FERRY SERVICES.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXVI, Issue 16, 19 January 1905, Page 3

FERRY SERVICES.

■ 'By Telegraph.—Own Correspondent.) WELLINGTON, this day. Auckland has such a large ferry service that the views of Mr Allport, secretary of the Marine Department, as communicated to a press representative, anent the overcrowding of ferry steamers and the responsibilities of their captains will doubtless warrant perusal. Mr Allport said that if a captain left the deck, and did not leave a competent person in charge, and anything happened, he would be liable for doing so, and a court of inquiry might cancel his certificate. Asked if leaving the bridge without leaving a certificate person in charge was in itself a punishable offence, Mr Allport replied: ''No; it is not an offence leaving the bridge- The captain is responsible for the navigation of the ship. If he is satisfied that he can safely navigate the ship he can be wherever he likes. The rule with most companies is to have a certificated officer on the bridge." Speaking as to overcrowding Mr Allport said there were always Customs officers present in holiday time to count the passengers, and prevent such a thing. They knew as a matter of practice that in ordinary times there was no exceeding what the certificate allowed. Many people who were surprised at the numbers carried by ferry boats did not look at their certificates, but the space was there, and the certificates allowed it.