Manawatu Herald. TUESDAY, OCT. 23, 1900. A Swimming Bath.

Manawatu Herald, 23 October 1900, Page 2

Manawatu Herald. TUESDAY, OCT. 23, 1900. A Swimming Bath.

We again refer to the great want there is of a safe bathing place for Poxton. We have a grand river and the ocean close by us", and yet, not a single effort has been made by the public body that controls the in terests of the town to secure a bathing place on the river. No single person can argue that swimming i:not an art that should be learnt, and that it is not one that not only gives health and pleasure, but it may af any time be of immense value in saving life. Under these admitted circumstances it would be well if every member of the community oonld swim, and it thus seems ridiculous that for a town, possessing such advantages that we have, no vigorous effort has not been made to secure a 5-st-class bathing establishment, which would conduce to the health of the inhabitants and be an attraction to outsiders. Our public men fear the cost, and distrust the people, or steps would have been taken long ago. Municipalities have all the power to provide public baths, and can borrow money to cover the cost of erection, and we are sure, if any loan would be approved by the people, a loan for this purpose would be approved. Money can be obtained, for say, four per cent, so that if £200 should be needed to make a really good bathing place, it would be hard to miss the £8 a year for interest, besides which we believe a small charge would soon cover that amount if it was thought necessary to make individuals pay it. Of course a charge, of some amount, must be made to cover use of towelß and dressing room, but it has been found in practise that a very small sum is all that is needed Some married people must be in charge, the man to look after the men and boys, and the woman, the women and girls, but it all works very smoothly when an interest is taken in tbe matter. To show how important some arrangement as we have sketched is needed, we have but to recall to mind the numbers of lads

who are to be found on the river'n bank in summer having a dip, safe or not safe, and the anxiety of parents must be great. We have the summer coming on us there will be the universal rush to the water, with perhaps, the usual charges against adults for bathing close to the town, and may bo, an unfortunate fatal accident. The boys get to the water somehow, but girls are better under control and therefore cause less anxiety by keeping away from the river, but surely we should consider their health and pleasure as much as the male gender are considered, though we have not, at present, a lady Mayor. Without meaning any intentional disregard of the female sex there is too frequently a want of thought and consideration shown to them by male members of public bodies, much of whioh would not be shown did they but look on public •■iao^wona from Us women's poiat oi '•",'. -'a™ uOTt", a.~, tli 3 iiifjj ai j : ; . can get a jolly swim, in the morning or evening, by walking but a short distance from their homes, the women have not that opportunity, and how much they would enjoy doing so is emphasized by their paddling in the sea directly they get to it. We trust that our Borough Councillors, who are open to improve the town if the money for the roads is not interfered with, will consider this idea of forming a public bath on soins part of the river shore out of loan money. We shall be glad to assist in any way that may be thought useful, as we feel by Councillors so doing they will earn the thanks of the boys, girls, and women of the town. As a guide to the Council we should like to see public interest aroused on thi3 question, and invite correspondence upon it.