THE CITY BATHS.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1288, 17 November 1911, Page 5

THE CITY BATHS.

AGITATION FOE, CHEAP TICKETS. A deputation representing the Welling, ton Centre of tbo New Zealand Swimming Association interviewed the City Council jit its meeting last evening with regard to the new scale of charges at the muni, cipal baths. The principal speakers worn J. Eigg, M.L.C., and Mr. G. S. Mr. Bigg said that the proposal to in. "ease tho charge by reducing tho number of clips to 15 was ngainst tho principle of municipalities. Hd urged tho council to institute, in preference, a 2s. Gd, monthly ticket, instead of the clip ticket. Mr. Hill mentioned, among other claimn for the consideration of tho council, that, of the Royal Life Raring Society, a branch of which had been established in Wellington. Members of such a humane body were deserving of tho fullest encouragement. Subsequently, Councillor J. Fuller, jun.. moved :— "That the resolution passed at the meeting of tho Wellington City Council, held on November 2, 1011, fixing (ho prices of α-lmission to the public Whs lie rescinded to tho extent of the following words-.—'Adult's 15-clip ticket, 2s. Cd. ; and that tho following be substituled in lieu thereof, viz.: 'Adult's 30-clin ticket, 2s. Gil., available for one mouth from date of issue only.'" Councillor Fitzgerald seconded the motion. It was tlio duly of tho council, ho argued, to mako city baths as cheap as possible. "And mako them pay," observed Coun. cillor M'Kenzie. Councillor Fitzgerald retaliated that that was not the main consideration. Every possiblo encouragement should bo given to people to frequent tho baths. Councillor Fletcher moved, as an amendment, to' niter "one month" to "two months." A restriction of ono month was hardly' fair. Councillor Godber seconded the amendment. Councillor Cameron said flint (ho comniittec was desirous of extending (he baths, and lo provide a hot salt-water system, but (his eould only bo done bv (ho observance of due economy. They had heard a lot about "sound finance" before tho municipal elections, but not now. Ho opposed tho proposal to reduce tho rate. Councillor Hindmarsh moved that tho question bo put, and the council divided, tho majority deciding in the negative. After further discussion, .Councillor Fletcher s .amendment was carried by nino votes to live.

An organisation to ljc known ns "Tho lonng New Zealand Party" has been established in Auckln.wd. having the. Hon. OS. l'ovlde, M.K, ns patron, and Mr. B. Coulter president. The promoters intend lo establish branches throughout the bominion, with a view of cxorcisiiijT an inniiPiice in tho general election throe years hence. The plnl.i'onn of the parly 'is — (1) Total 'prohibition of (he liquor (mfho; CJ) suppression «f a.ll forms of gainblinc; (It) conservation of natural resonrcoe with land valiioa luxation; (4) ostablishinwit of a Stat« Iwnks (S) electoral i-e----form; one adult, one vote, one value , proportional representation ; electivp Ex' cciiuvo with popular initiative. o,ud Um referendum; (G)'public ownership of all monopolies, and the securing to the worlc-oi-s of the full rcirawl of their labours 1 (7) reduction in the cost of living.

Acknowledgment is made of tl\o receipt of 10s. 6d. from "Anoiiymons," for Hie Peorco Benefit Fund.