CORRESPONDENCE.

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 17 June 1920, Page 2

CORRESPONDENCE.

[Correspondence is invited onanymatt6r of public interest. We do not, however, necessarily agree with the views expressed by correspondents.!

SCHOOL SWIMMING BATH

[to the editor]

SIR : —The truth of the old saying "Fools rush in where angels fear to tread," is often exemplified when people rush into print, and in consequence of their ignorance regarding the matter treated of, publish misleading and uncalled for statements. A case in point is that of your correspondent who, in referring to the school swimming bath, inferred that the Headmaster and School Committee had been neglectful in their duty by not taking necessary precautions to protect the school children from danger. Had he exercised ordinary courtesy by enquiring for particulars of the chairman, or headmaster, instead of writing to the Press, he might, perhaps, not have been classed with the angels but, at any rate he would have been saved from the ignominious humility of being classed with the fools, for he would have ascertained that those concerned had been both active and careful. The bath was completed and filled during the time the school v/as closed, and the water had to remain in tor some time to protect the cement while setting. On the Monday morning, when the school re-opened, the headmaster gave all the children strict injunctions not to go near the bath, and as that part of the ground is close to the headmaster's residence, and away from the usual playing ground, he was able to keep it under his supervision, and prevent any' of his school children from approaching it. On Tuesday, the Bth, the County Engineer inspected the bath, and informed Mr Hill that it was then quite safe to let the water off, and accordingly the bath was emptied that night. As regards enclosing the bath, the Committee has, so far from neglecting its duty, even gone beyond its authority by engaging a contractor to make and erect concrete posts round the bath — as a preliminary step towards having it enclosed —before it was able to raise funds for th« work. The Board was approached m the matter long before your correspondent came to light, and will no doubt subsidise any money that may be collected locally, so if your correspondent wishes to make amende honourable, snd show he is really interested in the children's welfare, he has a splendid opportunity of doing so by subscribing liberally towards the work, The Committee will be glad to see his subscription come to hand and will willingly make public acknowledgement of the amount he donates. —I am, etc., Member of School Committee.