MASTERTON'S BATHS.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume LXIV, Issue 11567, 16 January 1913, Page 5

MASTERTON'S BATHS.

(By V. S.)

Mnstertou is fortunate in having excellent baths in Dixon-street, and in the Park, ami also the lark Lake. It is only of the Dixon-street baths 1 iuteml to speak, as, of course, those in the Park are not open to a mere male and the lake is not in the best condition at present for those who like :i clean bath. The Dixon-street baths are opened from 7 o'clock in the morning till 7.30 in the evening, and during that time they are. fairly well patronised. From 9.'M) till 11 a.m. the baths are reserved for ladies, although the fact does not seem to be generally known. A season ticket for the ladies' baths also admits to the Dixon-street baths during the hour and a half stated. From 11 a.m. till 2 p.m. the baths are free, and this fact seems to be pretty well known and taken advantage of. The duties of caretaker are certainly not all "beer and skittles." lie generally arrives at the baths before seven o'clock in the morning, and never leaves before 7 o'clock in the evening, and very often it is 7.150 before his duties are over for the day. lie says he does not know what it is to have a hot meal, all his meals being brought to him. For a man 74 years of age the hours arc certainly Jong. Mr Kiiigdon has a tactful "way witu him," and very seldom has any trouble with the bathers, although occasionally some of the "free swimmers" have an idea that they can "run the show" without the caretaker. The other day several lads came for a swim about J . 150 p.m., and when 2 o'clock arrived they declined to leave, although after that hour a charge is made. Mr Kingdon had some trouble with them, but eventually he got them on the right side of the door. Insulting language was made use of by one of the youth:-, but it is pleasing to state that incident.; of this kind are of rare occurrence.

The baths are cci'.iinly among the best and also the cheapest h<, the Dominion. No one can rtivil at twopence for an hour or so ir the water this weather, and a aea.'on ticket can be had for five shillings. The water is always clear and fresb, and certainly looks as pure as that supplied to Lansdowne'residents for drinking purposes. A penny thrown into the deepest part of the baths is quickly recovered by the juvenile bathers who frequent the baths, and are almost as much at home in the water as fish. This fact is evidence of the clearness of the water, which is continually running in and out. Masterton residents should appreciate the excellent opportunity afforded for keeping cool during the summer, at the Dixon-street baths.