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177
rooms for women, there being two on either side, and that
the partitions separating the men's from the women's baths
do not reach the ceiling, prevents sufficient privacy being
afforded to the women.
Being desirous of giving the Vestry the fullest
possible information on this subject, we instructed Mr.
Thomas Wilkins, C.E., to survey the existing baths,
machinery, and pumping apparatus, and to report to us
as to how they could best be extended and adapted to
render them suitable for Public Baths and Wash-houses,
and at what probable cost. He has made a most thorough
and exhaustive examination of every part of the establishment
and its plant, and finds that there is space enough
to erect the additional private baths required, viz.:—Second
class for men, and first and second class for women; also for
wash-houses, with drying and ironing rooms complete. The
pumping engine in the well is much out of order, and would
have to undergo a thorough repair, and additional boiler
power would have to be provided to meet the requirements
of the enlarged establishment. He is further of opinion
that it would be necessary in order to secure a suitable
approach from the Northern end of the buildings, to purchase
two cottages in Canal Row, and that the total cost,
if the price asked by Mr. Higgs is given, will not be less
than £21,000.
We having now carefully considered the whole question,
have come to the conclusion that we can in no way
approve of the purchase of the Victoria Baths in lieu of
the site recommended in our previous report, for the
following reasons.