CAMP SWIMMING BATHS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23838, 13 December 1940, Page 6

CAMP SWIMMING BATHS

"We look upon a job like that as a mere bagatelle these days," said the Minister of Public Works, Mr. Semple, when the question of providing a swimming bath at. the Papakura military camp was referred to him more than 12 months ago. But, in spite of the trifling nature of the work to be performed, another summer is at hand and the camp, one of the three most heavily employed in the Dominion, still lacks its swimming facilities. This delay has been criticised by members of the Auckland Metropolitan Patriotic Committee and their protests are supported by Dr. T. H. Pet tit, president of the Auckland centre of the New Zealand Amateur Swimming Association. In a camp like Papakura a swimming bath would appear to be essential. At Trentham, the troops have reasonable access to river bathing ; at Burnham, a full-size swimming pool will be ready for use early in the new year; but at Papakura. where summer heat is likely to be far more pronounced, the provision of this most desirable amenity goes no further than a half-remembered Ministerial promise. In November of last year, Mr. Semple expressed the view that it would be best to bring water from the sea through a mile-long pipeline to supply the projected baths at Papakura, but even if that task proves more than the bagatelle mentioned by the Minister, fresh water from the new local supply will shortly be available. Ample machinery must surely be at hand for the excavation of a reasonably sized pool and, as expensive dressing sheds and other facilities are not immediately necessary, no valid excuse exists for any further postponement in providing what is virtually a camp necessity.