BATHS FOR PARNELL.

New Zealand Herald, Volume L, Issue 15237, 26 February 1913, Page 9

BATHS FOR PARNELL.

AN UP-TO-DATE SCHEME.

NEAR POINT RESOLUTION.

Ose of the matters -which will engage the attention of the Greater Auckland Council -wiit be the providing of salt-water bathing facilities at Parnell, and a scheme for baths, which has been prepared by Mr. J. Rogers, late engineer to the borough, will probably receive favourable consideration.

Mr. Rogers is of opinion that the most) central and ideal position for the baths is near Point Resolution. There is a natural cove or bay on the western frontage of the point, which is admirably adapted for the purpose of forming a largo swimming basin. Nature has to a largo extent formed the superstructure for the proposed baths. On the eastern and western faces of the cove there are largo and imposing spurs of papa rock, while in tie background and on the southern face the d iff of papa rock rises to a considerable height, and generally affords a natural shelter, while at the same time offering a splendid view over the proposed enclosure.

Tho scheme provides for the construction of a ferro-concrete wall about 210 ft ia length, to connect the eastern and western rocky Bptirs, and tliereby form a swimming pool approximating 200 ft in length and 80ft in width, giving a surface area at high water of 13,200 square feet. The swimming pool for a width of 40ft would be Bft in depth, and the remainder would be graded so as to give a maximum depth of 2ft 6m aTong its southern boundary. The bath would fill below high water, through suitable spill-ways, constructed at intervals, and provision would have to be made for periodical emptying by means of necessary drains, controlled by sluice valves. The spill-ways would be fitted with ferro-concreto coping in continuation of the main wall coping, and wonld be filled in with cast-iron screens, so as to prevent the ingress of floating debris or large fish.

On three sides of the swimming pool Mr. Rogers proposes that a promenade 14ft in width should be formed. This would have a facing of cement, concrete to the water, while the flooring or pavement of the same would bo constructed of bituminous concrete.

At the rear, and abutting on the promenade, it is proposed; that dressing-boxes for the convenience of men should be placed on one side, and similar dressingboxes for women on the other si"e. Attached to these provisions is made for fresh- shower baths and lavatories. Over the top of the dressing-boxes tho scheme provides for a gallery for the accommodation of the general public.

The main wall would be finished with a cantilever coping, oft 6in in width, to complete the circuit of the promenade. This would also be available for diving purposes. Suitable guard fencing would be placed on the promenade on its northern face.

The construction of the forro-concrote wall, promenades, dressing-boxes, etc., complete, together with necessary excavation and formation work, is estimated by Mr. Rogers to cost approximately the small amount of £2500. Ho considers, rjso, that a pontoon staging, which could be erected at small cost, should be built from the baths to Cleveland Road, and thus make the baths easily accessible to the majority of the residents of Parnell. t A similar bath to that proposed by Mr. Rogers is situated at the Isle of Alan, and has proved a success in every way.

In addition to any baths that might bo constructed, the Mayor (Mr. C. J- Parr) considers that dressing-sheds should bo built on various parte of the beaches. It is expected;, therefore, that by next summer the people of Parnell will no longer have cause to lament the lack of bathing facilities in the district.