On this day in Yorkshire 1938

Harrogate Corporation’s policy of giving free treatments at the Royal Baths to certain privileged classes as a means of publicising the spa undertaking, was questioned and strongly defended at to-day’s meeting the Town Council.

A minute at the Wells and Baths Committee, in reply to queries raised by the Harrogate Ratepayers’ Association, recorded that the number free treatments given during the year ended March 31, 1938, was 2,979 - 2,640 to visiting doctors, 141 to local doctors, 90 to representatives of the Press, and 108 to members of the Council —and that the average price per treatment at normal rates was 4s. 11d, giving a total of £732.

The minute further pointed out that the members of the British Spas Federation, including Harrogate, had agreed to give tickets free or at reduced rates to specified classes of people, this being regarded an effective method of advertising.

Mr. J. E, Myers, who is President of the Ratepayers’ Association, asked whether there was any intention of reducing the number of free or semi-tree treatments.

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