SCHOOL BATHS ARE COSTLY AFFAIRS COMPARED WITH THE YEAR 1905

Wanganui Chronicle, 3 December 1946, Page 9

SCHOOL BATHS ARE COSTLY AFFAIRS COMPARED WITH THE YEAR 1905

In view of the efforts being made by the Wanganui Girls’ College to raise funds for new swimming baths, it is interesting to note in “The Adastrian” of 1905 how the money was raised for the present baths. For seven years prior to that time there had been hopes in the hearts of some folks connected with the college that “some time” in the near future the idea would materialise and a swimming bath be built. In the middle of 1903 pupils and ex-pupils mooted the idea ot a sale of work towards the funds and they set to work to make articles for stalls and also obtained Oriental goods. At the end ot the day’s sale they felt will icwaided with me takings of over £2OO. The success of the sale had been so great that the school was fixed with the ambition to obtain the necessary money within the year. They decided to forego their annual river picnic and the money usually spent on it, together with some earned at the sale, was sent to China and Japan to buy .uoods wnich cui'.iu no sold at a profit’and thus increase the fund. The proceeds of the second sale amounted to over £B7. Other efforts were held and ex-pupils sent in subscriptions, and by February, 1905, the fund amounted to £4OO. The matter was taken up heartily by the Board of Governors and they applied to the Government for a subsiuy of £1 for £l. This was granted ana the sum required, £BOO, was available for the baths. Plans were quickly made and the swimming baths were soon a reality and were considered the most up-to-date in the colony. At first it was intended to use artesia. water, which the Borough Counci kindly permitted to be used from the Wicksteed Street well, but finally, when this supply was tested and found insufficient, it was decided to cut oft the artesian supply and make connection with the Okehu supply. “The warm weather came as soon as the baths were ready. Hence they were opened with scant ceremony. Mr. Bridge, in a few words, declared the baths open for use,” states “The Adastrian.” “As a memento of the occasion, Mr. Bridge was presented by Jessie Gordon, on behalf of the school, with an autograph book, in which every teacher and every girl had written her name, together with & short quotation of thanks or appreciation. The first and the last pages were adorned with pen and ink drawings, the work of H. Sutherland and M. Anthony. The first plunge was taken by F. Grant, I. Collier, M. Webster and E. Caplen, to whom the honour was given for various weighty reasons.”

'There is a vast difference in the cost of building baths since 40 years ago. Whereas the cogt of the present swimming pool and accommodation for dressing rooms wa’s approximately £BOO in 1905, to-day’s estimate for a new bath is £4500. Since 1941 pupiis have been making contributions to a National Savings Fund, which will eventually be used for the baths. The fund at present stands at £1262 and the girls aim at reaching £l5OO by December 13. Through this term a snowball competition has been in progress. Each girl was given Is as initial capital and as a result there has been much activity and goodnatured rivalry. At the moment the leading form is 111, Group 2, with £8 15s 9d to its credit.