the area becomes in the fullness of t-’me a magnificent entrance to Oriental Pnra.de—tl-e fines 4 ' meb’onolitnn harbourside parade in New Zealand.”