THE MUNICIPAL BATHS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVII, Issue 81854, 29 September 1906, Page 3

THE MUNICIPAL BATHS.

Sea-bathing is not generally numbered among our iVptember pastimes, but the exccpl'o I ly forward season tins year lias hi'' e effect of hastening the date for 'e daily visit to the briny. A'-eady i.lie nu'L'ber of swimmers dispotvnj themselves at (lie loeal saltwater baths has niLamed considerable dimension's. The balhs present a spick-and-span appe. ranee, speaking volumes ful' the e "c bestowed on the buildings and appurtenances by the caretaker, Mr I'. i'oland, during the "off" season. The Bath's Committee have eft'ecLel considerable improvements, principally in the caretaker's private quarters. The kitchen has been made into an apartment more worthy the name of a room for human habitation, enhanced dimensions being secured by closing one of the passages from the main entrance to the bath, j and giving this strip to the kitchen. A chimney has been erected, so flint

the caretaker is not absolutely depenj dant on the gas stove as an aid to I culinary operations. Electric light has been installed throughout, and in the afternoon tea room is an electric heated kettle. The installation of electricity will save about £"io or £lO annually, for the lighting will now be from the borough installation and the charge » probably merely nominal, a book-keep- - ing entry. ' The batlis tlicmselves are an institu- ' tion of which the town should be proud, and are a more valuable asset than many folk imagine. Apart from the large swimming bath, with fresli seawater daily, excellent depths for swimmer, diver or wader, convenient dressmg-rooms and shower-baths, there is the hot salt water bath of which we should hear a great deal more if the institution were in the hands of a . private owner or syndicate. The sea water on thi= coast is known to be

very fully charged with iron, and possesses many properties wliiL'h render it an aid and cure in muscular ailments, A medical man is reported to have marvelled that Taranaki people should bother about visiting the hot springs when there [ire such facilities for treatment at their own doors. II we might make a suggestion, it is thp.i the controlling committee should enquire into the costs of an ekctric heating apparatus with a view to cheapening the cost of heat production and a consequent reduction in the price ol the hot baths. Another suggestion is that the electric light should be extended so as 10 illuminate the basin. On moonlight niglus in summer there are very many regular attendants at the baths, and we see no reason why, with proper lighting facilities, bathing at night should not become very popular. Many shop assistants and others are unable to visit the baths during the day, but they would probably welcome facilities for regular bathing at night. It should be mentioned that provision is now made for temporarily lighting up the establishment for night carnivals, and so on.