THE NEW BRIGHTON BATHING FATALITY

Press, Volume L, Issue 14889, 31 January 1914, Page 15

THE NEW BRIGHTON BATHING FATALITY

to *hx editor of "tbb wusa." Sir, —Thero are two points in your correspondent's (Mr P. A. Hornibrook) letter, which I would like to draw the attention of your numerous readers to, for tho benefit of the Brighton Surf Ciub and public generally. First of all, he states that tho reel waa locked up; that is absolutely wrong, thero being a reel always on tho pier, in fact, this same reel was used by persons who wero present at tho timo of the accident. The neSt is the undue criticism of the Now Brighton Borough Council. These remarks seem to reter to the present Council; although I do not think for ono moment that your correspondent intended them to bo so. This Council has dono its utmost to improve facilities for safe bathing, and realising the fact that New Brighton, being a seaside resort, surf bathing must be one of its most prominent attractions, it has worked hand in hand with the Surf Club to encourage bathers to partako of the cleanest o? sports, and by its broadminded management, has'had a very satisfying amount of success. Trusting that any further correspondents will enquire into the facts moro correctly before putting them into print.—Yours, etc., BIUTENITK. TO TUT. EOITOK OT "THT! FRKSS." Sir,—Tho statement of the Hon. Secretary of tho Brighton Surf Club that the management has absokiCSTy dealt finally with iho subject of permitting members to individually hold keys, shows not only what a monopoly the committee has, but -want of finance instinct. Tho hon. secretary states that tho club could do a lot if the funds permitted. Now, 359 keys could bo obtained for considerably less than Is each, and even if they did cost this much, and wero retailed to members at say 2s each, look what a handsome profit would be made. Fancy £17 19s going into the club's coffers. Mr Hopkins, does this not mako your mouth water? Think again—is it worth it? That keys are available at certain business places does not fill the bill, as these places are not open *ontinuously, nor at times suitable to all. Tho key should suit tho bather, and not tho bather suit tho key. Thero is just as much likelihood of accident in the early morning and late evening as at any other time of the day. Mr Cookson should have mado suro of his facts before he contradicted my statement, and accuse mc of lamentable ignorance. I again say that tho members of th© committee aro mostly non-resident, and I challenge Mr Cookson to prove that more than threo aro bona fide residents of Brighton. Mr Cookson says there nre nine. I await his proof. A "trioper" or is no resident. As a subscriber to the mibli" fund for life-snvine. out of which the Brighton Surf Club obtained £100 townrds the bmldine, 1 consider I am iuKtified in pointing out the club's delinquencies to mj fellow subscribers and others. —Yours, etc., W. READ.