SWIMMING BATH

Evening Post, Volume CXXVII, Issue 93, 21 April 1939, Page 10

SWIMMING BATH

FIRE BRIGADESMEN

APPLICATION DECLINED

Approval of the construction of a swimming bath for the use of the men at the Central Fire Station in Clyde Quay was sought on their behalf byMr. L. Glover, secretary of the Wellington Fire Brigade Employees* Union, when he waited on the Wellington Fire Board at its meeting today. The request was declined. Apart from other considerations, members took the view that with facilities for swimming at Te Aro Baths so close at hand a swimming pool at the fire station was not called for and that in any event such a pool would not be comparable with the public baths. At the same time, it was decided to advise the superintendent that he may give the men the opportunity for a swim when possible, subject to brigade efficiency not suffering.

Mr. Glover said that some years ago at the old station men were permitted to go for a swim; but since the Central Station had been shifted to Clyde Quay the opportunity of doing that had been lost. * In reply to the chairman (Mr. S. S. Dean), the superintendent (Mr. C. A. Woolley) said that at the old station the men were permitted to go for a swim from the boat sheds opposite before the early morning parade at 7 o'clock. After the station had been transferred to Clyde Quay, continued Mr, Glover. • the men at the station were, confronted with the spectacle of seeing thousands of people pass the door on their way for a swim, and, it was only natural that they should wonder whether some arrangements could be I made for them. The idea of having a swimming pool at the station had been put forward. The men were enthusiastic about it, and were prepared to build the pool without cost to the board except the cost of material.

Mr. Dean: Why should they be put in a different position from any other employees? Why shouldn't my employees, for example, have a swimming pool in the cellar? Mr. Glover said that the difference was that the brigadesmen were confined to the station for a period of 12 hours, and the day they had off might be a cold day entirely unsuitable for swimming. He added that he had discussed the matter with other fire brigades all over New Zealand, and h« had not heard a logical argument advanced against it, other than the expense. That was always a big argument with some people, but here that could be largely obviated because the men were prepared to do the work. He saw no reason why two or three of the men could not be engaged in the construction work right through. As to the alternative of allowing the men time off to go for a swim in the hot weather, he understood from them that such a request would be useless. If the proposal to construct a swimming" pool was acceptable, there were plenty of places on the premises where it could be built. , .* Mr. G. C. Edwards: In other words, it the men are not allowed to go to the sea the suggestion is to bring the. sea to the men? ■ Mr. Glover: That is the idea. A PADDLING POOL. After Mr. Glover had retired, Mr. M F Luckie said that if the pool were no bigger than the boardroom it would not be much use. It would only be a paddling pool. Mr Dean said he could not imagine the men wanting to go to a paddling pool when they could swim in salt water across the road. Mr. T. Brindle: Would it be possible for the superintendent to arrange for The superintendent said that the same concession could be applied as • had been introduced at the old central station; the men could go for a swim before the early morning parade. If arrangements had to be made to allow the men time off during the mornings and afternoons it would mean an increase in staff. He desired to make It clear that as yet he had not received any applications for special leave for a swim from the staff, although Mr. Glover had made overtures to him on the subject. Mr. Luckie said he thought that if the men were given permission ,to have a swim in the early morning that was all they were entitled to ask for. Mr. V. M. Edgar: They have 28 days off in every six months. On Mr. Edgar's motion it was decided to take no action, but to ask the superintendent to give the men, when possible, the opportunity to go for a swim.