BATHS FOR DIXIELAND

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 190, 1 November 1927, Page 9

BATHS FOR DIXIELAND

NEW LICENCE GRANTED CONSTRUCTION TO PROCEED IMMEDIATELY Further development in connection with the Dixieland baths is now possible as a result *of the granting of a new licence by the Minister of Marine to Dixieland, Limited, for the erection of swimming baths at Point Chevalier. It is expected that the licence will be issued under an Order-in-Council, to be gazetted on Thursday. According to a statement made'to THE SUN by Dr. Rayner, chairman of ! directors of Dixieland, Limited, this morning, the new licence will provide for a site on the waterfront immediately in front of Dixieland. A gap of about 60ft will separate the proposed baths and the present building, and this will be spanned by a suspension-bridge. In the action brought by the Auckland City Council restraining the company from constructing the baths on the site proposed formerly it was successfully contended by the council that the erection of the baths would constitute an infringement of its riparian rights in regard to its park by restricting its right of access to the sea. By the construction of a suspensionbridge over the beach to link up the two buildings it is now contended that the former objection is removed. The baths, the erection of which is to be immediately proceeded with, will provide for a swimming-pool 100yds in length, and of a depth grading from 3ft to 12ft. At the deep end modern diving facilities will be provided. For the first year dressing accommodation will be provided in the present building, but later dressing-rooms to accommodate 2,000 bathers will be built. CLEAN,HEALTHY SPORT With its close proximity to the city, improved bathing facilities at Point Chevalier will result in the increased popularity of the seaside suburb. Such facilities, stated Dr. Rayner, Dixieland, Limited, intend to provide, and on up-to-date and modern lines. The intention of the company was to provide for clean, healthy sport, and also greater facilities for the advancement of swimming and life-saving. The specifications of the baths had been thoroughly approved by the Auckland Centre of the Amateur Swimming Association who, at a recent meeting, expressed appreciation of the scheme, at the same time recording their “hearty disapproval of the dog-in-the-manger attitude adopted by the City Council.” The construction of the pool so as to provide for a 100yds stretch, thus considerably eliminating turning, was particularly approved. It is the intention of the company to cater for swimming sports and carnivals, and also for juvenile swimming. For the latter purpose two free days a week will be allotted schoolchildren.