GAYER ENGLAND

Hokitika Guardian, 25 July 1933, Page 6

GAYER ENGLAND

ROAD BOUSE-S, ARTIFICIAL

BEACHES,

LONDON, July 15

.'England's road-houses, ic-om-plete with swimming pools and . .artificial Ibe-aches, arc now a popular add established; feature of summer n’ce-reation. -A\ chain of them .gtrecthes•' right ,around..- London; symbol of modernity that is ..rapidly ousting the old traditions of quair.it inns, -'beer and roast beef. This summer, for the first time, London boasts -a swimming pool and Lido beach fitted up with synthetic sunshine, complete and self-contained. -/R tlic "basement of one of the West End hotels. Plans ,are ..on foot to,, establish ■similar ones in other largo hotels in London, and in. the that the visitor to. Mayfair in the' future will, not have to travel far afield for his swimming and sun-bathing activities.

The mew j’ndooj. Lido sports a huge balloon-like swimming bath made of a specially prepared canvas dyc-d a. bluegreon tint, which makes the water appear Mediterranean blue. It is larger than those usually available on board cruising luxury liners, and’ when- filled, it spills no water. . The sides and rim move with the waves, and the stability of the bath is not affected by the hardest kick or Tunning dive.

During the 'last year -or so, the evolution of thi l 3 bathing pool ,ide„ hois caused interesting developments among English people. Previously, the typical English (bathing costume was a dowdy affair entirely devoid of smartness —but nowadays the costumes that one see* feature the latest in American designs) Many more people, too, are learning to swim and dive now that facilities are being brought : nearer their: homes.