THE A. C. BATHS.

Taupo Times, Volume I, Issue 19, 21 May 1952, Page 1

THE A. C. BATHS.

Sir, I feel I should voice my opinion, and indeed the opinion of many other visitors, in regard to the A. C. Baths. After much scrambling round in Taupo's all-alike streets, I eventually found the Baths, bought my ticket, and slid down the steep track directed.

I took my place in a draughty shed to wait amongst several other folk, who looked as miserable as I felt, and eventually my turn came. x The rain spilt down upon me as I undressed — somewhat gingerly — as I was appalled at the dilapidated condition of the particular dressingroom in which I found myself. Nowhere to hang anything except on rusty nails — murky cobwebs hanging in thick clouds — and broken slimy duckboards for my feet to stand on. I summoned up sufficient courage to descend the slippery steps into the water, which I must admit felt very pleasant — but the heavens rained coldly on my head, and tne keen wind whistled througth the huge cracks in the walls. Then I suddenly had an uncanny sense of being watched. Peering through the steam my eyes focussed upon a huge grey rat, sitting on the side of the bath glittering at me. .... Within a minute, unbathed and undried, I was streaking up the steep hill again, firmly resolved never to comje back to the A.C., even in the direst extremity. I would sooner bath in a tub! And I am one of many who feel like-wise. Surely the Baths are worth bringing up to date and at least making windproof, ratproof, and sanitary. I am, etc.,

"ONCE BITTEN".