THE BATHS QUESTION.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1248, 30 January 1896, Page 20

THE BATHS QUESTION.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir, —It seems impossible to convince a majority of the City Councillors that the interests of the residents would be best served by the construction of one centrally situated, well appointed, enclosed bath. They have therefore settled the matter so far by deciding that there must, be one at each end of the city. It is, however, to be hoped that the Te Aro and Cook Ward representatives will insist that the baths provided for their constituents shall bo fresh water and enclosed. I am of opinion that due consideration has not boon given to all the facts in support of the latter scheme, and several points suggest themselves to me of considerable importance. First of all there is the question,of revenue. I tmbmit that it is the duty of the Councillors to see that the money for which the ratepayers are taxed so heavily should be used so as to give the best possible return. Will sea baths do this ? I think that they certainly would not and could not. Why ? Because, in the first place, bathing cannot be carried on all through the year, and by night not at all. The very opposite is the case in enclosed baths. Winter would make very little difference, and there would probably be far more bathing after dusk than during the day. 2. Enclosed baths are always much more convenient and effective for teaching swimming, as the school children would always be independent of bad weather and low tides. 3. It would give proper facilities for ladies, and allow them to bathe with some degree of comfort and security. In support of these reasons, let me point out in regard to open sea baths that there ia one in existence now that does not pay, in which very little training to school children has ever been given, that is frequented (with the exception of a heroic few) only in the warmer months, and that very few ladies ever bathe in at all. Further, I think the Swimming Club ought to be considered. If there is anything in the fact that there are so many swimming clubs in Christchurch, it is because there is such splendid accommodation for them in the enclosed baths. They have their aquatic displays and competitions. But if open sea baths are erected at Te Aro there can be little or nothing of this kind. In all large towns these exhibitions are held at night, and are well patronised by the public. I need scarcely say this is impossible unless the baths are enclosed. I would also point out that the revenue derrved from clubs would probably be no inconsiderable amount. Then there is the question of the impurity of the water. The idea that so far as the open sea baths are concerned this will be entirely cured when the drainage is diverted is simply absurd. So l on i» as we have nor'-westers churning up the mud, and all the refuse from the ships is discharged into the harbour, just so long will the water on the foreshore be polluted, and the diversion of the drainage will affect the matter very littlo. In conclusion, I would remind Councillor Pevino that his motion (if by it he means the erection of open salt water baths) is quite unnecessary. They are there already for all and sundry who like to use them. Auckland and Christchurch have shown wisdom in what they have done in providing magnificent enclosed fresh water baths for the people. If our Councillors are wise they will follow to© example.—l am, &c., Y. . J - Old J?A3?BBSt,