The Gisborne Times PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 27, 1911.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 3359, 27 October 1911, Page 4

The Gisborne Times PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 27, 1911.

On quite a number of occasions " e have referred, to

Local Bathers and Their Needs.

the need that exists for the estab-

lisliment of further and better facilities for “dippcis lo oally. To put the position mildly, the sheds which have been erected on Waikanae Beach represent but a poor apology for what is really essential in the interests of the numerous section of the community who delight in that healthy form of recreation, sea-bath-ing. There can be no doubt but that if many other portions of the Dominion had been so fortunately circumstanced as to possess such an ideal bathing spot as that which lies practically at the doors of the people of Gisborne, a vast improvement in the mattei to which we are alluding would long ago have been effected. As regards the men’s quarters, not only are they much too small, but in addition they have frequently been found to be anything but sanitary. For the lady batheis, too, the accommodation which is provided might very easily be consideiably improved. With the advent of warmer weather, if anything is contemplated in respect of the approaching bathing season, now is clearly the time to do it. It is evident that if facilities equal to those in most other seaside towns were provided, it would add greatly to the enjoyment of the present “dippers,” besides attracting a large number of additional devotees. What is wanted, it would seem, are sheds which will afford individual privacy to a reasonable extent. This could be ensured by the introduction of the compartment system in connection with the existing sheds when they are being enlarged. Then, again, it would undoubtedly be a great advantage to intending bathers if they could procure on the spot clean bathing garments and towels at a moderate figure, as is the case at all the more important seaside resorts throughout the Dominion. Under this system a caretaker would, of course, be required in respect of both the men’s quarters and the ladies’ quarters. If the matter were taken up again—it has been discussed in various forms on many occasions at the Council table previously—we feel sure that the necessity for improvements in this regard would not fail to make itself felt.