IDLE FERRIES.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIII, Issue 135, 9 June 1932, Page 9

IDLE FERRIES.

VICTIMS OF PROGRESS. PROBLEM AT SYDNEY. may be used as flats. A difficult problem in disposing of the 115 ferries, whose usefulness ended with the* opening of the Sydney haibour bridge, confronts Sydney Ferrie?, Ltd., especially since tlie auction sale practically fell through. One of the most novel solutions offered by a shipping man was that the larger vessels should be turned into flats, the ships remaining at moorings as houseboats. The Harbour Trust, however, is careful about granting a liccnse for moorings, and while the foe is nominal, ranging from 2/ to 10/, local residents are apt to object to houseboats. Such fiats would not be authorised at any of the more convenient bays. It is claimed that ferries have not been built on cargocarrying lines, and the fact that they are double-enders is really a disad\antage. ■Sydney Harbour was one of the few smooth-water runs in the world where thousands of people had to be transported daily. Consequently the prospect of the smaller ferries obtaining suitable employment, perhaps in the East, appears a little brighter than the big Koonipartoo and the Kuttabul. Limited Trade. Looking nearer home, it is doubtful if any of the vessels could find profitable trade on the Hawkesbury River. A crew of master, engineer, fireman and deckhand would be required, the aggregate wages amounting to over £20 a week, and this, together with working costs, would require more traffic than is at present available. It is conceded among shipping men that Sydney Ferries have left few, if any, avenues on the harbour which could be engaged in at profit, so far as the carriage of passengers or vehicles is concerned.