Bathers’ Costumes

Dominion, Volume 28, Issue 93, 14 January 1935, Page 11

Bathers’ Costumes

Sir, —While there are a good manj liberties being taken in the matter of costume on the Wellington beaches during this long, hot spell, there are some practices to which distinct objection is taken iu certain quarters. One is the manner in which bathers, in order to sun-bathe, and at the same time have some place to Ran up against, deprive themselves of all but “shorts” to 101 l against the swimming sheds on the main road in Evans Bay, near the popular swimming place not far from the Killbirnie recreation ground. There these bathers occupy most of the footpath in order to expose as much of their bodies as much as possible to the. rays of the sun. This might not be so objectionable if it were only done occasionally, but it has become a daily practice, and one that has not only been commonly commented upon by persons motoring round the bay, but is done in full view of the people living directly opposite the bathing place. The city by-laws provide that all bathers in making their way to and from the water, and when within view of residences, shall be decently attired. Perhaps the attention of a City Council officer on any Saturday afternoon or .Sunday might be able to determine if, in his opinion, the nakedness of these sun-ibatliers conforms to the by-law. The matter of the degree of nakedness permissible under the bylaw should be determined once and for all. In any case there are many who hold that the spectacle of 30 or4oall-but-naked bathers sprawled out on the side of Wellington’s most popular drive is scarcely elevating.—l am, etc., WAIPAPA. Wellington, January 13.