AN ASSET OF NEW PLYMOUTH.

Taranaki Daily News, 23 December 1919, Page 5

AN ASSET OF NEW PLYMOUTH.

AND AN APPRECIATION THEREOF. (By a Visitor.) New Plymouth has many assets, but, one of the principal—in that it caters directly for the inhabitants as well as for visitors to the town —is the municipal baths. I was agreeably surprised on patronising that institution to find ■fhe changes that had been completed., the others in progress, and to learn of still others in contemplation, in connection with all of which the caretaker (Mr. George Pugh) deeßrves to be complimented. Jlr. Pugh impressed me- as being enthusiastic in regard to his task; a desirable attribute as being the first necessity of competent workmanship, and I sincerely hope the people of New Plymouth will do their part, by their patronage of the baths, to sustain his enthusiasm. He is also a man of ideas and ideals, and this town no less than others ia in need of those. The first consideration of such an institution is scrupulous cleanliness, and on that matter, after close inspection, I am prepared to give an absolute assurance; while a conspicuous effort at beautification, by means of shrubs planted in suitable receptacles and placed in convenient positions along the sides of the. swimming bath, is suitably rewarded by the result. The structural alterations will be more conspicuous in a few days, but amongst these, and more directly appealing, to the larger number of patrons, will be a replica (partly outdoor and partly under cover) of a continental cafe, where tea, soft drinks, and like commodities that tempt the palate, will be tastefully served. That part of the building formerly utilised as a laundry is undergoing serious renovation for the purpose of conversion (as far as space will allow) into a gymnasium, and Mr. Pugh—himself an athlete and boxer of no mean standard—will be pleased to give assistance in that department, which he hopes will continue throughout the winter months, and so fill s very apparent void in the everyday lives of the lads of New Plymouth. I especially commend this to the parents for their support.

In conclusion, addressing more particularly the authorities, I would suggest the installing of some more up-to-date sluice gear, entailing less hard labor on the part of the attendant, and getting rid of the unsightly box which blocks the major portion of the deep end of the swimming bath. That would be a suitable completion of the improvements above-noted and the others unmentioned, which I accept as a reflex of a new order of things, and in respect of which I wish New Plymouth and its officials • every success.