BATHS FOR FITZROY

Taranaki Daily News, 1 May 1930, Page 11

BATHS FOR FITZROY

SITE AT WAIWAKAIHO CHOSEN.

DISCUSSION OF ALTERNATIVES.

The proposed construction of swimming bathe at Fitzroy was discussed by a meeting lasUnight, when it was agreed that rough estimates for a gravitation bath close to the pound at the Waiwakaiho River should be drawn up by the borough engineer, assisted by a small committee. These are to lye placed before a meeting of the Fitzroy householders on Monday evening. Should; a favourable decision be reached the mkt- ( ter of aiding the Fitzroy school com-’ mittee in -the construction : of "the baths and the purchase of the land will be considered by the borough council. ! There were present Messrs. J. A. Burr (chairman), E. Armitage (secretary); A. S. Hunter, M. O’Donnel, G. A. Lyall (headmaster) representing a sub-coim-mittee of the Fitzroy school committee, Messrs. P. E;|.Stainton, J. W. Darby, J. Brown, F. T. Bellringer (town clerk),’C. G. Clark (borough engineer), from the New Plymouth Borough Council, and Messi’s. I. K. Hawkins and T. Drake, Fitzroy Progressive Association. The meeting had been called, said the chairman, to hear the council’s reply to a letter from the Fitzroy school committee.

The question was, said Mr. Brown, whether it was advisable to have the baths at the school or by the Wahvakaiho River. If the latter suggestion were adopted the baths would be filled by gravitation, and there Would be no need to purchase water. It had been, suggested that if the council acquired the land the committee might help with the actual baths.

As far as his committee was concerned, the control of the baths was of greater importance than the actual site. Of course, as far as they were concerned, baths in the school grounds were the best proposition. The committee had intended to spend about £265 on concrete baths in the schools grounds. The remainder of. the ground, purchased could be used for agricultural plots. "If the scheme goes on it. will have to be a district affair,”'said Mr. Stainton.

The chairman: All our endeavours are district affairs.

Mr. Bellringer asked if t-he agricultural plot need adjoin the school grounds. He suggested that the school might utilise a portion of the land to be acquired near the Waiwakaiho.

It was pointed out by Mr. Lyall that the Government might not subsidise the solicme if it was not connected with the school grounds. He suggested later that it would be advisable to construct a learners’ pool first and enlarge it into baths at some future date. It had been Mr. Clark’s idea to build the baths of full width so that they might be used for learners and later extended, said Mr. Bellringer. The Waiwakaiho site could form a little recreational park for the public of Fitzroy, he continued. Or. Stain ton dwelt on the lack of recreational reserves at Fitzroy. This was an excellent opportunity for a comprehensive scheme which it might not be easy to secure again. There would be a better chance of raising the money if a double object was served. The children would have the first call on the batlis and the balance of t-he time the baths could be used by ' Fitzroy residents.

, Summing up the Waiwakaiho' scheme, he said the advantages were that it would provide a play area for Fitzroy, the assistance of the council would be obtained, and free water, constant changes and better assistance from the public of Fitzroy. The disadvantages were not having the baths on the school grounds, forfeit of the Government subsidy, and the possibility of having to find another agricultural plot. If the school scheme were pursued it would probably cost the \ >mmittee £4O a year for water.

It was pointed out that dressing sheds, fences and the harder soil might make the initial o-utlay on the Waiwakaiho scheme greater than the school plan. It would probably cost' £4OO, said Cr. Stainton.

Mr. Lyall admitted that the upkeep cost of the school scheme was prohibitive. The other scheme certainly, appeared the next best thing. It would be a matter of a few minutes’ walk, whereas it took an hour to go to the New Plymouth municipal baths and.back. Of course,, the Goverijment subsidy. might not be obtained, but they, were fortunate in having the help of the borough council.

A sub-committee of those present wa-s formed to meet at the proposed site on May 4 to consult with the borough engineer.