Ceremony 1903
Mr Milsom began the proceedings by making a short introductory statement in which he outlined the the Bath.
The Corporation and Parks Committee were proud of their Engineer and Surveyor who designed the bath and saw it carried through so successfully.
Very great credit was due to Mr Bowen for the magnificent bath which he maintained was second to none in the country.Mr MIlsom expessed the hope that someone would kindly provide a clock for the tower and concluded by asking the Mayoress to declare the Bath open, and in congratulating the Corporation on having provided it for the use of the women and children of Reading.
"I think such a bath has been a long felt want and I hope they will all appreciate it, and also that it may be the means of developing the useful and healthy recreation of swimming. I trust it will be fully appreciated by all who use it"(Cheers)
The Mayor who was greeted by cheers said on behalf of his wife he had to thank the company very sincerely for the welcome they had given her that day.
During the past two and half years it had been a great pleasure to take part in a great many functions in the town but none, could he assure them would she remember better than that. (Applause)
It was his duty to congratulate the Parks and Pleasure Grounds Committee on having at least finished the baths, and in doing so, must say that they owed a great deal to the Chairman of that Committee, not only the trouble he had in connection with those baths but also for the work he put in for the Recreation Grounds throughout the town.
Fortunately, through a recent Act of Parliament, the Corporate body were able to spend from the rates for providing swimming baths, cycle tracks, and other forms of useful and healthy recreation for people, and for the money spent in that way they got ample and good return.
Nothing was more important than the present generation, whop should have healthy and good recreation which would enable them, combined with good to take part in the battle of life in future years, and the Coprporation of Reading had not been behindhandin studying the requirements of the people in that direction (hear hear)He hoped that day was not far distant - and he was glad to see the Chairman of the late School Board, Cllr Collier there because he knew he agreed on the point - when swimming would be part of National education. (hear hear) He assured them that his wife had great pleasure in being present.(applause)
| 
