The Southern Cross PUBLISHED WEEKLY. Invercargill, Saturday, Sept. 22. SWIMMING BATHS.

Southern Cross, Volume 2, Issue 26, 22 September 1894, Page 8

The Southern Cross PUBLISHED WEEKLY. Invercargill, Saturday, Sept. 22. SWIMMING BATHS.

“What,” asks a correspondent, “is the position of the movement for the establishment of public baths in town F The swimming season will soon be here again, and we seem as far off as ever from the possession of a convenience that no town of any pretensions should be without.” So far as we can learn matters i,n connection with this project have reached what may be termed a hopeful stage. We have had the pleasure of inspecting plans prepared by Mr Sharp, C.E., of the proposed baths. From these we note that the swimming tank is to bo 75ft. in length, with a width of 45ft., the depth varying from 7ft. to 3ft. in the shallowest part. The sides will be of concrete, and the bottom asphalted. A caretaker’s office, with plunge and shower bath rooms, will occupy the front position, while dres-sing-rooms will be built along one side only, leaving a promenade on the other. The sides will be roofed in. Special heating arrangements will be made in connection with the plunge baths, so that people can have a bath as hot as they desire, and in the winter it will be possible to keep the tank at a temperature of about sixty degrees. The person appointed as caretaker will have a knowledge of swimming. It is probable that a small charge—say 2d or 3d for adults and Id for children, with 6d for hot baths—-will be made. Certain hours will be reserved for ladies, and arrangements are to be made for State school children being admitted in charge of a teacher or teachers. The important question of site has not yet been finally settled, but it is understood the promoters have under consideration the offer of a municipal leasehold in Tay street, between Conon and Ythan streets, which the lessee has offered free of charge. Tower water is to be used, many people, it is said, preferring it to the river water, which is really not much better than fresh water. The Council, we believe, have agreed to give a site and water free, and have under consideration the question of whether it will also be possible to grant financial aid to the undertaking. With regard to the final disposition of the baths, we believe the idea is, after they have been set going and freed from debt, to hand them over to the Corporation, with a special committee of management. The gentlemen who have taken the matter up have certainly displayed great earnestness, and not only that, but a practical knowledge of requirements that augurs well for the success of the baths. It will be a thousand pities if the Council lets slip this opportunity of providing the town with what has, none will deny, been a long and keenly felt want. If not done now, the work may be shelved for a time, but it will ultimately be forced on the Council, and we think that on every ground they would do well to heartily second the efforts of the energetic body of citizens who are striving to secure what will undoubtedly prove a boon to Invercargill.