SEA BATH WANTED

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2100, 7 June 1907, Page 2

SEA BATH WANTED

THE POSITION DISCUSSED. NOTHING DECIDED ON.

There apears to be a section—certainly to judge from the feeling at last night’s meeting, in connection with the school bath, a minority —who would prefer to see a larger scheme of sea baths undertaken. But the overwhelming concensus of opinion, as evidenced in discussion, was that school baths should first be established, leaving the question of qublic sea baths for a future period. It was Mr. A. Fromm who raised the point. He queried whether the expenditure on the present scheme would not' prejudicially effect the chance of establishing sea' baths later on, expressing his ’ belief that it would be more advisable to direct I their efforts to sea baths at the out- I set. He thought this would be just j as beneficial for the children. I

A speaker who supported him instanced that in New Plymouth the municipal sea baths were thrown open gratis for the use of school children two days a week, and they were instructed in the art of swimming under the direction of their teachers. Mr. Rowley, head master of the school, pointed out that the children were more likely to make headway in swimming when it was virtually part of the school curriculum. With baths at the school the children could bathe every day and the exercise would liut them in “good fettle” for their studies. “We recognise,” he j added, “ that we must make the baths to some extent a public institution. A small fee will be charged I and the conditions fixed so as tc I conduct them on the most efficient I and economical lines.” J

The Mayor remarked tlxit the people who were doubting’ the utility of the school baths would probably be glad to use them in winter. He supported the project, reminding them that they could still keep the other scheme in view for an opipurtunc time.

Mr. Colley questioned the utility of sea baths for the children. How many children between the ages ol 10 and 15 would learn swimming under such conditions? The ..matter of distance alone was almost au insuperable drawback as regarded the jmoniles.

“Our object is tliat every child instructed in the Gisborne schools should be taught to swim,” remarked ono speaker, a sentiment that was greeted wtih applause. The discussion then dropping, it was a case of “as you wore.”