DEPUTATIONS.

Evening Star, Issue 4172, 11 July 1876, Page 2

DEPUTATIONS.

THE TUBKISH BATHS.

Tlus morning Messrs Asher (chairman), Burton (manager). Woodcock (secretary), Hudson, Muir, and J. Hislop (directors), waited on his Worship the Mayor, and were introduced by Mr Ashse, who explained at length the advantages of the Turkish Baths, and stated that the deputation wished a reduotion of water-rates for tho swnuming hath. This was the only swimming bath in jDunedin, except that in the possession of the Corporation at Pelichet Bay. This oath was particularly adapted for learning swimming, being only 40ft by 6ft, so that beginners could with perfect confidence go there. Auather matter which the company wished to draw his Worship's attention to, was that on Wednesday the swimming-bath was solely devoted to ladies, and this was the only means by which ladies could learn swimming in Dunedin. The swimming bath held upwards of 30,000 gallons of water, and as this had to be run off twice a week, the water-rate proved a very heavy tax. Last quarter 492,000 gallonß of water were used, involving a cost of something like L 25. The Company, therefore, asked the Corporat.on to supply water to the swimming bath at the same rate charged for water-engines, or else to give the water free of charge. The Mator said that individually he waß in favor of supplying water to baths free of charge; but the Corporation were not in a position just now to grant f?oilities for the use of water too liserolly. They were on the eve of getting an additional supply of water, and no doubt when that was completed they would be able to supply a community of 60,000 persons instead of 20,000 as at present. He would bring the matter before the Water Supply Committee, and the Corporation would r.o doubt grant the same liberality as had been extended by similar institutions in other places. He believed that nothing coutd be done till a large and copious supply could be obtained. An additional report had been received from Mr Gordon, from Melbourne, and the work would have to be undertaken as soon as possible. RMr Ashes stated that had they been doing a good business they would not have asked for a reduction in rates. But no dividend had yet been *raid, and he saw no prospect of getting on with io large a sum for rates.

SALE OF ALLEGED AUEIFEBOTJ3 LAND.

MessTß Fraser (of Strode and Fraser), Hislop, Hazlett, and Hastie (of M'Nally, Hastie, and Co.), this morning waited upon the Deputy-Superinten-dent to oppose the sale of certain lands in Leaning Bock district.

It was stated that the land in question was auriferous. It comprised 500 acres, part of which was at present occupied hy three farms, the tenants of which would be entitled to L1,5C0 compensation in the event of the sale not being effected. The proprietors of the Golden Eace—six working men—which formed part of this land had constructed a water-race at a cost of L 7.000, and now that the race was almost completed were told that the land was to be sold.

His Honor wished to know if the parties interested would assist in raising the compensation. L 1.500 was a serious item. Mr Hastie replied that they had exhausted their means in constructing the water-race. Mr Fraser thought that as a matter of good faith to those men who had made the water-race the land should not be sold. Mr Bastings, when a member of the Executive, had visited the ground, and was satisfied with its auriferous nature.

His Honor promised to bring the matter before the Executive at their meeting to-day. He was not a member of the Executive when it was decided to sell the land, and was not aware of the reasons which had caused the Government to propose its sale.