Lake Wakatip Mail. QUEENSTOWN, TUESDAY JAN. 30, 1940 Proposed Baths For Queenstown

Lake Wakatip Mail, Issue 4452, 30 January 1940, Page 2

Lake Wakatip Mail. QUEENSTOWN, TUESDAY JAN. 30, 1940 Proposed Baths For Queenstown

THE Borough Council will have before it at its meeting on Thursday a communication from the Queenstown Citizens’ Carnival Association asking it to take the necessary steps to provide a swimming bati in Queenstown. The Association’s request will be backed upi with the substantial contribution 01 £760 towards the project. There is a feeling in some quartern that the purpose for which the money be spent should be 1 submitted to the general public for its approval or otherwise. In years past the public hast apparently been content to leave the conduct of the carnival in the hands of a few public-spirited individuals and there has been no' objection to the manner in which they have been carried out, nor has there been any objection to the project of swimming baths which was determined on some years ago after considering several other proposals. We think it will be considered by most people, particularly parents, that swimming baths will provide a more ready and safe method of learning how to swim. During the present holiday season close on 30 persons have been drowned in 'different parts of New Zealand while bathing or boating simply through lack of knowledge of the art of swimming. We have our lakes and rivers and it is admitted that many acquire the art but there are hundreds, who for the want of proper tuition in a safe pool or bath are denied the knowledge. It is undeniable that baths would ensure a greater number of swimmers and consequently a grow* ing immunity from accidents,. The fascination of enjoying a swim in the vt-mider spaces provided by the' lake, sea or river would then hold no terror for the initiated. In the past the League has entrusted it® undertakings to the local Borough Council and in thisi instance this body will no doubt bo pleased to reicommend the proposal to the Govt. Employment Promotion Dept. _ with a. view to obtaining a substantial subsidv towards the labour entailed.