BATHING IN THE AVON.

Lyttelton Times, Volume LI, Issue 5587, 21 January 1879, Page 5

BATHING IN THE AVON.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE IYTTEITON TIKES'. Sir,—l see by a report in your issue of Jan. 18 that six little boys were brought up at the Court, and charged with “ bathing in a public place.” The Magistrate dismissed them with a caution, and made a brilliant suggestion that a boat-channel should be cut through Hagley Park, so as to leave the bathing place free. My own opinion is, that greater fa.-ilities for bathing and learning to swim should be given to both young and old, and at other places besides Hagley Park, which h much too far away for people residing at trie east end of the town. Why should there be any restrictions whatever preventing any one from bathing in any part of the Avon, at any hour of the day, provided there is no offence against decency ? There are many retired spots on the banks of the river, where boys might bathe, provided they took precautions to prevent offence to boating parties and others ; and at other parts of the Avon, if shelter sheds were erected for dressing and undressing in, and proper bathing costume adopted, bathing might bo indulged in at any hour of the day. There is a great deal of mock-modesty and mistaken sentiment about this bathing question. People who will carefully scrutinise an actor in tights in a brilliantly lighted theatre, will lift up their hands in holy horror at the sight of a man’s head bobbing above the surface of the water, even if he is several hundred yards away. Ido not wish to bomisunderstood. While advocating increased facilities for bathing and learning to swim in any part of the river at any hour of the day, I should at the same tiiuo visit any indecency of word or action with the heaviest penaltiesthat the law allows. Bathing should bo encouraged, but indecent exposure most severely punished. When I was a boy, I and my schoolfellows used frequently to bathe in prohibited waters at prohibited times, simply because there was no place allotted for the purpose ; but we always kept a good look-out, to avoid being seen by passers-by. If, in spite of our precautions, we wore unfortunately surprised, wo used to swim in close to the bank, and remain bidden till the passers had gone by. But those blackguards who stand undressed on the bank while ladies are passing in boats should be taught a lesson they would not forget, and a policeman in plain clothes would have no difficulty in arresting them. To prevent the healthful and cleanly practice of bathing and swimming in our beautiful river during the heat of the day, because some blackguards misbehave themselves is about as sensible as to prevent people from walking about the town because some villains have been guilty of indecent exposure m our streets.—l am, Ac., coMirCN SENSE .