CORRESPONDSNCE THE SWIMMING BATHS.

Hokitika Guardian, 16 February 1922, Page 4

CORRESPONDSNCE

THE SWIMMING BATHS.

(To the Editor.) Sir, —At the beginning of each slimmer for the last three years, the question has cropired up “Are the Swimming Baths going to be repaired?” Usually “The Guardian” opens the matter; there is perhaps a letter or so expressing horror at the state of affaire; the Borough Council inspects and estimates and the baths have the chance of one more year in which to return to their primitive state, though in this case the last state (of blackberry) is distinctly worse than that of the first (of bush). Certainly a good deal of bathing is enjoyed in the river and the sea, but little swimming is learnt, and no lifesaving taught, so that a generation of children is growing up, which can neiter swim nor help anyone else who cannot swim. Apart from the healthy exercise, occasions might arise here, similar to that in Greymouth last week, where perhaps more could have been done if swimming and life saving had been generally known. I have noticed during my residence in Hokitika that the agitation to have

the baths repaired etc. is made at the beginning of the season. Could we not adopt a better plan and begin now, and so have the necessary work done ,and a water supply laid on for next season. I believe £IOO is needed, and so have much pleasure in enclosing £1 to start the list, realising what an opportunity we are throwing away every y e ar. T am sure that the amount could be raised by subscriptions and if at the Schools picnic each child gave 6d and each adult Is., a third of the amount would he raised straight off. Tn this way we should help the Council in a matter which is after all one of public concern.—l am etc., A. C. PITRCHAS.