BATHING IN AVON

Evening Post, Volume CXIX, Issue 30, 5 February 1935, Page 13

BATHING IN AVON

SCANTY ATTIRE

"At the risk of being called Mrs. Grundy I want to bring up the quesi tion of bathing in the Avon," said Mr. H. Kitson, who presided at a meeting of the Christchurch Domains Board, the "Times" reports. * "I admit that the bylaw is out of date and that the public should be allowed to enjoy the Avon, but I do think they are going a bit too far. I saw a full-grown man of about thirty walking about in a pair of trunks at 5 o'clock. He had a hairy chest and hairy back.. I am not a prude, but we must realise that there are people who use the park who won't if that kind of thing goes on. We have got to take notice if this sort of thing goes on on the domain side of the park." If people undressed in the park and wandered about there was only a tape between that and a nudist club, he added.

"I hate to be so out of date, but where is this bathing being done?"

asked Mr. M. E. Lyons. Mr. Lyons said that the river provided splendid bathing, and in hot weather it was difficult to keep people away from it. They had only to revise the bylaws to put the matter right. He suggested that facilities should be provided by the board in conjunction with the City Council.

"If a shed were provided where people could undress there would be no objection," said another member. Without further discussion it was decided to investigate the bylaw regarding bathing.