PAKAAHU HOT SPRINGS

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 4, Issue 183, 21 November 1941, Page 5

PAKAAHU HOT SPRINGS

NEED FOR IMPROVEMENTS

BUSINESSMENS' INTEREST

j The need for development of j the Awakeri Hot Springs, formed [ the best debate at the Chamber of Commerce meeting lasit Wednesday evening. Speakers claimed thiait the Springs were a public asset which was fast falling into decay owing to complete neglect by the local authority in charge. Mir Reeve Canning said that undoubtedly several trees had been planted in tlie vicinity but little or nothing had been done towards developing the springs as a resort. Decent bathing sheds were needed and he considered the Chamber should advocate at least a scheme of improvement which would encourage people to make greater use of an asset which should interest the people of both County and Borough. Mr Dillicar suggested a comjpre-. hensive plan which could be carried into effect as the opportunity offered. The question of a caretaker was the stumbling block, said Mr Price, whot added that there Avould always be vandalism at such- places unless a responsible officer was appointed, Mr R* F. Smith suggested a subcommittee to go into* the whole position and report constructive suggestions as to the development of the pools. "This is an old question," said Mr A. J. Canning. "The springs- are under the control of the County Council, which I don't think care one iota about their development or anything about them. There are just like Ohope—they can go to> the pack. Here at our backdoor are some beautiful health-giving waters which could be used for the benefit of half the people of Whakatane, yet what is the position. The sheds are a disgrace, and there is no control of the people who use them. The only way to get anything done is to keep barking at the Council. That is my advice to the young fellows now in the Chamber 'keep on worrying them'." Mr Sullivan said that at one. time the springs had been controlled by a Domain Board, which had been abolished when the County took over. He urged that whatever the Chamber represented to the County, it should be along the lines of permanent improvements. He was strongly opposed to anything temporary. I't was decided to adopt Mr Smith's suggestion and to appoint a subcommittee to investigate, and draw up a contsructive plan of improve-* mefits which could be later represented to the Council.