TAKAPUNA FERRIES.

Auckland Star, Volume LVIII, Issue 94, 22 April 1927, Page 9

TAKAPUNA FERRIES.

BUSES AND BOATS SOLD.

JO DEVONPORT FERRY CO

POSSESSION IN FEW DAYS.

'.•BUSINESS AS USUAL. -,

NO CHAXGE IX FARES

A new development took place this

morning in respect to the question of the transport service to and from Takapuna. The directors of the Devonport Ferry Company concluded the purchase from the receivers for the debenture holders of the Takapuna Tram and Ferry Company of the whole of the assets, with the exception of the locomotives and tram tracks. The price has not been made public.

Colonel W. D. Holgate, acting chairman of the Devouport Ferry Co., in the absence of the Hon. E. W. Alison, when interviewed by a representative of the "Auckland Star," said: '"I cannot, of course, disclose the purchase price, but it is quite true we have just completed the deal. Our purchase includes the boats, buses, and freehold of the Takapuna Tram and Ferry Company, but we are not acquiring the tram track or the locomotives. Possession will be taken in a few days, and it is our company's intention to run a regular and efficient service to and from Bayswater, and from Bayswater to Takapuna and Milford by buses.

"What about the fares?" was asked.

"The fares," said Colonel Holgate, "will not exceed thoso charged from Auckland to Takapuna via Devonport, as it has never been the policy of the Devonport Ferry Co. to put up fares on the public, notwithstanding the statement that such would be the effect in the event of our company acquiring the boats and buses of the Takapuna Tram and Ferry Company." Takapuna Company's History. The Takappna Tramways and Ferry Company was formed in 1910, the first steps being the building of the ferry steamer Pupuke and the laying of thie tram track to serve Bayswater and the Lake Takapuna district. The official opening of the tramways took place in December, 1910, a trial run being made by members of the Waitemata County Council, which at that time controlled the Takapuna area. The combined ferry and tram service for the conveyance of passengers was inaugurated at Christinas, 1910. Originally the company had six cars and two locomotives, but the needs of traffic rapidly increased. Additions were made from time to time, and at present the company has seven locomotives and fourteen tramcars and four motor buses. A second ferry steamer, the Lake Takapuna, was added to the fleet a few years ago. Originally the company had a capital of £42,000. It was later increased to k £lo'J,ooo, with £28,000 debentures. "No Official Intimation." When the matter was referred to the Mayor of Takapuna (Mr. J. U. Morison) this afternoon, he said that he had not received any official intimation of the Devonport company's purchase and for that reason was not in a position to make any statement. As far as he knew the council's option of purchase, which was to hold good until after the municipal elections, still existed.

Mr. A. St. C. Brown, chairman of the Takapuna Tram and Ferry Company, when seen regarding the purchase, did not make a statement, but referred the reporter to the Devonport Steam Ferry Company.