LOWER HUTT PROGRESS

Dominion, Volume 20, Issue 54, 27 November 1926, Page 13

LOWER HUTT PROGRESS

OPENING OF RIDDIFORD BATHS TRIBUTES TO GENEROUS DONORS The official! opening of the new swimming baths at Lower Hutt, which have been donated to the borough by the Messrs. Riddifortl, took place yesterday’. Elis Excellency the Governor-Genera] attended in person to perform the ceremony. There were also present Mrs. E. JRiddiford, sen., Mr. and Mrs. Eric Riddiford, and Mr. and Mrs. Dan Riddiford, representing the family whose name is so closely associated with the Hutt Valley, and to whose generosity the district is indebted for thia and other benefactions.

Amongst others who attended were the Minister of Health, the Hon. J. A. Young, Sir Alexander and Lady Roberts, the Mayor of Wellington (Mr. C, J. B. Norwood) and Mrs. Norwood, Mr. C. M. Luke, chairman of the Wellington Hospital Board, Mr. and Mrs. E. P. Bunny, Mr. and Mrs. G. H. Chapman, and many more. His Excellency was received by the Mavor and Mayoress of Lower Hutt (Mr. and Mrs. W. T. Strand)., and the members of the Baths Committee.

The Mavor, in asking His Excellency to open the baths, extended to him a most cordial welcome, and referred to the whole-hearted manner in which His Excellency and Lady Fergusson had entered into the home life of the Dominion, and the social side generally. Mr. Strand mentioned, amid great applause, the presence of the donors of the baths, the Messrs. Riddiford and their mother, apologising for the absence of Mr. Vivian Riddiford, who was on a visit to Europe. Mention was also made of the great and useful gifts the members of the late Mr. E, J. Riddiford's fanfily had bestowed on the borough, and on . behalf of the council and citizens Mr. Strand assured those present that their generosity would ever be held in grateful remembrance. (Applause). A warm tribute was also paid to the work of Mr. G. H. Chapman in superintending the laying-out of the beautiful grounds surrounding the baths. His Excellency the Governor-General expressed his great pleasure at being present, and apologised for the absence of Lady Fergusson owing to another engagement in the north. He remarked that it was almost impossible to find words to adequately express the gratitude of the community for the generosity and kindness of the family, who had given the borough such magnificent swimming baths. The benefactions had now extended into the third generation, and he was sure that Mrs. Riddiford, sen., and her devoted sons would find in the grateful appreciation of the citizens their lasting and best reward. (Applause.) His Excellency then declared the baths open, and an exhibition of fancy diving was given by Miss Hawkins, and also by Master I. Palmer. Several races took place, and the efforts of those competing were warmly applauded. A company of Boy Scouts and cadets. attended as a guard of honour, and were inspected by His Excellency.

The public and school children also gathered in full force, and the proceedings were marked by great enthusiasm.

After the opening the guests were entertained at tea in the pavilion on the Riddiford Park.