The Stratford Evening Post With which is Incorporated "THE EGMONT SETTLER" (Established 1890) THURSDAY, JULY 18, 1936. MUNICIPAL BATHS FOR STRATFORD.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume IV, Issue 160, 18 June 1936, Page 4

The Stratford Evening Post With which is Incorporated "THE EGMONT SETTLER" (Established 1890) THURSDAY, JULY 18, 1936. MUNICIPAL BATHS FOR STRATFORD.

WHILE it is unfortunate that the cost of installing tepid baths was prohibitive, Stratford, when its new municipal baths are completed, will be able to con gratulate itself on having swimming facilities comparable with the best available in New Zealand and far ahead of those in most country towns. The design of the baths, as approved by the Borough Council, is excellent. As far as the average swimmer, wanting his "dip" after work, is concerned, the first thing he asks for is clean water to swim in, and for this Stratford's new baths make full provision. Before a bather can enter either bath, he has to pass through a shallow foot-bath at each entrance, through guard-rails which surround the bath. At the east end of the main bath there will be a fountain which will be used for aerating the water. The swimmer will find the baths attractive, with their glazed tiles or highly-glazed cement (the tiles, by the way, would probably be preferable), and the provision of a strip of lawn for sun-bathing will be appreciated. Children will be catered for by the smaller bath. For the racing swimmer, tho baths will be ideal. Both for swimming and diving they conform with the regulations, and if they do that, swimmers will be satisfied. And mere than Stratford swimmers will be satisfied; visitors should be attracted, and, as Mr. A. G. Petrie poinls out in an interview in to-night's "Post," there is every possibility of Stratford becoming the permanent venue of the Taranaki championships. Good baths mean good races; good races mean good carnivals; and the public, attracted, too, by the adequate grandstand accommodation, should not be slow in appreciation. Adequate swimming facilities hive long been needed in Stratford, and the public owes a debt of gratitude to the Mayor and Borough Council. Particular credit must go to Mr. McMillan for the energy he has devoted to the project. '.'The Little Woocbn Whistle " Taranaki Rugby referees arc on strike and, apparently, if the Rugby Union wants them to control the matches, it can whistle for them. —Or, on the other hand, it could give them their tickets back, for though the referees now have no free tickets on them, all' Taranaki has tickets on the referees.