THE MUNICIPAL BATHS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVII, Issue 8080, 10 April 1906, Page 2

THE MUNICIPAL BATHS.

TO THE ESITOB. Sin,—lt was with grave disquiet that a few evenings ago I read tho letter of a writer, advocating that tho Municipal Baths bo turned into an aquarium. After again leading the letter, which, while singularly frank in its appeal to tho public, was not a little obscure in some places, I came to the conclusion that the scheme of the writer had a great deal to recommend it. The writer urges that we should forthwith procure a male and female shark and an octopus, and turn them loose, apparently, in the place known as "the Councillors' wash-tub." He says it would bo educational for the ohildren, and—suggestive thought-might bo reproductive. It is evident that the evolution of the young shark-octopi would not be uninstructive, and all the children, grown up and others, would watch their playful gambols and the waving of their finny arms or army tins, according to the " dominant partner," with grave attention. Perhaps a charge could be made for admission, and the Government induced to give a & for £ subsidy. When (vide popular science) the radical science that underlies all tho varied manifestations of the' law of natural selection in fishy subjects should become a bore, a big crowd would bo ensured bv giving a "Councillors' day." Perhaps if the Mayor of the time, amidst the cheers of his supporters, descended into the arena, and endeavoured to get the shark to swallow the bank overdraft, while the more slim Councillors pursued the famous octopus up the famous £ISOO tunnel amid the shrieks of their admirers, a really good thing in takings would result. But I fear that our friend, the writer aforesaid, is too late with his brilliant suggestion. Time was when the Council had not lost its dash—or perhaps splash would be more appropriate—when such a proposal would have filled their bosoms with joy. But the age of high jinks is gone. Gone are tho flattering illusions which gilded the common things of life and made a street crossing a thing of beauty. We have fallen on a base, I economical time, when even the project of tho brilliant writer quoted will fail to get the reception which it truly merits. Let me conclude with a quotation which I do not understand, but which the daily papers have rendered hauntingly familiar vale."—l am, otc., Ton Coliixß. TflE MAYORALTY ELECTION. TO THE EDITOB. Sib,—Your correspondent, "A Croaker," is one of tho worst types of the croakmg species, for he is ovidently of that class of frogs which has never been beyond the fringe of his own muddy little pool. lam very much afraid that he is unable to fully comprehend the matter on which he scribbles, fearing, probably, that like the frog who tried to swell himsolf to the size of a bullock, he will burst. Croaking frogs, Mr Editor, never allow themsolvos to be seen if they can avoid .it. They hide in tho grass, or sink themselves in the water. Your " Croaker " hides in the long grass 'A anonymity—ho is afraid to sign his own name at the foot of his own very personal attack on the Mayor. Let us analyse his " croak." First, he says that when Mr Cock was returned as Mayor " he found tho town owing only £23,000." When Mr Cock took office, the borough had sanctioned the £90,000 loan, which Mr Cock had to raise. It is not fair, then, to blame him for that portion of tho borough debt, which was incurred by Mr Dockrill's Couneil. The saltwater baths are termed by your correspondent as " wretched." If is plainly evident that the " Croaker " is not a saltwater frog, or he would not try to dcory this valuable asset. The baths may not pay directly, but this and several other institutions, such as tho Esplanade, Recreation Grounds, and the sanitation system, arc going to pay us handsomely in an iudirect fashion by attracting more people to New Plymouth, which ironei of the best and prettiest soaside rosorts in the colony. It is a popular one, too, despite the croakings of men like your pessimistic contributor, who seize every opportunity to cry "stinking fish "on their own town. Ao to the dullness of trade, the Mayor can't help that, and our dullness is brilliancy compared to the state of affairs in somo other towns not so very far away.! And, moreover, tho clouds are rising, and business men in New Plymouth are feeling the effects of a general improvement. But " Croaker " has not reached the end of his complaint. He talks of "the electric lighting fad,l which will cost us hundreds per annum and won't return a sixpence benefit, directly or indirectly." Bosh! liven if that were true, could the blame be .laid at Mr Cock's door f Not much. The ratepayers raised the money and authorised the olectriilighting systm, and the saltwater baths, too, for that matter. But it is not true. The electric lighting system is going to be a howling success, far beyond the scope of "Croaker's" most vivid imagination. Let him look around, and see the number of installations already made, and those iu progress. Let him, iu future, view matters from a fair standpoint, ''jjwere better for him to view things optimistically, if ho must write at all to the papers, instead of uttering his dismal, cheerless " croaking " on subjects that Beem to be too great far his comprehension—l am, etc., W. &TBSIPSON. New Plymouth, April 9th, 1905.