A CONSTRUCTIVE SUGGESTION

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 3, Issue 288, 28 March 1941, Page 4

A CONSTRUCTIVE SUGGESTION

GESTURES such as that which furnished the County Council with a subject for lively discussion last Tuesday, on the practicability of establishing a Soldiers' Convalescing; Home at the Awakeri Springs must meet with the warmest approval of all right-minded residents. The fact that the offer of a hundred pounds was also made, towards the project (should it be carried out) lends further strength to the suggestion and shows the genuine nature of its sponsors. The springs, though well known enough in this trict, are of no consequence beyond it. In their present state of semi-development, perhaps this is just as well, but the fact remains, that here, in close proximity to the town, we are fortunate in having natural hot springs, the waters of which have unmistakeable curative values and are in constant supply. The grove of trees planted by the County Council in the Pukaaha Reserve have given the surroundings an attractive appearance, but the bathing pool itself, after all, the main feature of the block, remains in a primitive state. Development, by.way of a full-length swimming bath, a wading pool, and a special medicinal plunge pool would establish the place and ensure its future as a resort. 'Looking broadly at the proposal and the splendid lead given, we can see no reason why the plan should not be given serious consideration by the authorities. The Government, even now are giving attention to prospective hospital sites, and convalescing centres. Why not the Bay cf Plenty, where the climate is recognised as the most salubrious in the Dominion, and why not at Awakeri Springs, where warm healing waters are in natural supply, where the necesary elevation is available, and where the quiet peace of the surroundings would make for rest and relaxation. The site is happily chosen as central to the East Coast districts, and is within easy distance of the sea. If convalescing homes are to be built, ,we repeat, why not in this favoured spot. The deliberations of the County Council in the aourse of its investigations will be closely and carefully watched by those who have an interest in the progress of the district and the welfare of the war-victims-of-the-future, at heart.