CHRISTCHURCH TURKISH BATHS.

Globe, Volume IX, Issue 1098, 5 January 1878, Page 3

CHRISTCHURCH TURKISH BATHS.

For some weeks past it had been known that the construction of Professor Ayers’s Turkish Baths in High street was approaching completion, but it could hardly have been imagined that “the Baths” would comprise so luxuriously fitted and perfectly arranged an establishment as was opened to visitors on Wednesday morning last. The former business premises facing High street have been remodelled to conform with the new building, and the visitor, having passed through the hair-dressing saloon and along a lobby, reaches the first apartment in connection with the Turkish bath. This consists of the reception-room, neatly fitted up, where a short stay can be made if desired before entering the disrobing apartment, which is divided into a number of neatly fitted chambers, the furniture and hangings of which give them quite an Oriental appearance. From here, the “ Topidarium ” is reached through a handsome stained glass door, which opens on t o heavy curtains. The temperature of this room is about 120 degrees, and as the bather lounges on the armchair seats surrounding the apartment the soothing feeling experienced suggests that this world is not such an unpleasant place as is sometimes represented, and that there is something in it worth living for after all. In the centre of this room an artistically designed fountain will be kept constantly playing, and, besides being ornamental, will supply the necessary moisture to perfect the temperature required. The fountain is being manufactured at Messrs Austin and Kirk’s Farnley Works, the productions at which are already well-known throughout New Zealand. An attendant now divides a screen, and, at his request, the bather enters what is termed the “ Calidarium,” wherein the temperature ranges from 155 to 160 degrees. A bather does not feel the heat here so much, but one visitor on the opening day having a paper collar on did not prolong his stay. He retired in a few moments, but not too soon—as also will the bather in due course—into the shampooing room. Here reclining on one of the marble tables with a soft pine pillow under his head, the bather is taken charge of by the operator. In this room are appliances for distributing water in all forms. In one corner is a largo cylindrical bath with open front, the inside of which is lined with perforated tubing. The bather having been sufficiently manipulated is placed in this bath, and in a second is covered from head to foot with water spray graduated from tepid to cold. It is called the “ needle” portion of the bath, and a very pleasant portion it is. Hose and other jets are also applied here, in completing the process of the Turkish bath. Those who do not care for the perspiring portion of this bath can have what is known as the Sicilian bath, which consists of a tepid and cold application given by the operator on one of the tables. The effect of these baths is said to be very beneficial. In this apartment are also the galvanic terminals to the batteries to be used in conjunction with the galvanic baths in the curative treatment of such visitors as may require it. An electric bell will also be fixed here to signal the attendant as to the arrival of bathers and for conveying other instructions. The process is now nearly complete, and the dressing apartments being slowly reached, the bather enters the lounge or cooling saloon. This apartment is 28ft. x 17ft., and 13ft. in height. It is lighted in the day time through double glass in the centre of the ceiling. The sides of the frame are fancy panelled, and the light is sufficiently subdued to accord with the handsome paper which covers the walls to the dado, which is formed of polished wood. Couches and inviting easy chairs are placed here and there for those who prefer a cigar, coffee, and reflection while cooling, and for the others, chess tables are placed at convenient intervals. In the centre of the room is placed a large handsome table covered with the “latest issues” from all parts of the world, while writing materials are convenient for those who desire to make the most of their time. This room is a combination of rich materials with exquisite taste. From the large crimson curtains edged with gold, which screen the entrance doors, to the rich Brussels carpet—relieved with choice pot plants standing here and there, and the various tasteful ornaments and surroundings —all are in unison, making altogether a most luxurious apartment, and alone worthy of a visit. Having left the cooling saloon and taking a look round, a wide corridor is traversed covered with, kamptulicon o' nice pattern, at the sides of which are rows of pot plants placed at intervals. This leads to the private baths, which are large and handsomely furnished. The baths are iron-enamelled and nearly large enough to swim in, and were executed expressly to an order sent home by Professor Ayers. The baths are fitted with labelled taps for hot and cold water, and shower baths. A great, convenience to bathers will bo the ample space to dress in. Returning along the corridor and by the lobby the gentlemen’s hair-cutting room is reached. This is a large apartment arranged with a view to comfort, and also to produce a pleasing effect, the furniture being of the best kind, the light well arranged, and the ventilation carefully looked after. The appliances for shampooing are novel, and water of different temperatures as desired can be brought into requisition at once. Altogether provision seems to have been made for expedition combined with comfort.

Leaving here, the shop on the side of the gentlemen’s entrance is passed through. This has been thoroughly altered and refitted, but does not possess the attractions o£ the ladies’ department. Commencing with the shop, it is reached by a separate entrance from the side Just left. The window—among other attractions—has a full* sized wax figure in the centre, from which the “ latest fashion in hair ”• may be taken. Miniature perfume fountains in play stand on the counter, the working of which is both interesting and amusing. Proceeding through the shop, the hair-cutting room is reached. This room is beautifully furnished, and is fitted with all the necessary appliances. From here a passage leads to the ladies’ bath-room, which is tastefully furnished, and in which cold, tepid, hot, and shower baths can be snp plied in a moment. From the hair-cutting room can be reached the corridor leading to the Turkish Baths suite, which will be set apart o.n stated days for ladies, aud are qo ordered that the greatest privacy can bo secured. The whole of the rooms throughout are lighted with gas, and in some of them the gasaliers are very handsome—in the cooling saloon and ladies’ department especially so. The furnishing throughout has been executed by Mr W. S. King of High street, who has certainly displayed great taste in the selection of colors, as well as in providing

articles of first quality. All the arrangements hare been carried out under his immediate supervision, and the appearance of the various rooms reflects the greatest credit on him. Tiie construction of the galvanic batteries has been carried out under the directions of Mr W. Or. Meddings, whose name alone is security for the success of this department. Returning to the Turkish baths, it may be mentioned that the process can occupy as long or as short a time as will suit the convenience of the bather, and by his instructions in this direction the operator is guided in his work. The services of a clever operator, who has gained his experience in this work on the continent and elsewhere, have been secured. He is also a certificated galvanist, and doubtless his efforts will have a beneficial effect on manv who will visit the baths.

A large number of lady and gentlemen visitors inspected the premises on Wednesday, and the unanimous feeling seemed to be one of surprise at so extensive and well-fitted an establishment, combined with a general wish that the enterprise shown by Professor Ayers in providing such an institution might meet with its deserved reward. Mr Maddison was the architect, and Mr Wood the contractor for the buildings.