Good people of the Prom Coast, before we get into it, I'll preface this letter with some context. I recently found a rather contentious topic being argued in the South Gippsland Shire Echo in 1915. The argument spans several months, beginning with the following letter published February 12th on mixed bathing at Foster Beach. I spoke to the editor, and they are graciously providing space for regular submissions of this exchange. Buckle up, it's going to be a bumpy ride. Zavier Evans
Mixed bathing at Foster beach
To the Editor
SIR -- There can be two ideas about the benefit to young and adult alike when they are able to avail themselves of sea bathing. This boon was not available to the people of Foster and district until the discovery of and the making of a road to, the Foster beach. I was delighted with the quiet hour or two I spent there recently- my first visit. And to those citizens who have done so much towards making it possible to participate in the pleasures of sea bathing the thanks of all are due.
But, Sir, there is one matter that should receive very earnest consideration before any further time elapses. I refer to the growing tendency of mixed bathing. On the occasion of my visit there (on a public holiday) I was astounded, to put it mildly, to see this practice so much in evidence.
This should not be permitted, and I am sure that the gentlemen who have taken a leading part in the Beach question must severely discountenance such bathing. Sir, it impossible to understand how some of our people can so far forget themselves as to indulge in this -to my mind- immodest practice. That may seem putting it rather strongly, but in my opinion such bathing is positively immodest.
I take it, Mr. Editor, that those self same people would be shocked if some of our ladies or gentlemen were to present themselves at a plain and fancy dress ball clad in bathing costume or trunks representing the swimmer. Then why should the shock be so considerably lessened, or become non existent, when he or she is floundering about with them in the briny. If the absence of decent dress be wrong in the first case, to my mind it is doubly wrong in the second where the sexes, similarly attired, bathe together.
Why are the churches silent on this grave question? Are our shepherds unaware of the degenerating influence of such a practice? This abominable innovation must be productive of much harm. In our young folk modesty should be cultivated not obliterated. I do sincerely ask our clergy to go and see for themselves and then speak as they must feel about this sorry business. Being a family man I feel very strongly on this matter, and as such I am certain i am not alone in this stand I take. I may be told mixed bathing is permitted elsewhere. That is so, but that does not make the gravity of the case lighter. Two wrongs do not make a right. Regulations or provisions for separating the sexes should be enforced, for mixed bathing is clearly wrong and dangerous. Bathe by all means, but provide a secluded spot for each sex. Apologising for taking up so much of your valuable space and expressing hope that abler pens will assist in writing down this growing evil, I am, Sir,
Yours, etc.,
Decency, Foster. 10.2.15
