The Need of Baths.

Manawatu Herald, 4 March 1902, Page 2

The Need of Baths.

The unfortunate drowning case last week affords an instance of the danger of the do nothing policy so much in favour with the Mayor and Councillors. The victim this time is a stranger, but he chose what appeared to be a safe place in the river for a wash, and lost his life in overconfidence in appearances. The place is what might be termed a little bay, having the projection of the wharf as a protection on one side, and a stone groin on the other side, so that danger, if any, was only in front. This explains the position and it might have been termed an ideal spot were it not that but a few yards away from the shore there happens to be a sudden drop into twelve feet of water. At the inquest the jury directed the attention of those whom it may concern to have a notice warning persons from bathing there. 80 far so good, but to those who know the river the same notice wants posting all along the banks, for the same danger is present only a little further or a little nearer. We have frequently seen children bathing in this place, and out of the water in the summer it is almost impossible to keep them, and it is a shame to do so, but every day the danger of a calamity such as occurred last week is ever present. To thinking persona does it not seem astonishing that parents will stand idly bye and run these risks when there is not the slightest occasion to do so, as a public swimming bath could be so easily and cheaply obtained. Each year we raise our voice on behalf of the children and women, and shall do so until we can get a public body who can appreciate the responsibilities they take up, and will act in a manner to ensure their schemes being carried out. It is certain that the Borough Council’s duty is to erect a bathing place, ’ the Act presumes that were possible they will do so and permits money to be borrowed for that purpose. Any fatality arising from children bathing in the river after the warning given, must lie heavy on any Councillor who has taken no steps to right the risk. The law does not allow of a charge of manslaughter being urged against them, but their negligence will be thought to be as bad by the general public. The whole trouble arises simply from want of energy, but the trouble would be but light if the business was only discussed with an underlying desire to achieve the result. The non-progressiveness of the town is first of all from the want of interest in public affairs shown by the ratepayers, and then the desire to shirk responsibility shown by Councillors, ’ and especially the Mayor. We hope the ratepayers may soma day, soon, wake up and insist on their representatives doing something for the public good.