PUBLIC BATHS

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 9, Issue 100, 17 July 1946, Page 5

PUBLIC BATHS

BOROUGH COUNCIL’S MOVE TO CONTACT HARBOUR BOARD The evergreen question regarding the prospects of establishing a public swimming bath in Whakatane was once again discussed at the Borough Council meeting last week when it was decided to approach the Harbour Board in the near future with a view to going further into the matter.

Cr Warren introduced the matter mentioning that he had been approached by the local Swimming Club who urged that such amenity was essential to the town for the training of children and learners. The bath at the school was far from adequate and he suggested that a sea-water bath was far more preferable- than a fresh-water one. The Mayor added that he also had been approached. He paid warm tribute to the work of the club in training children during 'the summer at the -Landing Road Beach. Its members certainly deserved some encouragement and he suggested boarding off an area which could be utilised.

• Ur Canning said the question was ah old one. Alternative sites under consideration had been Wairere, near the Rock and Maraetotara. Personally he thought children would rather jump in the tide than swim in a bath. He asked the prospects of deepening the pool at the Heads. The Mayor: The club’s contention is that the Heads are too far away from the centre of population. It suggests Landing Road and I would like to see the council assist them in an inexpensive way.

Cr Creeke declared that the Heads furnished children with the safest swimming place in the Borough. He was in sympathy with the request but how could the council finance it. A sub-committee comprising Crs Warren, Armstrong and Morpeth was appointed to confer with the Harbour Board on the matter and to report back.