THE MANAGEMENT OF THE PUBLIC BATHS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 18077, 27 October 1920, Page 3

THE MANAGEMENT OF THE PUBLIC BATHS.

The number of letters to hand discussing tlio management of Ihe l'ublio Baths malio a little judicious consideration nccossary. The gist ot the correspondence is given below: — 1 John liav believes there ia only one private bathroom at the Public Baths, situated in a dark comer, and at ccrtain times it is not available for men. In Christchurch there are I*l, and at times patrons havo to wait their turn, while the charge ia just half our city charge. Our correspondent knows nothing about tho management beyond the fact that his boy has a good word for Air Olds. ''Progress': claims to havo evidence why at least six 'swimmers will not patronise the baths, and these will in turn doubtless discourage their friends from attending. The evidence is ut the disposal of tho Duncdin City ■ Council if wanted. I{ certain people will not attend in the capacity of learners j which reason .may later be tho oause of tho loss of life, is it not better to consider the question of a change of management? He thinks the evidence would be greatly ill favour of such a change. "Trudge'* considers "Old Swimmer" nearest Ihc mark ;n explaining the attendance at tho ! bath?;. Taking into consideration tie num- ' ber of new swim mors who have attended j the baths he elbes not think it can be ; merely the "management" that is at fault. Boys and girls are taught swimming at school, and learn to delight in it as a sport, yet they leave the baths just when they are becoming most proficient. This correspondent says they have not lest inteTest in swimming -because they attend carnivals as spectators, but one is at a loss to understand why they liavo withdrawn from talcing active parts. "A Very Active Swimmer" combats the contention of "Inactive Swimmer" that the present management of the baths should bo immediately changed. "A Verv Active Swftnmer holds a position in the DA.S.C., and he thinks a few words about the Otago £K atour Shimming Centre will not go amies. -there are four members who have no right to be there," he says, ''and it is these members, assisted by the Y.M.CJL, who are the cause of this "underhand work," He says that tho centre and the Y.M.C.A. Club are apparently sacrificing the interests of swimming to gratify their petty, unfounded grievances. ' Ho sees no. reason fa* changing the management. Kegular Swimmer," who patronises the tepid baths and is an old patron of the pastime, regrets the present state of affairs with regard to swimming in'Dunedin. PersonaDy lie has always found the baths in good order and tho custodian willing and anxious to assist swimmers and learners in every possible way, and has never at any time heard anyone question his capabilities a S l mnim<2r or as a teacher of' swimming Regular Swimmer" asks what is the objection to the custodian, and suggests that the sooner the difference of opinion is adjusted the better for the sport. The disaffected should either come out , into the open and havo the matters in dispute properly settled, or they shouid bury the hatchet and .work for the good of the Bport in IXinedin. A. A. -Savage is doubtful whether "Inactive bwimmer is sure of his statement re the management of the baths. He questions very much whether the City Council has awakened to the causa of small attendance at the baths. j -»r° U ,S?i - rs , are *' 10 ma -naging directors and Jtr Olds is the under man. Ae the latter receives very little scope or feacouragement from them I would say that thev aro tho responsible) persons if there is mismanagement Tho sport is not hampered by tho man m charge of the baths-it is encouraged ™ P° 93lble way- The council should , tho . responsibility of its own affairs instead of thrusting it upon the shoulders of a man who is doing his utmost to encourage and to teach the art. As a frequent visitor to the baths he testifies to their scrupulously clean condition. Ho thinks if a ]itf]e "xre personal attention to the bathe, and visited tliem when a camiral i 0 on, and if "Inactivo Swimmer" desires to see -whether Mr Olds is an efficient man ho should visit the baths on Saturday next during, the carnival.