PUBLIC SWIMMING BATHS.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 3585, 11 January 1927, Page 2

PUBLIC SWIMMING BATHS.

BOROUGH COUNCIL TO OBTAIN ESTIMATES. At last night’s Borough Council meeting, the Mayor reported on the result of the public meeting held prior to Christmas to discuss the question of the erection of public swimming baths. The meeting, he said, passed a recommendation to the Council that they creet'bnths on Easton Park. It was getting near the end of the Council’s term of office but it was their duty to take'some steps to have the baths on the way to being erected for next season before the election in April. Or. Walker said that it would first be necessary to raise sufficient money to erect the baths. understood that they would "cost £IOOO and besides -this they would be faced with architect’s expenses and advertising which would amount to another £IOO. It would be necessary to raise another £2OO and the onus of raising this amount should fall on the Carnival committee. They should call tenders, etc., and hand the baths over complete to the Council to control. Cr. Me Murray said that Mr. Edwards said he could erect the baths for the amount raised. When it was considered what a fine Town Hall'was erected for the money, there was ample money in hand to erect baths. Nothing elaborate need bo gone in for in the way of dressing sheds. They could be improved on later. Tie would move that Mr. Edwards be communicated with and asked if he could erect the baths for the money in hand. Cr. McMurray also said that it had been suggested to him that hot water baths be installed for the use of the general public at a small charge. He though this an excellent suggestion. The water could easily be heated with valifonts. Cr. Woods asked.if the money had been handed over to the Council. The Mayor: It is still vested in trustees, of which I am one Cr. Woods: Then what right have we to call tenders for the erection of baths.? The Clerk pointed out that the money was better where it was. Cr. Woods: We can’t do anything until the money is handed over. Cr. McMurray said there was no harm in obtaining information. Cr. Walker • was opposed to the Council taking any action. Cr. Woods:, We have no - ityThe Mayor: I think Cr. Woods has taken the wrong view of the matter. I am one of the Trustees. Cr. Walker said that the baths if placed on Easton Park would cost £-1 4/- a week to keep filled. An artesian well would have to be sunk and the water pumped on that site which would be a costly proposition. He favoured the Council yard site where a bore could be sunk which would lift the water without pumping and this would be a saving. Cr. Rand: Couldn’t that be done on Easton Park? Cr. Walker: No. Cr. McMurray’s motion was then put to the meeting and several dissentient voices were heard. • The Clerk pointed out that it would he just as well if the motion was carried unanimously. The motion did not commit the Council in any way. The motion was then put again and this time was earned unanimously.