THE NEW SWIMMING BATH.

Hot Lakes Chronicle, Volume 4, Issue 198, 16 September 1896, Page 2

THE NEW SWIMMING BATH.

'he new swimming bath for the female persuasion, as Artemus Ward of ]>ious memory designated the adorable sex, is being opened this afternoon just as our hebdomadal sheet is issuing from the press. The opening ceremony wo have no doubt is being performed with all the eclat befitting the circumstance and will be duly reported on in our next issue. A specific name for the now bath is looked upon as an urgent necessity but for what reason is not clear. We venture to predict that whatever fanciful appellation may be bestowed upon it, the " Women's Swimming Bath " it will remain. The bath is in every way well-adapted for its purpose and reflects credit on Mr Malfroy who projected it and on those engaged on its construction. The natatoriuin or swimming area is 50 feet long with a breadth of 25 feet and a flight of broad and easy-graded steps lends downi into it from the dressing boxes. At the deeper end smaller flights of steps are arranged at each cornel-. The bottom is of lime concrete, and flic walls are of the same material IS inches thick diminishing to 9 inches at the top. Overlying this is an inch of cement which imparts to the bath a delighful smoothness. This portion of the work was carried out with great care by Mr J. Steedmau, plasterer. The hot and cold water is supplied by two 1-in. pipes—leading respectively from the Rachel Spring and the cooling reservoir which has been set apart for the present purpose. The hot and cold water

enter at the bottom and in addition to the ordinary outlet for the overflow* water a sluice at the bottom permits the wholereservoir to be speedily emptied. "When full the depth will range from 3ft 6in. to 4ft., and as an assurance to timid ba'.hers Mr Purcell has notified the fact in bold and striking figures at either end. Across the bath a wire rope has been suspended from which dangles a pair of rings—a simple but effective gymnastic appliance which will, doubtless, be duly appreciated. The footways along the sides are five feet wide with a slight slope towards the gutter. This will facilitate cleaning and tend to keep the footways dry. The portion of the building which is roofed over is 42 feet by IS feet and contains eleven roomy and convenient dressing-boxes. At the lower end of the bath is a shed 42 feet by 11 fcei with sea'in which provides additional room for bathers in case of a plethora of visitors on holidays or other occasions. Beside the dressingboxes a shower bath has been fixed. A seven-foot fence encloses a drying ground, but this space may in the future serve for the erection of a proper gymnasium. The utmost aire has been taken throughout the construction to secure the privacy of bathers and the result is entirely satisfactory. The bath-house is entered by its own door, which is made wide enough to admit of an invalid's chair, and also by a side entrance from the Rachel and Priest's bath-houses. The whole frontage of the Pavilion has received a much needed coat of paint which makes it in keeping with the new structure. The renovation of the roof and the repairs to the interior of the other bath-houses are now almost completed and will add much to the comfort of visitors. The private Rachel baths on both sides of the main building are now in process of being lined with white enamelled tiles and fitted with showers. This will enhance their value in the eyes of those who are inclined to luxury in the matter of bathing.