SWIMMING BATHS

Grey River Argus, 10 February 1928, Page 5

SWIMMING BATHS

EQUIPMENT QUESTION Borough Council’s Decision The nature of the sealing, lighting and other accommodation in the Muni cipal Swimming Baths last evening was. thc theme of discussion at the meetingof the Borough Council. A letter wasreceived from Afr G. Walters, Hon. Secretary of the Greymouth Amateur* Swimming Club, requesting the use of the Baths on Thursday, February 16th, for the purpose of running an evening carnival. It was decided, on th” milion of Crs D. AL Robertson and G. Perotti. to grant the request. In reply to a question, the Town Clerk stated, that to date £lOO in revenue had been obtained from th” Baths. For the Baths Committee, Cr Robertson reported as to the calling of tenders for lighting and on other matters. Two tenders for lighting had been received, viz. that of the Dispatch Foundry Coy at £3O, and that of Messrs Smail and Coy at £3l 4s 6d. The Power Board Engineer. Mr S. Trotter, had advised that thc bath could be effectively lighted with a minimum current consumption by erecting two guyed poles at each end. and training a messenger wire between them. Three lamps, with reflectors, could be suspended from the wire, similarly to the ordinary street suspension fittings. The lamps should not be less than 250 watt each, giving a total of, 1500 candle power. The consumption would be about three-quarters of a un : t per hour, and the charge 6d per unit, with 4s per month as a minimum. The cost of material and labour, in erecting poles, guying and stringing the wires, would be £l4 12s. This did not include lamps, fitting lamps, or wiring from the meter. The wiring contractor would require to supply a watertigh* box, with switch and fuses mounted on a panel, sufficient space being left fer (he Board’s meter, and the box fitted with a good padlock. If lamps were need <1 for dressing sheds, these would be specified to run from the same meter on a separate circuit from the bath lights. Cr J. B. Kent said it had been suggested that flood lights be obtained from some of the steamers in port, fcr the carnivals this summer, so as to avoid expense, in view of doubts as to the wisdom of having a permanent equipment put in before next summer. Cr Robertson said the Baths Committee and the Club had discussed this matter, and had concluded it would In better to have something permanent. Though there were not many more car nivals this year, there would be some., and for these the Committee recoin mended a permanent lighting install:: tion. Cr Kent said they could scarcely in stal permanent lighting for this carnival, and it would be preferable tot ascertain the full dimensions the structure was to assume in future before putting in permanent lighting, which might have to be later shifted or scrapped. Cr F. A. Kitchingham said the Baths Committee had been authorised by resolution to call tenders for permanent lighting, but a time for the actual work was not fixed. The introduction of the: current would cost £l4 12s. so that; lighting apparatus only would cost £l6. Lighting had been promised for the Ala reh carnival. Next year’s outlay would be required for seating and cubicles, which had to be obtained. He moved that the lowest tender (that of the Dispatch Foundry Coy) be accepted.

The Alayor (Air J. W. Greenslade) supported the motion. These carnivals were to raise money for equipping the baths properly. One carnival had mad? £42. The Committee and Club were enthusiasts, and they should be supported. They had already received £lOO in revenue, which showed the possibilities.

Cr R. J. Williams agreed with Cr Kent. If they waited it would save expense. The Council and Baths Committee ought to meet the Club anl the enthusiasts to design a complete scheme, instead of working in a haphazard way. It would be better if expenditure over a couple of years were regulated by a proper scheme. Th” fence had now to be shifted, and this could have been obviated. He would like to see a scheme on which the Engineer could prepare estimates for the whole thing. He moved that the- Council and Club confer at the earliest opportunity, in order to frame a scheme for the completion of the baths, including galleries, cubicles, and all othc r accessories.

The motion to accept the lowest t?n der for lighting was carried.

Cr McGinley said it would be better to refer the question of a comprehensive scheme to the Baths Committee for a report. Cr Kitchingham agreed that the Omniittee cculd submit a completed scheme. Cr Robertson said it was all right to talk of meeting and elaborating a scheme, but those most interested were not unanimous as to what such should be. The stage for the finalising of th-.-plans had not yet come.. It would be a mistake to do anything which would damp the enthusiasm of those working for the baths, as they intended themselves to raise sufficient to pay £3OO for seating accommodation for 670 people. That would serve for some years. A roofing scheme was not call *d for until they had tepid baths, which might not be for 20 years. Ti c- Council should meet the enthusiasts and should realise they were doing all possible with the money available. It was no time for a hasty decision. Cr Williams agreed, but said he did