British Spas
THE early autumn is an opportune time for publishing a Supplement on British Spas, for this is the season of the year when such places as Bath, Cheltenham, Llandrindod, Droit- with, Harrogate, and Strathpeffer are considered by many to be at their best. The Spectator has always supported the "Come to Britain" movement, but in this case our advice to those who need peaceful surroundings and gentle treatment by some _form of water cure is "Stop in Britain." Why go abroad when so much can be enjoyed in our own country ?
A great advance has been made in our British Spas during the last seven years. On the scientific side research work is now systematically. organized. We were falling behind our competitors before the War in the adoption of careful research work, but now the medical profession has established accurate records, and from 1914 to 1919 obtained much more exact knowledge as to the effects of waters and baths upon ill- health and disease. Britain ever since Roman days has been one of the original homes of the " sweating " bath, and the courageous use of heat and cold in water cures was first taught by British pioneers. But we needed to advance, if we were to compete with the Continent, and the collective research work now in progress at the British Mineral Water Hospitals is already giving valuable results. It should be noted that these do not receive financial support from the Government, as is the case in many Spas abroad.
There_ has also been a great improvement in the hotel accommodation provided at British Spas. This is a matter of considerable importance, for invalids, while they are taking the waters, need a careful cuisine and restful surround- ings. One of the most comfortable and interesting hotels in this country may be discovered by the discriminating at one of our ,Spas. It contains a priceless collection of paintings by the great masters and rare specimens of Italian and French sculptures and bronzes.
Another direction in which there has recently been progress is in recreation offered. Although Spas cannot be mere entertainment resorts, continually exciting patients, in the past few years the amusements and distractions provided for invalids and- their companions have been increased. Sym- phony and chamber concerts are given almost daily at our leading Spas. For outdoor recreation there have been extensive developments of parks and gardens.. At Harrogate, for example, the Valley Gardens have been enlarged to nearly twice their size, and there are now six hard tennis courts, a tennis pavilion, a children's model yacht lake, and a putting course. Especially during the autumn, when the days are drawing in, provision is made in theatre and concert hall, so that patients may--not be bored by too monotcraous an existence.
It is true, as Mr. B.-S. Townroe points out on another page, that we do not offer the attraction of Casinos, as is the case on the Continent. From the health point :of view this is no disadvantage, for the fetid atmosphere of a crowded Casino after midnight has the worst possible effect upon those who require mental rest. Our British Spas, notably Woodhall Spa, Strathpeffer, Bath, Cheltenham, Droitwich, and Leamington, which are the least tonic and the most sedative, are of special value for cases of nervous fatigue, and the establishment of Casinos, would not be of added benefit, although they would no doubt attract thousands who now go to Aix or Biarritz.
There is, however, something to be said for the other criti- cisms put forward by our correspondent. The developments, for example, along the Warminster Road outside Bath should be a warning of the dangers of unrestricted building in -"a town that lives by its attractiveness. All who value rural scenery must hope that the powers now given to the Corporation of Bath to set up an Advisory Committee to prevent one of Britain's most historic towns being disfigured by the speculative builder will be used to the utmost.
Our correspondent also touches a vulnerable spot in pointing out the need of more publicity for British Spas. Within their limits local Directors of Advertising do their utmost to bring the beauties and the attractions of their Spas before the public, but they could indeed take a lesson from their Continental rivals in the direction of dignified publicity.
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