PUBLIC BATHS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 13837, 26 February 1907, Page 3

PUBLIC BATHS.

A meeting of tho Publio Baths Committee was held in Messrs Park, Reynolds, and Co.'s rooms last evening, when tliero were presoiit-tlio Hon. J. B. Callim (chairnnr.n), Cr London, and Messrs J. A. Park, 'janu-s M'lndoc, R. G. Whetter, F. H. Campbell, A. M'Millan, W. a. Davidson, J. C. l<. Sibbald, and A. K, Barclay. J1.J1.R.. and J. F. Arnold, M.11.R. Or London, who had boon asked to obfain some information in regard (o the baths xcsfivo sot nsidc by Hie City Council, said lie had found? on making inquiries, that (lie reserve (hat had been set aside for public baths had for the past 10 years yielded a gross revenue of £1342 10s, and now yielded an annual revenue of £131 ss. This sum, ho thought, could bo earjrarkix! and set rsido to assist the baths project. The proposal lo establish public baths would, he held, be considered by tho City Council, as every boy and girl in the community should have an easy and healthy opportunity of learning how to swim. The reserve was set asie'e for a special purpose, and tho revenue therefrom had for tho last 30 years gone into the municipal account. If that amount had been set aside at interest there would by this timo have ljeeii a substantial amount to devolo to the baths project. No doubt if the council wore approached in tho matter it would see tho justice of earmarking this sum to assist in tho public baths movement

Mr Park said that they, ehould show the City Council that they vero entitled to this revenue from tho baths reserve, and Migfwstetl that tho £130 received as revenue each year should be set asitlo and devoted to tho upkeep of the baths. Mr Davidson said the present time was opportune for holding a public meeting. Money was now being collected for the. purpose of establishing the JMullxnv memorial, and people, were intensely inlercsic<l in the question o f life-saving. If they did not take advantage of the present opportunity they would bo missing u verv favourable one.

Tho Chairman said if there was a strong fccliiifi in that direction at the Drcseiit tune it would be as well to hold a publ'c meeting. They had decided on that l«v resolution at a previous meeting. Mr Campbell said that if (hoy wore i going |o bavo a public meeting tlwv must have a good one. Tlwy would reqiiire (o work up sufficient interest to got a. Rood attomlaiiee of the public. The Chairman said it would be incumbent upon (hose orgunisinß public mooting to son that it was a good one. Tiie meeting sliouid be in the direction of influencing tlio pnUie to prevail upon the. City Couni'il fo undertake the establishing of public baths.

A sub-committee, /insisting of Messrs ■Dcnmslon, Park, Davidewi, Campbell,

M'lndoe, Smart, Whetter, the Hon. Mr Callan, and Mr Barclay, M.H.R., was sot up to make all arrangements in connection with tho holding of a. public meeting.