BRITISH SPAS
[To the Editor of the SPECTATOR.] Sra,—Your correspondent " A Sufferer," whose letter on " British Spas " appeared in your-issue of the 6th instant, has made accusations against British Spas, which, as far as the leading spas are concerned, are absolutely groundless.
The members of the British Spas Federation are Bath, Buxton, Cheltenham, Droitwich, Harrogate, Leamington, Llandrindod, Strathpeffer, Trefriw Wells, Woodhall Spa, and New Zealand.
No spa is allowed to join the Federation unless it is properly equipped to give treatments ensuring every possible attention for the patient. The staff are medically trained, have had long practical experience, and are painstaking in their attend- ance on patients. Rooms are always kept clean and warm, and equipped for the comfort of patients. Everything possible is done at these spas to make patients forget their troubles and to assist them to a speedy recovery. That the patients are satisfied may easily be proved by reference to the un- solicited testimonials left by thousands of visitors to these spas. Of the federated spas in this country, seven are controlled by local authorities and the remainder by private enterprise. In each case the controlling authority certainly does not con- sider the bathing establishments from a commercial point of view. The upkeep and maintenance of the respective baths are regarded as a first call upon the authority's expenditure.
The spas consider this maintenance as a sacred trust in view of their being blessed with healing waters.
These spas are continually spending large sums of money in order to improve their amenities- and entertainments, a policy which is producing the best results, in so far as many people, who in their desire for new experiences formerly visited foreign spas, are now visiting these British spas 'annually. It may interest " Sufferer " to know that during the next few days a large number of physicians from foreign spas are making a tour of inspection of the British spas. It is our own proud boast that we have nothing to fear by com- parison with foreign spas.—I am, Sir, &e., J. E. BODDINCTON,
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