BATHING FACILITIES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LI, Issue 15548, 4 March 1914, Page 10

BATHING FACILITIES.

TAKAPUNA AND MILFORD.

COUNCIL TAKING ACTION.

PKOPOSED SCHEME DISCUSSED.

The lack of suitable accommodation for bathers on the Milford and Takapnna beaches, and on almost every frequented beach in the vicinity of Auckland, has been a subject for much criticism and discussion of late. The matter was discussed at a special meeting of the Takapnna Borough Council last evening, when a scheme was submitted by the Streets and Works Committee for the erection of dressing pavilions on the Milford and Takapuna beaches.

The Mayor (Mr. E. W. Alison) pointed out that the necessity for making ample provision for bathing demanded that the council should supply reasonable accommodation on both beaches. As a result of an inspection by the committee, suitable sites for dressing-sheds had been chosen —three on the Lake Beach and one on Milford Beach. The proposed sites were at suitable distances apart, and were as follows:On the Lake Beach: Opposite Ewen Street, at a cost of £213; opposite Beach Avenue, at a cost of £213; and at the wharf end of the promenade, at a cost of £200. The building on Milford Beach, which was to be of concrete, would cost £290, making a total cost of £916. -

The Mayor said the important question was whether the council felt justified in expending the sum of £1000, which the total cost would amount to, out of the general revenue. The work, if commenced immediately, could not be completed before the middle of April, when the summer season would be practically over. He therefore thought it would be advisable to postpone the carrying out of the scheme until next season. The plans submitted by the committee showed the buildings to "be«of handsome appearance, divided into two compartments, one for men and one for women. Accommodation was provided in each of the Lake Beach pavilions for about 40 persons, and in the Milford Beach pavilion for about 60 persons. The majority of the councillors were of opinion that this would be quite inadequate for the thousands of people who visit these beaches from one summer's end to the other.

hr. E. E. Grim wade considered that the locker system in vogue on the Sydney beaches should be adopted, so that as many bathers as could standi in the space' provided could use'the pavilion and still keep their belongings, separate and intact. During the year, he said, the numoer of peolpe that had visited the beaches had practically been governed by tie number that the Takapuna Tramway "Company could carry. When the time came that the company could carry 20,000 people in a day there would be 20,000 people on the beaches.

The Mayor said the scheme would certainly not repay any portion of the capital outlay, and all they could expect .was that the fees for accommodation and for bathing suits would cover expenses such as the employment of custodians. After farther discussion it was decided to defer consideration of the matter until after the end of the financial year, March 31, and that a committee consisting of the Mayor and Messrs. A. E. Warnock, F.'E. Gaudin. A. Raynes, and W. Blomfield should go fully into the question and prepare a report.