SWIMMING BATHS.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 2987, 16 January 1926, Page 2

SWIMMING BATHS.

OWNERS OF SITE INTERVIEWED.

A meeting of citizens, convened by the Mayor (Mr. M, E. Perreau) was held in the Council Chambers yesterday afternoon. Among those present were Mr. and Mrs Hone McMillen and Mr and Mrs Eparama, part-owners of the site where it is proposed to construct swimming baths next to Ihakara gadens. The Mayor said that the question of public swimming baths had been before the public for some years. A suitable site was that next to Ihakara gardens and he had invited the Maori owners to be present to confer with the meeting as to its transfer for that purpose. The idea was, if possible, to transfer the site to the Education Department and to raise money for baths construction. The cost of the baths would lie about £I2OO. Several people had promised donations and there would be no difficulty in raising the required sum by means of a big effort The Mayor made reference to the generous gifts of land

to Foxton by Ihakara, whose two descendants were present. He knew the*present owners would be prepared to deal generously in the matter. In reply to Mr. Woods, the Mayor said it had been suggested that the site be exchanged for a seaside site and he was of the opinion that such an exchange could be arranged.

Mr. McMillen said that those interested in the site, desired to know what the proposals were so that they could discuss the matter and come to a conclusion Mr. J. K. Hornblow said that the School Committee had made overtures for the acquisition of the site and that the Minister for Education had been approached on the matter and had expressed a favourable opinion as to its acquisition. Security of (enure was essential before any permanent work was done and if neceessary a fair price should be paid for the section. School swimming baths were a necessity and the site was ideal for the purpose and arrangements cohid be made to use the baths for public and school purposes. He felt sure that tho public would raise the money required for constructing the baths. Mr. Hutchins (president, of the local swimming club), said baths were essential to the club’s welfare, as the river was unsuitable for swimming sports and dangerous to junior members. An expert and exeliampion lady swimmer had consented to assist the club in giving instruction to learners and in the art of life-saving free of charge, if baths were constructed. He would be pleased to assist in any way to achieve the object of establishing baths.

Several others present spoke in favour of the proposal and site. The meeting then adjourned in order to allow the native owners to considor the matter and this decision will be communicated to the Mayor who will then commence a further meeting.