A.C. BATHS MATTERS

Taupo Times, Volume III, Issue 105, 29 January 1954, Page 9

A.C. BATHS MATTERS

NO CONTRACT LET - The report of the A.C. Bath caretaker, Mr W. A. Harding, presented to the Borough Council meeting on Wednesday, January 20, stated that the baths had been well patronised through the holidays, mainly in the evenings. Because of the large crowds it had been impossible to admit patrons after 9 p.m. Unfortunately, said the report, "we have been liberally abused by some patrons who have been . refused admission." Renewals of season tickets were very slow in coming in.

The Acting Town Clerk, Mr M. Milton, reported that the takings at the Baths for the period December 18 to January 15 totalled £285/16/-. The figures for the same period last year were £318/15/9 a drop-of some £32. This was due to the non-renewal so far this season of season tickets. .

The Mayor, Mr J. E. Story, said that during the same period last year some fifty or more season season tickets were renewed, while only a few had been renewed this year. This appeared to be due to the fact that many users of the Baths knew that the reconstruction contract was in prospect and thought season tickets might be shortened while the baths were out of use. However, tickets would be extended to cover the time during which the baths were closed.

Mr Milton, Acting Town Clerk, reported that he had enquired from the Ministry of Works, Hamilton, as to the long delay in a start on the reconstruction of the Baths. The Departmental Archi - tect had stated that only one tender, submitted by Messrs. Murray and Bradley, was some £1500 in excess of the Department's estimate of the cost. Detailed estimates were now being taken out by the Archietct so that the matter could be gone into with the tenderers. Mr Milton also reported that the Architect had stated that until this had been done it was not possible to seek other tenders for the job.