HOT SpA WATER BATHS

Evening Post, Volume LXXXVI, Issue 100, 24 October 1913, Page 11

HOT SpA WATER BATHS

,«. » LYALI, BAY IMPROVEMENTS; At Lyall Bay Mr.' C. J. ClarVflon of Mr. J. M.- Clark, well known' in this city for many year?, has set himself t!o the task of catering for the public by the provision' of hot sea water baths. It, has been conceded for a tame ,that such * bathih^can bo applied to the alleviation of rheumatic, arthiritic, and other troubles that frail humanity is heir tQ« Many of these sufferers, wlio could never, go as far as Rotorua, can easily get "to'liyall Bay. ~" j A pipe is run out 250 ft from the'^ shore, to a small concreted septic tank/ divided into two compartments, the flow being so regulated, that all sediments .remain ■at one side, while 'the. purified water flows into the other box. A 2£ h.p. gas engine underneath , the bath house pumps' the water- up to an iron tank standing 14ft high at the. side of the building.' From this tank the water is conveyed to a battery of water-heaters. These heaters are designed so that the water ia heated automatically hy the gas, while passing thrpugli. The 7>roducts of cpmbußtion do not in any way come in contact with the water, aSd. is in no way contaminated thereby. These heaters, three in number, are so arranged that they will all work together, or one at a time. The simple #ot of turning on the tap over the bath brings the heaters into action, and an immediate flow of hot wa^ec is, available. One great advantage of tn'e battery system of heaters is that a .large flow of water can be delivered to the baths immediately on turning on the hot water tap. The special feature of this installation lies in the fact that there is no storage, of hot water necessary, and the gas fuel consequent upon maintaining a large storage of hot water in such an establishment is saved. This is effected by means of a very ingenious mercury seal, or valve. The latter depends for its operation upon the difference 'in pressure of reduction, when the water is running, as compared with the pressure when the water is' standing. This, so far as is known, is the first installation of the kind in New Zealand, Australia, or* in fact in any part of the world; and has been designed by the Wellington Gas Company, j The installation was supervised by Mr. I C. B. Norwood, the manager pf that department of the cpmpany. The bath rdpms are built on the usual cubicle fashion, with enamel baths, hot and cold water taps, and cold shower of fresh water. There are six of these bath rooms. On the other side of the building there are two bath rooms fitted up with fresh water hot baths for those who prefer them. Outside a glassed-in verandah a concrete plunge bath is in cpurse of erection, and close by will be an- open-air turfed space for those who desire the luxury of a sun bath. Refreshments of all kinds will be availatye^ for bathers and visitors, and conCession tickets, available for ?^d per ride - from Jiambton Station to Lyall Bayj can be obtained. Mr. Clark is also prepared tp give concession tickets to - his patrons. A capable lady attendant will' have charge of the baths. A' large boardinghouse will probably be bujlt on the next section" to where the baths are ejected.