Control of motorboats

Press, Volume CXI, Issue 32542, 27 February 1971, Page 16

Control of motorboats

Sir, —Mr Sowden tells us we must await an investigation by the Minister of Marine before we can see any real action in bringing these irresponsible boat-owners to justice. May I ask Mr Sowden or the harbourmaster the following questions? Their answers will tell us how much action has been taken. (1) When last did any member of the harbourmaster’s staff or honorary warden prosecute speeding boat-owners in Lyttelton Harbour? (2) When does the Harbour Board patrol those areas it has under its jurisdiction during the week-ends? (3) As we have ski-lanes only, when is the Harbour Board going to have swimming beaches only? (4) How much money has been spent on non-earning revenue by putting in slips for these people who pay nothing for their upkeep? (5) How many of these boat-owners know there are by-laws prohibiting speeding and water-skiing from certain beaches on the harbour? (6) Do we just con-

tinue to sit and wait hoping it is not a small child who will be injured or maimed before we can have action?— Yours, etc., A. J. BECKETT, Lyttelton, February 23, 1971. [Mr A. J. Sowden, general manager of the Lyttelton Harbour Board, replies: “There are 12 honorary wardens appointed who are doing an excellent job in endeavouring to control small craft, but their efforts are restricted because of their inability to identify offending craft. They have been supplied with copies of regulations which they distribute to boat-owners. Several persons

have been issued with warning notices, two have been prosecuted, and steps are being taken to prosecute a third. Identification of offenders is preferable from the shore, as owners usually comply with the regulations if a patrol craft is in the area. Slipways have been provided by the board for the use of all types of craft, including speed-boats. There are only a limited number of irresponsible operators who expose themselves and others to danger. The board would welcome applications from interested parties to act as honorary wardens.”]