Owing to the growing popularity of surf bathing, the club has found it necessary to provide up-to-date accommodation for its fast increasing number of members. The new pavilion measures 52ft by 30ft, and consists of two floors and a flat roof for sun bathing.
The ground floor is reserved exclusively for lady members, and includes a large room for use as a sun lounge. The upper floor provides accommodation for male members, and also includes a large drill room, which will be used for instructing members in life-saving drill.
The building is fitted throughout with electric light, modern sanitary conveniences, shower baths, and dressing boxes. It is one of the most up-to-date surf bathing pavilions in Australasia.
Mr T. K. Sidey, who performed the opening ceremony, pointed out that surf bathing was now a very popular, and probably the most healthy form of recreations, and he thought that the club, in undertaking the erection of such a commodious building, was entitled to the support of the whole community.
He considered that the club should be subsidised by the City Council, especially as the club, by popularising the beach, gave a considerable impetus to the tramway traffic to St Clair.
Mr W. Davidson (president of the Otago Centre of the Royal Life-saving Society) congratulated the club on its magnificent building, and spoke a few words on the great benefit to be derived from swimming.
He explained the good work done by the Royal Life-saving Society throughout the world.
• During the past few days there has been an agitation among residents of the northern end of the town in regard to the taste of the water.
We understand that this defect, which is of only a temporary nature, has resulted from the presence of certain microscopic algae, which make their appearance when the water rises above a certain temperature.
No apprehension need be felt as to the effect of these minute plants, as they are in no way injurious, and will probably disappear within a few days. They are, of course, liable to return during the next few months, but no serious results need be feared.
- ODT, 22.12.1914.
