GORE

Southland Times, Issue 23331, 15 October 1937, Page 4

GORE

SWIMMING BATHS LETTER SENT TO MINISTER

At a recent meeting of the Gore Borough Council the matter of providing swimming baths at Gore was brought to the public notice once again when a deputation consisting of Messrs E. H. W. Rowntree, R. G. Watson, J. H. Park, M. Green and Dr. R. G. Stokes waited on the council. The deputation received a good hearing and the matter was referred to the water and finance committees of the council for consideration. The project was advanced a further step this week when the deputation met the members of the original baths committee at Gore. It was reported by Mr Rowntree that at a meeting of representatives of the deputation and members of the water and finance committees of the council, the work of approaching the Minister of Internal Affairs (the Hon. W. E. Parry), had been delegated to those present by the sub-committee of the council, which also promised every assistance. Mr A. C. Steel reported that he had approached Mr D. McDougall, M.P., who had also promised to do all in his power to help the project along. After some discussion a letter was drafted to send to the Minister, and it was also decided to forward a copy to Mr McDougall. The rector of the Gore High School (Mr Rowntree) was also instructed, as representative of the head masters of the Gore schools, to bring the matter before the Minister of Education (the Hon. P. Fraser), asking for his co-operation. The letter to the Minister stated that the committee had noticed with a great amount of appreciation the noteworthy efforts the Minister had made since he had assumed office to arouse interest in, and to make provision for, all forms of sport leading to the development of a finer physique among the youth of the country. “We also note that you have emphasized the need for swimming baths as an important means to this end, and it is in this connection that we write to you to solicit the support of the Government in the provision of baths for Gore,” the letter continued. IMPORTANT FEATURES The letter then stressed the following important features: (a) There are no baths between Balclutha and Invercargill—a distance of nearly 100 miles; (b) The Mataura river, which runs through the town, is a sludge channel, and in addition all sewerage from the borough empties into it. People attempting to bathe are doing so under most unhealthy conditions and at the risk of their lives. Recently a number of people went swimming and bathing in the river and on two occasions several got into difficulties, considerable trouble being experienced in rescuing them because of the dangerous nature of the river; (c) There are over 1000 children attending the schools of Gore, and in a recent survey it was found that under 14 per cent, of the primary school children could swim at all and the majority of these only a few strokes, while less than 30 per cent, of the High School pupils could swim more than 25 yards. Thus, if only for the sake of the children alone, a swimming bath is an urgent necessity; (d) We feel in addition that public baths would supply a profitable means of occupying the increased leisure hours that so many of our youths have today, and which so few use to the best advantage. The letter then outlined a brief history of the negotiations to date. PERSONAL Mr W. C. F. Edgar, who has been on the staff of the Gore Magistrate’s Court for the last two years and who has been transferred to Dunedin on promotion leaves Gore today. Mr Edgar was farewelled yesterday afternoon by members of the court and police staffs when a presentation was made by Mr W. J. Blackler on behalf of those present. Mr Blackler said that Mr Edgar had been associated with the court staff and the police for the last two years and although the y were sorry to see him depart he was sure they were all pleased that he had received promotion. Sergeant J. Abel endorsed Mr Blackler’s remarks and wished Mr Edgar success in the future. Mr J. O. Brown and Constables W. Symons and H. E. Pearse (Waikaia) also spoke. Mr Edgar replied.