THE THERMAL SPRINGS. Great Improvements.

Te Aroha News, Volume III, Issue 145, 13 March 1886, Page 7

THE THERMAL SPRINGS. Great Improvements.

Th£ bathing; accommodation in connection with the Hot Springs at Te Arolm has been so greatly-increased recently and the Domain grounds so improved, that some information with respect to both what lies been done, and the further impiovements resolved on, will prove of interest to our readers. No. 5 oath-house, situated at the rear of " No. 2" has now been opened for general use for some weeks. The celebrated "No 2" (or Vogel's Bath as it has been styled by some, having regard to its wonderful restorative powers in obstinate cases of rheumatism, etc.), has been greatly improved, an entirely new building erected over it, and now contains two baths (the one which replaces the old bath being lift x 7ft, the new bat.h 10ft x 7ft), four cooling looms, several dressing l>oxes, and two showers, tin 1 whole forming a veiy compute <iii<l roomy bath house. The works in connection with this building will be all finished in the course of a few days. A splendid bath has been constructed whore a new spring wa.° discovered some short time since (a little above and further north than No. 2) and is the largest plunge bath in the domain, the building being 22ft x 20ft, containing three cooling rooms, shower, and several dressing boxes ; with a bath lift x 9ft measurement), containing 4ft of Water, the present temperature of which averages about 105 degrees, but will be higher when the building (no\rin course of construction) has been properly roofed in. This bath has already become a great favourite. A contract has been let for the erection of a very neat octagon structure to enclose the drinking fountain (so well known for giving relief in cases of dyspepsia, etc.)> and will be 14ft iv width) the entrance being from the town side. The inside will have \ seats running all round, be neatly lined to a height of 4£ft, with lattice work I thence to the ere of the roof, but hinged shutters will beprovided> 30 thai the lattice work may be covered in from any of eyery side during rough of wet weather. The roof will be about 16ft high provided with a ventilator, and be | surmounted by an ornamental top. This building would have been already commenced, but for some delay in obtaining the timber, which is now however on the way up the river. A reservoir 50ft x 20ft- x 15ft is now being constructed at an elevation of 177 ft from the flat, in the face of the hill, will be fed by two of the mountain creaks, and will give an abundant supply of cold water for all j urposes. Tne interior of the reservoir will be puddled, an 1 cist iron 4-inch main pipes will convey the w.iter direct to tho private (or No. 3) bath hous'% a distance of iome 700 ft. From this main, a 3 inch pipe will be continueJ down the flat, terminating ne.ir the pre sent entrance, and it is intended to erect twu fire plug 9, which would prove of great service for a variety of purposes, such as irrigating the pleasure grounds in the future, ornamental fountains, or in case of fiie in that part of the township, as the pressure will be very great. In fact it is believed the pressure will bo , quite sufficient to drive a dynamo ma- i chine for the lighting of the baths and grounds by electricity later on. From 4-he 4-inch main 2-inch pipes will branch north and south, and supply all cold water required for the varioaa other bath houses. Eleven chains of neat picket fence will replace the present wire fence fronting Whitaker street, and a 10ft gate be erected opposite Rolleston street, as a carriage entrance. The whole of the works now mentioned will, it is expected, be completed tliis month. Many other improvements, both with respect to opening up and utilising of other springs, planting and improving the grounds, tennis courts, etc., are in contemplation, and no effort will be spared by the Board to add to the comfort and pleasure of those visiting our springs.