PUBLIC SWIMMING BATHS.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 3018, 1 April 1926, Page 2

PUBLIC SWIMMING BATHS.

A meeting of those interested iu the movement to raise funds for qublic swimming baths was held on Tuesday evening, presided over by Mr. M. E. Perreau. There were also present: Messrs. E. Mason, C. Proctor, it. Warwick, Jno. Ross, A. E. Admore, F. Woods, It. MeMurray, E. Healey, J. K. Hornblow, and the organiser (Mr. V. Delany). The following letter addressed to the organiser, was read from the Foxton Racing Club: — “In reference to the proposal that the Racing Club should join your organisation in promoting an art union for swimming baths and sports purposes, my committee has decided it can take no action in the matter for the reason that the scheme submitted is not considered satisfactory.” The letter was received, and it was decided that the previous motion for the allocation of funds over and above that.for the baths, be rescinded, and that the following be the allocation: Swimming baths, £2OOO. Balance: Easton Park 20 per cent., Bowling Club 20 per cent., Tennis Club 20 per cent. Other sports bodies, 20 per cent.

The chairman said that Mr. Hone McMillen, acting on behalf of the .Maori owners of the section adjoining the school, had informed Mr. Hutchins that the site was to be given for swimming baths. A discussion took place in which it was stated that the school committee had first made overtures for acquiring the land to extend the girls’ playground, and since then it had :bpen suggested that the site be used for High School buildings. Other sites considered as suitable for swimming baths were suggested. It was finally decided to leave the discussion of a suitable site over until a later date and to concentrate on the money-raising effort.

On the matter of raising the prize money, the chairman pointed out that it was necessary to have the value in gold in the bank. He bad approached several townspeople to act as guarantors and to deposit £SOO in the bank. The matter was left in the hands of the Mayor and organiser. On the motion of Messrs. Woods and Mason, it was decided that on the money being lodged, the organiser go straight ahead with the art union, those who guaranteed the money being added to the committe, and that 6 per .cent, interest be paid to them. £IOO was promised by one gentleman in the room. Mr. F. Woods was appointed treasurer, and the Mayor, treasurer and organiser were authorised to operate the bank account. Messrs R. Warwick, J. K. Hornblow and E. Healey were added to the committee.

The organiser reported that the proprietor of the Royal Theatre, had offered to give the gross proceeds of a picture entertainment to the funds. The offer was accepted with thanks.