BATHING FACILITIES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LI, Issue 15496, 1 January 1914, Page 6

BATHING FACILITIES.

There.is' no more healthy pastime than sea-bathing, and in no other centre in the Dominion are there so many natural facilities for its indulgence as exist in Auckland. This city is as richly endowed in that respect as it is in the matter of parks and domains. Anyone of the numerous sandy beaches to be found on our northern and southern shores would be prized in less-favourably situated centres, and full use would be made of. such a desirable asset. But what do we • see in Auckland 1 With the exception of Shelly Beach, at Ponsonby— in addition to a swimming bath that the sexes have, to share alternately, and • two scarcely adequate dressing-sheds— and of Cheltenham Beach— ridiculously-limited dressing accommodation is ' provided—the paucity of facilities for bathers is an outstanding feature of the Northern metropolis.' The belated provision of salt-water baths at Parnell is certainly in hand, and there is reasonable prospect of a ' new waterfront bath in s Customs Street West by next season. But what'of the beaches? Summer after summer the same justifiable complaint is heard. There are long stretches of sand and wide expanses of sea, but bathing can only be.enjoyed at the best by the few, and in more cases by none at all. On every beach on either shore bathing ' facilities should be provided. Bath buildings and dress-ing-sheds need not be built upon too elaborate a scale. No lavish expenditure need be undertaken. At quitea trifling: cost, fine beaches such as those at Takapuna might be speedily converted .into second Manlys by the simple provision,of commodious dressing shelters. . The wonder, is that civic and local "authorities are so blind to the obvious, and vso deaf to. the constantly recurring . demand, Public convenience and public health: demand the, serious consideration/" f ,this question. A'determination* to j popularise, the beaches and to encourage sea-bathing by the multi-j tude is all that is necessary, for the j cost would be trifling, in • comparison i with'; the" wholesome pleasure to ;be j obtained.', ■„...' . .'■..■-■ ■~'... ■':.: ... ,- c^|