BATHS FOR OTAHUHU

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22722, 7 May 1937, Page 14

BATHS FOR OTAHUHU

COUNCIL ACTION URGED DEPUTATION TO THE MAYOR The need of an open-air swimming bath at Otahuhu was emphasised by a large and representative deputation of ratepayers and residents which met the Mayor, 31 r. C. R. Petrie, in the municipal chambers last night. It was introduced by Mr. H. S. Hunter, who said there was general support in the community for the provision of a bath. Otahuhu and its immediate districts had a population of fully 10,000. If a pool were available it would also serve districts as far distant as Ellerslie and Manurewa. Mr. A. Murdoch, headmaster of the primary school, said his 16 years' association with the district convinced him of its needs regarding swimming facilities. The Mayor said ho had received a letter from the principal of the Otahuhu Technical High School expressing great interest in the movement, and stating that the school would pay for any facilities provided for the scholars. A former Mayor, Mr. H. T. Clements, said lie considered a definite move should now bo made. He did not think there would bo any serious opposition from ratepayers if the scheme was on a sound business basis. A swimming pool could be provided as a Coronation commemoration. Mr. F. W. Grey said the Otahuhu Swimming Club was alive to the necessity for a pool. It was found that only about 20 per cent of tho Otahuhu schoolchildren could swim. Mr. J. Trenwith moved a resolution urging the Mayor and council to consider the advisability of building a modern pool. The Mayor said the needs were obvious and he considered the time opportune. Two difficulties had to be faced in getting the consent of the ratepayers and the Local Government Loans Board, as a loan would be necessary. Ho estimated that from £7500 to '£Booo would bo required. He did not anticipate any opposition from tho ratepayers, as he had found parents ready to make sacrifices for the benefit of children. The interest and sinking fund on a loan would bo about £375 annually, which was equivalent to about Id in the pound on 75 per cent of the unimproved valuation. "To the average household that would only mean 2s a year," added tlie Mavor. In 10 vears' time the Borough Council had loans totalling £17.800 maturing. Under the council's present policv all footpaths would be permanently laid in concrete inside six years and all roads scaled in two years without recourse to loans. _ The resolution was unanimously adopted and the Mavor promised to bring the scheme betore tho council and the ratepayers.