LETTERS TO THE EDITOR.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 15885, 3 October 1913, Page 3

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR.

ST. CLAIR BATHS. Sib,—Permit me to. call the attention of bathera in particular, and citizens generally, to the dilapidated state of the St Clair baths. The lovely sunshine tempted me to ride out there this morning, an ideal morning for a f.wim. But woe is me: I was sadly disappointed to find the baths contained more sand than water, and a largo space of the cementl wall is broken away, allowing the water to run out, and giving ono the impression that tho authorities place no value on their property. St. Clair baths are safe, beautifully situated, highly appreciated by all swimmers, and a delight to the boys and girls, and it is therefore a shame and a disgrace that they should bo thus, neglected. I spoke to the caretaker, and he explained to me that he had again and again made application to tho Domain Board to have the necessary work done, but without result. Surf-bathing is no doubt a fashionable craze just now, and it is very attractive for many, but in the, baths one can have tho same delightful! exercise, and enjoy it to the full without the element of danger always attached to bathing in the open. I hope tho Domain Board will, without any delay, see that the swimming baths are cleaned out and the breach in the wall repaired, so that we can all enjoy a morning din in what, if it were enlarged a bit, would b» one of the finest sea baths in the world.—l am, etc., W. J. Fife. Dunedih, October 2. DR HUNTER AND THJ/HOSPITAL. Sin,—Dr Gordon Macdonald does not answer my questions. In 1904 I reported that tho warders and porters were passing oatheters at the Dunedin Hospital. On February 21, IMS, appeared the report ol the staff in the Otago Daily Times of that date: "In regard to complaints re porters and warders, tho staff say that it. is the universal custom to leave certain duties to the nurses (male and female) under the instructions of the surgeon or physician, and that the staff lias no knowledge 'if these in_ the Dunedin Hospital exceeding their duties."

.Some .months before that the Auckland hospital Commission had disapproved oi ;ho above practice. I thought that perhaps Dr_ Gordon Macdonald, in his new role nf university reformer, might throw some light on this apparent incongruity. I also thought he might explain why the practice was at once stopped.—l am,- etc., October 2. lawix Hunter.