On Public Swimming Baths.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2398, 3 February 1899, Page 3

On Public Swimming Baths.

The Wairarapa Star , commenting on some complaint that the people of Masterton are apathetic in regard to establishing public swimming baths, says: —Swimming in cold water is a splendid exercise and acts as a tonic on the human frame, but its cleansing effects are very limited, an after a certain point, blocks the emission of foul matter from the pores of the skin. It should succeed not precede any operation intended to cleanse the skin,which is the order in the Turkish or Russian (vapour) bath. This brings us exactly to the point where we can perceive the right position that the swimming bath ought to occupy as regards both time and order, in the improvements, of this town Its use would be limited to a certain number of persons, probably the young and vigorous, but what.is first required is a bath in each dwelling, both hot and cold water which can be used by every inmate of that dwelling, from the youngehild to the aged patriarch. This, as a matter of cleanliness, essential for " health; wo maintain is an absolute necessity, whilst on the other hand a swimming bath is a pleasant p.istime, conducive to. health, but not in all cases required for that purpose, and in no case can replace the. bath which is solely used for cleansing purposes. We go one step further in this matter. Let us suppose that Master ton in the course of a few years has reached that desirable point that every house; contains a bath for domestic purposes,. ... We maintain that a public laundry ought to take the precedence of swimming baths. The way in which family washing is now carried out in this town is most injurious to the health, and should be stopped as soon as circumstances will permit. Surely the men owe this reform to their female relatives. This can only be accomplished by the erection of a public laundry.