THE BATHS QUESTION.

Southland Times, Issue 19389, 1 November 1924, Page 4

THE BATHS QUESTION.

After a full discussion in Committee with the architect present, the Town Councillors have decided to go to the ratepayers again with a view to seeking their permission to increase the amount allotted for the Tepid Baths by roughly, £3OOO. By the decision of this meeting, a check will be given to the suggestion made in several quartern that the plans for the proposed Tepid Baths are too elaborate and constitute a waste of public money. This suggestion was made in the Council when the subject was discussed a few weeks ago, but evidently the Baths Committee and the architect have been able to show that it is better to constreet a baths in accordance with the plans decided upon, than to risk the ruin of the whole scheme by cheese-paring. The estimate of the baths under the Baths Committee’s scheme, was £15,000, and as the original loan was for £12,500, it means that the ratepayers are to be asked for the authority to expend an additional £3OOO. It may be pointed out that this represents an additional expenditure of £lBO to £2OO a year—not a very large item when the value of the Tepid Baths to the community is considered. It is to be hoped that there will be no undue delay in putting the issue before the ratepayers.* The Tepid Baths proposals have been held up for far too long a time already, and no good reason can be served by increasing this delay. At the same time, we heartily endorse the claims of the Pleasure Bay Swimming Club to some consideration at the hands of the Council. The President of the Club at the opening day’s ceremonies, was rather unfortunate in his criticism of the Tepid Baths scheme, but his doleful remarks should not prejudice the club’s application for financial aid in its work of improving that part of the Estuary which is called Pleasure Bay. References were made to the expenditure of £2OOO, but we doubt very much if the Corporation could be induced to grant anything like that sum for immediate use at this work. Some work could be done however, and the Council must bear in mind that nothing can be done at Pleasure Bay which will in any way mitigate the demand for a Tepid Baths.