TO THE EDITOR.

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 4 May 1916, Page 2

TO THE EDITOR.

Sir,—lt is evident by " Hot Springs' " letter in your last issue that some bitter *' disappointment is felt at the attitude of the Domain Board in granting such concessions as drainage, etc,, to Hinemoa House. It is at least gratifying to kno\r that others, along with the proprietors of the three senior houses, are opening their eyes to these things. The excuse the Board made in regard to the shortage of water is all bunkum, as there is more water running to waste at the* Springs at present than there ever was before Nicholl's bore was put down, as the bore Mr Simcock put down at the Springs (some time after Nicholl's) has kept up a steady, even flow ever since, • giving a good supply, and this, Mr ; Editor, is over and above the quantity they had for use of the baths previous to the other bore being put down.^l need scarcely remind you that the^wrainage in itself is a very unfair advantage given to Hinemoa over the other three houses, and one entirely uncalled for. I think, sir, if any concessions at all like these are to be doled out, why not have commenced with Mrs Goad, who was practically the pioneer and opend up the place as a holiday resort? But it seems to me, the first shall be last and the last first. Neither can I understand any member of the Board pushing a concern that is in direct competition with them. The first thing visiting borders do at the Springs as a rule is to purchase a book . of bath-tickets costing ss, which on a - fair average lasts them about a week. Twelve.visitors would therefore spend £3 per week, and thus increase the Board's revenue accordingly, that is to say, even on that small number using the opposition baths, £150 per year is lost to the Board, and this is why we cannot understand members of Mr Becroft's longstanding, -encouraging by their vote or votes any/opposition to Helensville Hot Springs. The owners of Hinemoa are not to blame in the least; they have a perfect right to do as they wish, but I think the Board ought to see to it at least that no rival business be encouraged to take revenue from them. A swim-ming-bath is at present being built on the place (Hinemoa), so that simply means we shall soon have two distinct types of hot springs at Parakai. If it will only open the eyes of the . Board to the future, well and good. If it was a picture theatre opening out here, I think some of the Domain Board members would take a little more interest in the thing. The Springs are a valuable asset Ito Helensville, and it is up to us all to see that they are well cared for and protected, and to have only the best and most honest men in charge of affairs as members of the Board, but seeing we" have no vote on the matter here' at Parakai, this is a point I cannot say much about, Another position that .wants altering. In. conclusion, I hope that "Hot Springs" will stir up a little more enthusiasm in the management of the Helensville Hot Springs.—l am, etc;, A. JEDDLESTON. Springside, Parakai, May 1, 1916.