KAIKORAI IMPROVEMENTS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19255, 20 August 1924, Page 4

KAIKORAI IMPROVEMENTS.

AX ENTHUSIASTIC MEETING. In the Kaikorai School last night a public meeting was held to consider (he resuscitation of the Katkorai swimming baths and also to discuss the question of a playing area for the children of the district. Alter Sir Bell had outlined tho purpose of tho meeting. Sir J. H. F. Hamel was elected chairman. Mr Hamel outlined the early history of the baths, and stated that after the death of the custodian they were allowed to fall irto disuse. He had noticed that in spite of the dilapidated condition of the pool boys and even young men bathed there, A letter had been received from the city engineer estimating the cost of the repairs at £SOO. Ho thought those plans must he most elaborate and that the necessary repairs could bo effected at a considerably smaller cost. With regard to tho children’s playground he thought that they should go as a deputation to tho City Council and ask for help. Tho recently-formed Ratepayers’ Association might render some assistance. It- was to be regretted that this action had been found necessary after their joining tho city in such a sound financial position. Dr Stuart Moore said he could give only expert advice. ]|. was a pity that they could not take advantage of the opportunities which offered. They could ask the health authorities to examine the creek water for tho baths, and if it were not suitable '"or use it was the duty of the department lo make it so. The desirability of the baths was beyond question. Mr Bell said (hut. when (lie residents had waited upon (ho City Council as a deputation they had received a very sympathetic hearing. <V Sincock had assured thorn that if they were, in earnest and could find part of the cost, ni the same time appointing a caretaker, tho council would Ire willing to reinstate tho baths. However. Mr Bell stated, if the cost of the repairs wore to be £st)3 they would do better to abandon tho idea. The letter really had the appearance of a veil herring. Jro thought that £2OO was much nearer the mark.

Mr MTnlosh said he bad been connected with the swimming club which was formed in connection with the baths. On the death of the custodian the club had been asked to take the baths over, but of course the undertaking was too big. With regard to tho playing area ho stated that the council had pnt a couple of see-saws on the proposed site, and had done nothing further. The district w£is badly served in regard In playgrounds. Mr Buchler pointed out that the Kaikorai School would derive great benefit from both the baths and the playing area.

Mr PiuTnn suggested (hat a returned soldier should ho put in charge of (ho baths and tho playing area, f'r J. K. MncManus said hn had mine to obtain first-hand information. lie hail voted against the closing of (lie baths when the matter had come before the council, lie knew that that _ body would look upon any representations in the proper spirit. He was surprised that the reserve had been left untouched. It was finally resolved to refer both matters to tho Ratepayers and Householders’ Association.