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The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Canterbury Provincial District]

Public Baths

Public Baths.

There are no public baths in Christchurch; none, that is to say, under the control of the municipal authorities. This want is to a large extent compensated by the existence of several very fine baths in connection with various schools. The West Christchurch (Lincoln Road), East Christchurch (Gloucester Street), St. Albans and Richmond Schools have each a fine bath lined with concrete about twenty-five yards long, ranging from three feet to eight feet in depth, and supplied by a running flow of artesian water. The Boys' High School (Worcester Street) and Christ's College have similar baths on a somewhat larger scale; and the Girls' High School pupils have the use of the Boys' High School bath on fixed days. The result is that a large majority of the boys and girls now attending the primary and secondary schools in Christchurch and suburbs learn to swim before they leave school. A private bath, for the use of which a small fee was charged, was constructed some time ago at Richmond. At Lancaster Park the Athletic Company owning the ground has provided one of the best public baths in New Zealand. It is fifty yards in length by thirteen yards in breadth, and affords first-class accommodation for swimming races.

A movement has begun for the construction of municipal baths; in fact, it was suggested that the Jubilee of the province might be fitly commemorated in this way. It must be admitted, however, that the Avon, though very cold, affords good summer bathing; and the easy communication with Sumner, New Brighton, and Lyttelton provides facilities for those who care for sea bathing. Besides this, several swimming clubs are, under certain conditions, allowed the use of the public school baths already mentioned. There is thus not the same necessity for municipal baths as exists in many other colonial towns.