LEARN-TO-SWIM POOL

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 8, Issue 1, 22 August 1944, Page 5

LEARN-TO-SWIM POOL

SCHOOL SWIMMING BATH

QUESTION OF WATER SUPPLY

Advice has been received from the School Committee that permission has now been granted for the erection of the. learn-to swim pool at the school. This matter has been under consideration for the last three years, and residents will remember that a canvas was made some time ago for funds. Consent from the building controller for the erection of the bath has been given and the work will be proceeded with immediately. The pool is to be a concrete one 45' x 15' with a surround path enclosed by a lattice fence, the total cost to be approximately £400. On this, the Education Department grant a pound for pound subsidy. The bath, which is expected to be completed early in October, is solely for the use of school children, and the objective is to teach every child passing through the school how to swim.

The above question w r as fully discussed at the August meeting of the Borough Council when the School Committee asked if the original offer to supply 17,000 gallons at nine,pence per gallon still held good.

The question was thoroughly discussed by the Council, the main points being that owing to the bad state off repair of the Borough pumping plant, the summer supply might be difficult for a bath requiring emptying twice, a week. However, in view of the fact that it was an effort to help the school children, it was. decided to write assuring the committee that the Council would oblige in the matter subject to the water being available.

Cr Creeke warned the Council that it was on dangerous ground when it promised to. assign any large quantity of water during the .summer months. Already he said, Whakatane had to face up to restrictions of all kinds upon its water supply, and it would be, futile to pledge a volume like 17,000 gallons; in the face of the present difficulties.