AN UNREHEARSED SCENE

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2690, 9 February 1916, Page 5

AN UNREHEARSED SCENE

THE MAYOR AT THE TEPID BATHS. Last', evening the formal opening of file Tepid Baths at tile Boys' Institute having been performed, it fell to the lot of Mr. T. Shields to open the programme, assisted by a number of little girls,, who owe much to that enthusiastic teacher. When lie was about to organise liis force, the Mayor declared that ho would lead Mr. Shields,, and taking off his coat and vest, amidst laughter, marched round the baths at the head of Mr.-.Shields's pupils. Then arriving at the spring-board the Mayor, to the surprise of most people, jumped into the water. When he came to tho top ho made half a dozen quick strokes, and then went under a little. Mr. Shields at once went ill', and taking hold of the distressed Chief Citizen swam to the side of the pool, dragging His Worship on his back, amidst tho plaudits, of the public, most of whom believed it was all part of ■ tho programme, which was far from being the case. ' Mr. Shields afterwards said that he had intended to give' the honour of taking the first official header to one of his youngest pupils (Miss Rlioda Tait),' but the Mayor had taken that pleasure away. * He, however, paid a tribute to the Mayor for tile encouragement ho had given to swimming, and to the life-saving clubs for tho good work they were doing. '