DOG IN THE MANGER

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 454, 8 September 1928, Page 13

DOG IN THE MANGER

CITY BATHS POLICY ATTACKED MINISTER’S CANDID COMMENT (THE SUN'S Parliamentary Reporter) WELLINGTON, To-day. Candid comment on the Auckland City Council's attitude toward the Dixieland baths was made last evening by Sir Maui Pomare, Minister of Internal Affairs. who said, in answer to Mr. W. E. Parry, and Mr. J. A. Lee, that the council had shown a dog-in-the-manger attitude. Sir Maui Pomare indicated that the Marine Department would not change its view that the baths at Point Chevalier were desirable. “Of course, the whole matter, as we know,” lie said, “is in the hands of the Auckland City Council. We all know that there has been recourse to litigation, and from reports it seems that the council has been like a dog in the manger. The council already had its own baths, which were not paying, in any case, and moreover were inconvenient and out of the way for many people, and not even sanitary. Then this private company wanted to start the baths, but was prevented by an injunction. Now the ratepayers are being asked to tax themselves so that the council could build baths." So far as Sir Maui knew, no more than that had been done. It was up to the City Council now to move. As far as the department was concerned, the department fully recognised the needs of Auckland in the way of bathing and swimming. “I believe,” said Sir Maui, “that this private company had offered to

extend all its facilities to school children, so that they could learn swimming free. That sort of thing should be encouraged. All young people should learn to swim. As far as the department is concerned,” concluded Sir Maui, “I don’t think the department will chancre its decision.”