‘PERFECT DISGRACE’

Dominion, Volume 28, Issue 121, 15 February 1935, Page 13

‘PERFECT DISGRACE’

Bathing Facilities at Oriental Bay DEBATE 1$ COUNCIL Cubicles Below Esplanade Suggested Provision of bathing sheds beneath the Esplanade at Oriental Bay and increased facilities throughout tlie city were advocated by Cr. M. F. Luckie at tlie meeting of the \Vellington City Council last night. Bathing shed accommodation could be built below the Esplanade without incurring any further serious expense, he said. It was necessary for people to be able to go bathing with decent facilities for dressing and undressing. Bathing had been taking place this summer to an extent which had never been anticipated. The chairman of tlie reserves committee should give some indication that the provision of further bathing facilities throughout the city would be considered.

The Mayor, Mr. T. C. A. Hislop, said there was no question of the need for the provision of better bathing facilities at Oriental Bay. There was no doubt that the incoming council could give the matter serious consideration, because the council would have a substantial increase in revenue. The facilities were far from up-to-date, and a great many improvements were necessary. "A Perfect Disgrace.” ••It’s been a perfect disgrace,” said Cr, \V. Appleton. Even temporary accommodation would be acceptable, he said. At present it was not fair to the citizens or tlie people who lived in the vicinity. Cr. J. Burns, chairman of the reserves committee, explained that the committee had decided to hold a special meeting following the council meeting to deal with the question of bathing facilities generally. He believed that support would be forthcoming not only for the enlargement of the Te Aro baths, but also for tlie establishment of tepid baths. The city engineer had plans and specifications, ami all that was required was the authority of the ratepayers for :t loan. Dealing with the erection of cubicles beneath the Esplanade, Cr. Burns said that when the wall was constructed the view was taken that the beach should Le preserved for the children. At present. tlie children and parents, were outnumbered by people who should be in the baths. Councillors: You could not get them all in the baths. Cr. Burns said that when he visited the baths there was plenty of room. Cr. 11. A. Duggins asked why it was left to a deputation of the public to bring under the notice of the council tlie condition of the Te Aro baths. Improvements In View. Cr. it. McKetm said the question of tepid baths and the Te Aro baths was being considered by tlie committee concerned. Improvements were being discussed. Cr. T. Brindle said tlie deputation did not tell the council anything it did not know. What it did not mention was where the money was to come from. As for the Lido of Wellington —Oriental Bay—it should be possible to effect some improvement in tlie facilities for batlflng at tlie bay.

Cr. W. Duncan recalled that the reserves committee had hud a plan some time ago costing £6OOO for Oriental Bay facilities. He predicted that a battle would develop on the question of salt water baths versus tepid baths. Personally, lie favoured the salt water baths.

"Something ought to be done by next summer to improve conditions at Oriental Bay,” declared Cr. W. Appleton.