AUCKLAND FERRIES.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume I, Issue 258, 4 December 1914, Page 9

AUCKLAND FERRIES.

WHARF CHARGES INCREASED. Priss Association. AUCKLAND, December 3. Mr J. H. Gunson, chairman of the Harbour Board, made a statement today with reference to the position that has arisen between the board and the ferry companies. The board recently decided that the two ferry companies were paying the board for wharf acr commodation an amount that did not represent anything like fair interest on the amount expended on the wharves," and resolved to materially increase the charges to the ferry companies. The companies retorted by threatening to increase the fares. The residents of the North Shore suburbs viewed the position with alarm, and made representations to the Harbour Board, but the board declined to alter its attitude in the matter. The chairman of the board j)ointed out to-day that the ferry companies were wealthy concerns and made large profits; that they now controlled a great and growing public service, and that if the board allowed them to win in this matter the public would be at their mercy in the future. The chairman further stated -that, if'the position became acute the board would itself enter into the ferry business. He has practically challenged Mr U. W. Alison, a member of the Harbour Board, who is very largely interested in the ferries, to give effect to his threat that he will secure an alteration in the law by which the board is seeking to control the operations of the ferry companies.