SWIMMING BATHS FOR MOSGIEL

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22823, 6 March 1936, Page 5

SWIMMING BATHS FOR MOSGIEL

PUBLIC MEETING A nvpctiug of those interested in the formation of swimming baths for Mosgiel was held in the Coronation Hall last evening. The Mayor (Mr A. F. (juelch) presided and was supported on the stage by some prominent citizens, including Mr Kaye (rector of the local High School), Mr G. A. Rutherford (chairman of the School Committee) and Mr F. Smeaton (president of the Citizens' Association). The chairman said they had met to consider the question of public baths for the town. The question .had occupied the minds of townspeople for some time. He explained temporary measures made use of up to the present at the Silverstream, but it was now felt that, like other inland towns, baths should be erected in the borough, where children could learn to swim. He suggested that representatives of the various bodies should form a committee and bring forward a report to U future meeting. Details of the baths erected in other inland towns were mentioned. The popular size appeared to be about 100 feet by 40 feet; The Borough Council could not undertake the work at present. A loan might be obtained, but he doubted if the Loans Board would approve of it. The council, however, would give any assistance it could. He expressed the hope that the proposal would become an accomplished fact. I)r Boroninn, of the High School staff, stressed the necessity for baths to the children to learn to swim. He gave' the maintenance costs of several swimming baths in adjoining towns. Mr Kaye endorsed the remarks of the previous speakers, and explained the attitude of the Education Board towards the cost of teaching school children to swim where baths were erected. Mr Smeaton referred to the many attempts made in recent years. The late Expansion League had taken the matter up. but it had been compelled to abandon the idea. Former councils had been unsympathetic. Stating that towns of fewer than 1000 of a population had raised up to £750 for baths, he remarked that Mosgiel, with a population of 2000. should manage the cost of public baths by a queen carnival or similar method. Mr Rutherford, referring to the attitude of the education boards of New Zealand, said times were changing. The Dominion Federation of SchooJ Committees was hopeful that the new Minister of Education would be sympathetic, and financial help might yet be available. He appealed for the support of the young people. At this stage a motion was carried unanimously that steps be taken to have a public baths erected. It was decided to ask all school committees, sports clubs, women's institutes, bands and similar organisations to send two delegates to a meeting in a fortnight's time to draw up a scheme. Mr J. D. Beid was appointed acting secretary.