IMMODEST BATHERS.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXV, Issue 16486, 27 February 1914, Page 8

IMMODEST BATHERS.

INCIDENTS ON THE NEW BRIGHTON BEACH. GRAVE ALLEGATIONS BY A CLERGYMAN. A protest against mixed sun and surf bathing has been made by the Rev H. H. Mathias, vicar of New Brighton, in the February number of the “New Brighton Church Record.” .Mr Mathias stated that a great drawbaok to surf bathing was the absence of any- sense of modesty, and in some cases of-decency, shown by a small section of bathers. He referred to the practice of men and women lying about on the sand-in single skintight garments after they came out of the water, which gave the beach at times almost an objectionable appearance,. and made it an unfit place for growing boys and girls. He did not consider that sun-baths would be objectionable. if-a’double garment like the Canadian costume was worn. . There was, however, a graver moral evil, stated Mr Matnias. Parts of Now Brighton have become the favourite, haunts of distinctly immoral characters who went there especially for week-ends and on Sundays. On a recent Sunday a party of five young men and women had gone to the beach clad only in towels, .which they discarded when they reached the water. He suggested that some police officers in plain clothes should be on duty at New Brighton at week-ends to remedy matters. . MAYOR OF NEW BRIGHTON DISBELIEVES THE STATEMENT. The .Mayor of New Brighton, Mr C. H. Winny, who was seen yesterday, stated that he did not believe the. last statement made by Mr Mathias, which he had gathered from ■ the vicar was only hearsay. In no instance had he seen anything that the police could interfere in. The greatest objection up to this year had been persons undressing and dressing on the beach, but this was now a thing of the past. Regarding the sun-bathing in tight costumes, the Mayor stated that the people clothed themselves in regulation costumes, and that there were a number of inspectors to watch the beach very closely. He stated that the Borough Council had a proposal in view to provide adequate dressing accommodation on the beach, but 'it lacked the funds. Loan proposals, however, would probably be put before the ratepayers.