MUNICIPAL TEPID BATHS

New Zealand Times, Volume XLIX, Issue 11251, 1 July 1922, Page 2

MUNICIPAL TEPID BATHS

DEPUTATION TO CITY COUNCIL. "BAD FINANCIAL PROPOSITION,” SAYS! THE) MAYOR, A plea for the provision of tepid municipal salt water baths in Wellington was made to the City Council by a deputation consisting of representatives of the Swimming Association, the Royal Life Saving Society, and the Rotary Club. . Mr P. Rundle (Swimming Association) stressed the urgent need of such baths, and remarked that they could be made quite a payable proposition. The association was endeavouring to encourage swimming among the boys: tliaf the value of its efforts had already been instanced in the performances of Lieutenant-Colonel B. Frey berg* V.C. Mr G. S. Hill, on behalf of the Life Saving Society, referred to the loan provisions already mad© for the construction of baths. Hot salt water baths were the onlv reasons ble form of baths for the city. They might not pay their way, but as a municipal undertaking that should be overlooked in view of the benefit to the people. The Mayor 5 How are you to make up the deficiency? Are you in favour of inertensiner the rates? Mr Hill said the expense could be shouldered by the community. The c.ty would be lacking in its dutv to the T?o----ple, and breaking its faith to the ratepayers, if central tepid salt water baths ££re not provided. It was long past the time when they should be constructed. Dr Herbert (Rotary Club) instanced the value of municipal baths to the health of the people, which must be the first consideration. It should be the primary duty of the municipal authorities to furnish , up-to-date bathing facilities. There would be little left but the street and the pictures for the working man's child if municipal baths were not constructed. He also advocated Turkish baths and a first-class gymnasium to be built in conjunction with the baths. He was sure it would be one of the best paying propositions for the council. Tlie Mayor (Mr R. A. Wright. M.IM, in reply, referred to the financial difficulty. He wished such things could be provided, and made to pay their own way without the necessity for increased rates. Tepid baths were a bad financial undertaking everywhere. (Dissent.) If the people were agreeable to increases in rates the council would provide anything they wanted. He assured the deputation that their representations would bo carefully considered. > The matter was referred to the financ« committee for consideration.