CITY BATHS.

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 228, 26 September 1928, Page 16

CITY BATHS.

PARKS COMMITTEE DECISION.

WATER TO BE STERILISED.

NO IXCONVENIENCE TO BATHERS,

| The bathers of Auckland will not be inconvenienced because the recent proposals to borrow £7500 for filtration and sterilising plants at the Parnell and Shelly Beach baths, and the extension of the intake pipe at the tepid baths, Hobson Street, were turned down by the ratepayers. Yesterday afternoon, Dr. T. Hughes, medical officer of health for the Central Auckland District, met the Parks Committee of the Auckland City Council and discussed the question of the city baths, particularly as to the treatment of the water in the Parnell and Shelly Beach Baths.

In connection with the tepid baths it was decided that the water be sterilised by chlorination before being turned into the bath. If possible it will also be filtered first, but at least the water will be eterilisod before it goes into the bath even if the filtration has to be done in the bath.

For the Parnell Baths it was decided that a liquid chlorination plant be installed at the earliest possible date. Quotations are to be obtained immediately and submitted at the next meeting of the Parks Committee, a fortnig'ht hence. It was stated several chlorination plants are available in Auckland.

The same action will be taken in connection with the Shelly Beach Baths, although objectionable features are not present as ac the other baths. The sterilising plant will be installed purely as a safeguard to public health.

Dr. Hughee staled he would have no objection to the bath 9 being opened when these plants are installed. He expressed his willingness to work with the committee. He will take samples of water periodically and exercise strict supervision over the water in the bath®.

The extension of the intake pipe at the tepid baths in Hobson Street was stated by Dr. Hughes to be very desirable. However, the amount involved ie £1200, and as no sum for the work was set a&ide in this year's estimates, it is not possible to do it at once, but it is certain that it will be done ultimately.

The Parks Committee reported yesterday that there was every prospect of the baths being opened ?it an early date, and that bathers will suffer no inconvenience as far as the opening of the season ie concerned.