HANMER'S TROUBLES.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXIV, Issue 16168, 19 February 1913, Page 11

HANMER'S TROUBLES.

MINISTERIAL VISIT OF INVESTIGATION. DEPUTATION TO THE HON R. H. RHODES. PUBLIC INQUIRY ASKED FOR. THE REQUEST REFUSED. Tho Hon R. H. Rhodes, Minister in Charge of the Tourist Department, journeyed to Hanmer Springs yesterday to investigate certain complaints which had been made regarding the resort. He was accompanied by Mr B. M. Wilson, director of the Department of Tourist and Health Resorts, and Mr W. Crow, private secretary. Dr J. D. C. Duncan, medical officer in charge of the sanatorium, travelled up from Christchurch with tho party. On arriving at Hanmer Springs the Minister was shown over the sanatorium grounds, where considerable work is in progress. New pipes are being laid to ensure an adequate supply of hot water for the swimming pools and private baths- As a consequence the grounds do not present the attractive appearance expected at this time of year, but apparently good progress is being made with the work, which, when completed, will ba of great value. Owing to the interrupted supply of water the chief swimming pool lias not been filled, and this and other things had been adversely criticised by both visitors and residents. Tho Minister made a very close inspection of both grounds and buildings. In the evening Mr Rhodes received a deputation representing both visitors and residents. Mr G. W. Forbes, M.P., telegraphed apologising for his absence. Mr G. Mitchell said that both residents and visitors had asked him to present a petition signed by from seventy to ninety people, asking that an inquiry should be made into the condition of affairs in the sanatorium. A meeting had been held earlier in tho month, and it had been decided unanimously to ask the Minister to visit the resort. Personally, ho could sa* that tho swimming pool was in a filthy condition. With four friends he had gone to have a swim, but tho water was so bad that his friends would not enter the pool. He went in and satisfied himself that the water was polluted, and he reported the fact to the medical officer. Many others had informed him that they would not patronise the baths in their present state, and the pool was looked upon as a menace to the public health. He saw the doctor, and stated his case, but that officer had denied that the water was bad. Later the speaker heard that dogs had been in the pool and that it had not been cleaned for ten weeksHe knew that tho outfall was blocked, and that onlookers entered the place and watched the bathers, who' objected.

Then it was said, continued Mr Mitchell, that the milk supplied to the sanatorium was handled by a boy suffering from a serious skin disease. f. hairdresser had refused to attend the lad because of Jiis condition. Probably the Minister had heard of these things. Mr Rhodes had inspected the pool that day, but though it had considerably improved Mr Mitchell said ho thought it his duty to bring tho matters under the Minister's attention. I lie reports had spread over the dominion, and needed ministerial refutation if unfeme. There was no supervision of those who entered the baths, and that was not right. " i Mr John Dodds said that practically wi, visitors complained of the pools. When one pool was cleaned out recently it was in a filthy condition. The water in the bathing pool had not been changed for ten weeks. He and others with him wero in business there, and they felt that something must be done to meet these charges. At present practically no water was going into the bath. They wanted these baths kept ln | condition above criticism. Mr P. Smith said that recent increases in the charges on the golf course had caused much adverse comment.

Mr J. Horwell said that the fact that three baths were closed at one m ? i$ causG( i inconvenience. Mr Rhodes, in reply, said that all the speakers had related what they heard, and what he wanted was facts. Ho had not heard these reports, and he could not believe that tho swimminc pool was contaminated. Onlookers had gone, in when the lock on the door was broken, but at no other time. Messrs Horwell and Mitchell said that they had seen onlookers in the old pool.

Dr Duncan said that bathers could use costumes provided they assured m r £7 llad no serious skin disease. Mr Rhodes said he could see that pine needles and roots had blocked the outlet, but that would bo attended to. Iho water was discoloured owing to broken wooden pipes. If dogs were taken in the pool the attendants would report tho fact. Dr Duncan: There have been no dogs m the pool in my time. The bath was not filled for eight weeks, but I had received no complaints, and Mr Mitchell s letter was the first notice received.

Mr Dodds: The petition shows that tho people aro dissatisfied Residents rr.«st get visitors to sneak of these things.

| Mr Rhodes: That is hardly fair. The complaints submitted came before mo. Mr Dodds: I object to the state of the grounds. Mr Rhodes said ho wont into tho matter last September, and ordered temporary work to be done. Everything that could be done had been done then. The Minister denied emphatically that the boy who milked the cows had' a serious disease. All he had was a rash. If the complainants had any regard for the place they would not spread such reports. As showing tho popularity of Hanmer, he quoted tho •' levenuo for the oast years as follows: — 1909, £1474; 1910, £1434; 1911, £1565; and to February 1 of the presont year, £1761. During the past two financial years the Department had spent £llß-5 on improvements and £3342 on salaries, wages and so on. The Public Works I Department also spent £9OS9. Mr | Rhodes said he was satisfied with the j attendance at the sanatorium and with I the public patronage. The sanatorium | was full, and had been so for a long time. Mr Mitchell: What are tho takings at the pools? Mf Rhodes: The figures are not available." Mr Mitchell: I know of the stato of the baths. You have been told. Mr Rhodes: I don't intend to argue. If you state a case I will reply to it. Mr Mitchell: I have been asked to bring these matters before you. Mr Rhodes denied tho accuracy of tho statement that the golf charges were excessive. Tho Government had spoilt £3OO on the links. Tho lighting on tho grounds might be improved. He would inquire into it, and would probably order an extra lamp or two. Hanmer was advertised in all the guide books, and what more could be done. Mr Smith said there were not many excursions, and the fares were high compared with the Cold Lakes and Rotorua. The Minister replied that for any alteration in the fares tho deputation must see tho Minister of Railways. He oould not grant the request for a pu!>lic investigation, but was prepared to go into the matter himself and gather all information. Ho had seen only one complaint in the daily newspapers, and if things were so bad tho resort would not havo had such a good season. Mr Smith asked why wealthy people were admitted to the sanatorium. Mr Rhodes said ho could not control the Friendly Societies who sent those patients. Dr Duncan explained fully about tho boy who milked tho cows, and said that he had only a nettle rash and no serious disease of any kind. Mr _ Mitcholl thanked ' the Minister for visiting Hanmer and for receiving the deputation. Mr Rhodes said ho was glad to moot thorn, and. ho hoped that in a few days all would bo' well at the sanatorium. As a Canterbury man he would do all he could for Hanmer, but he would not spoon-feed it or any place. The work necessary would be done. In the past Hanmer had a fair share of attention, and would do so in future.