FERRY BOATS v. HARBOUR BOARD.

Auckland Star, Volume XLI, Issue 135, 9 June 1910, Page 2

FERRY BOATS v. HARBOUR BOARD.

fTo the Editor.) Sir, —It is startling to read of the ''shameful, incapable, and unfair" treatment of ferry .boats by the Harbour Board. But if the Minister for Marine were a constant and daily traveller in some of the vessels that are sculling round this harbour, he (having been a practical seaman), would no doubt uphold the '"Board's" by-laws "every time," instead of taking up his present atitude. The Harbour Board's officers, from Captain Duder down to some of the watchmen, are all experienced master mariners, and they should be capable of determining the seaworthiness and comfort" of a ferry boat, especially when they are in constant touch daily. But it goes without saying that the honest opinion of every broad-minded individual met with in crossing the harbour amply confirms and strengthens the neressity of supervision such as the Harbour Board officials are carrying on at present, and Shore residents -should stand 'by the Harbour Board on this all-important question. -With due respect to the able and efficient officers of the Marine Department, who are quite busy enough with the large fleet of coastal vessels, local s.s. companies, and oversea shipping, a petition should be .prepared and signed by all concerned praying that the "Board" be nllowed to continue their interest in the welfare, safety, and comfort of persons crossing this harbour. If something is not done early, be prepared to travel in anjr old boat that can carry an engine, instead of up-to-date, staunch and reliable vessels as we are entitled to in this enlightened age. In view of the misrepresentation thai is goia? on, thie subject is worthy of an indignation meeting among the Kiorfch Shore residents, when something definite may be decided upon.—l am, etc., E. M STENTIFORD, Master Mariner, (To the Editor.) ' Sir, —It is interesting to learn that the Government, under the "Shipping and Seamen's Act," as intimated by the Hon. Minister for Marine, claims the responsibility for the control of our ferry service. I presume the lavatories are included; if so, I congratulate the Department, for they are a "credit!" May I ask the Hon. Minister if the time-taible is also under Government supervision? If the running to time--table is to be controlled by the Marine Department, from Wellington, we might well exclaim: "Heaven help -us!" The Tramway Company have to toe the line veTT smartly, why not the harbwir ferries ? Are the lives and business of the people across the water of less value and importance? As a worker and suppor.ter of the Government in the past, I expected something better, and realise if this is their best it's time we had a change.—l am. etc, DEVOOTOiRT RESIDENT. Devonport, June 7th, 1910.