SWIMMING BATHS.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XL, Issue 1827, 16 May 1918, Page 3

SWIMMING BATHS.

-—■ O - The Borough Council’s proposal to construct public swimming baths at the river side was discussed by the State School Committee at the meeting held on Monday night. The subject was introduced in the head teacher’s report, which stated; —“In view of the decision of the Harbour Board re proposed site of baths, I would again urge the Committee to re-open the question of school baths. What better way could.be found of commemorating the sacrifices of the ‘old boys’ of the school than by erecting baths in their memory?” The Chairman said that the Committee recognised the necessity for swimming baths, and the subject had been discussed, and an approximate cost of same submitted. The question of drainage was an obstacle, and it would mean that an artesian bore would have to be put down, and a windmill erected to lift the water. If the borough had a water and drainage scheme the construction of baths at the school would be a comparatively simple

matter. The head teacher said that the Department would give a subsidy of £ for £ on money raised for the baths. He did not think there would be any difficulty, in raising the money from “old boys” and others who had the welfare of the children at heart. Already he had been promised £25. If the baths cost £OOO, and it was the means of saving one life from drowning, it would be money well spent. He had all the qualifications for not only teaching

swimming, but life saving, and his services would be freely given in this connection. If the baths Were constructed at the school the Board would pay capitation of 2s (id per child. The Chairman said the limit the Government subsidy was £250. He thought the capitation would be paid if the baths were constructed outside the school grounds, but no subsidy would be paid. Mr Kcllow suggested that the site might be altered from the river side to Mr Pcrrcau’s property in Duncan Street, which would be handy to the school and away from the railway. After further discussion it avus unanimously resolved to arrange a joint conference with the Borough Council on the subject. [The Council has decided to meet the Committee as suggested, at a date to be fixed.]