BATHS.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 931, 3 January 1890, Page 27

BATHS.

Again we approach the subject of sea baths for this

city. Nothing has yet been done, that we have heard, to provide that essential—commodious baths for both sexes in a proper locality. We shall continue to reiterate, in connection with this subject, until something is done, and we commend it to the earnest, thoughtful consideration of the new Mayor. To be the originator of really good baths would redound to the credit of the civic chair during theyear’9o. Absolutely convenient and well-appointed baths, located as far from sewage outfalls as practicable, are what the city needs beyond anything except a perfect drainage system. We regard baths as even more important than a free library, but the twain "might very well go hand in hand, and the Mayor, who succeeded in establishing them, would earn the everlasting gratitude and commendation of the citizens. For want of baths our young people are growing up in a state of ignorance as regards swimming, which, _ in a climate like ours and amidst a semi-aquatic community like that of New Zealand generally, and Wellington in particular, is anything but creditable to all concerned. In England swimming has\ come to be regarded as a factor of education. Here is what a recent issue of the Lancet says about it ; .As a form of gymnastic movement, and an aid to cleanliness, it is alike valuable, especially to children attending town schools. As our principal safeguard against the risk of drowning it is simply indispensable. It is, further, most* easy to learn, and once learnt is never forgotten. We have therefore observed with much satisfaction a growing tendency not only in Board schools, but in schools generally, to include the teaching of swimming in the regular course of education. The latest advance in this direction is a very decided one taken by the School Board of Aston Manor, Birmingham. It consists in a resolution to erect swimming baths for the benefit of the scholars, and the project, it appears, has been approved by the Education Department. Into the financial ethics of this new departure we need not enter. In many districts, happily, no such extensive reform would be required in order to secure the end in view. Public baths are to be found in many inland towns, and might at set times he utilised by the school children. What is in every case necessary is that swimming should be recognised in the regular educational course, and taught by competent persons (who might hold some other office besides) to every boy and girl. Every word of this ought to find hearty endorsement out here. For swimming is almost as much an essential to New Zealanders as to South Sea Islanders or African Krumen. The Colony has abnormally long sea and river boards. It consists of three islands reticulated by rivers and streams. Water is nearly everywhere, and, while it is a priceless blessing, it is als i a source of great danger to all who are not its playfellows. Men and women should he alike at home in the water, and then drowning risks, from tho variety of causes in whioh they originate, would be reduced to a minimum. Swimming should be made a part of the State schools’ curriculum, as well as training boys to be stout soldiers and girls to be good nurses in the service of their country. And in the Wellington district there is so much water accommodation that no excuse can he offered for not turning it to account in the direction we have indicated.. If the city of Wellington moved! in the direction by establishing proper baths and developing the art of swimming in the young people of the schools, ths example could scarcely fail in breeding contagion. Pitone, the Hutt, Porirua, Pauatalianui, and other places anywhere where baths could be constructed in. riveror sea, would certainly do likewise, bathing’all the year round and stqpt. swimmers would become the rnhj, instead, as now, the discreditable exception. Here we are in the height of summer, and, excepting the one unattractive bathing place, there is nowhere in this harbour of Ipng' and commodious beach line wherq adult or juvenile can take a sea dip in absolute safety and, comfort. Again we. urge the MJayor to, take this matter in, hapcl apd remove the stigma that rests, upon th,o. municipality.