SWIMMING BATHS.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 5075, 14 January 1927, Page 2

SWIMMING BATHS.

COUNCIL FAVOURS PROJECT. COMMITTEE TO REPORT. At last night’s meeting of the Pacroa Borough Council, having given notice to do so, Cr Silcock moved: “That municipal swimming baths be erected, and that a poll o'f the ratepayers be taken in April next on the same day as the municipal elections asking that authority be given to raise, a loan of £1506 to coven building expenses, and that a rate amounting to one-s,ixth of a penny in the pound sterling on the rateable value of all property in the borough be struck to cover interest, and' sinking fund on the proposed loan.” Cr. Silcock said he felt sure that it was desirable that Paeroa should have swimming baths. In conversation with ratepayers he had met with very 'few objections to the propoosal. There was over 60 per cent, of the children attending the local high school who could not swim, and there was little opportunity for them to learn. An outside school had offered to visit Paeroa once a week and contribute towards the maintenance, costs. He was not optimistic engugh t.o think that the baths would be a paying proposition, or perhaps even self-supporting, to the council, but he did believe that the fees, received would pay maintenance charges. From inquiries made he understood that a 100 ft, by 43'ft bath could be erected for under £l6OO. The site in Wood .Street facing Anney Street would be an admirable one., and the cost of excavation would not be heavy. The project was a worthy one, and it was justified.

Cr. Edwards seconded the resolution, but suggested that the matter should be referred to the Mayor and Ors. Silcock and Brenan to discuss ways and means. Cr. Silcock said that, he was easy the way the resolution was worded so long as the matter was not shelved. Cr. F. E. Flatt congratulated the mover on bringing the matter forward, and said he thought that the council should have a reliable estimate of the cost before it was asked to commit itself.

The Mayor agreed, and moved as an amendment that the matter be referred to Crs. Silcock, Flatt, and Bfienan to look into the cost of the whole scheme and to bring down details for the February meeting. The Mayor said he was in favour of the baths, but it was foreign to hist nature to commit, himself to any principle without some idea of the ultimate, result. He was willing to assist in every way possible. Cr. H. J. Hare seconded the amendment.

Cr. Flatt thought the Mayor’s frame should be. added to the committee, and this was agreed to. Cr. Silcock said he understood that further details were desirable. He would withdraw his motion in favour of the amendment moved by the Mayor.

The amendment, becoming the motion, was carried unanimously.