City Council votes for Rangatira

Press, Volume CXVI, Issue 34104, 17 March 1976, Page 7

City Council votes for Rangatira

A move to support the Government’s withdrawal of the Rangatira was soundly defeated at a meeting of the Christchurch City Council on Monday.

The council was discussing a recommendation by its policy and finance committee that the council endorse a telegram sent to the Prime Minister by the committee, protesting against the withdrawal of the Rangatira. Cr H. Garrett said that she could not support the recommendation. “I think we’re being parochial and selfish in wishing to keep such a service at such great expense to the taxpayer,” she said. “A roil-on cargo service would have twice the capacity and would be far better.

“I don’t see why the Canterbury Progress League or this council should support such an outdated and uneconomic service.”

Cr Garrett questioned whether the Progress League had the permission of the council to circulate in the foyer of the council building a petition supporting the retention of the Rangatira. I The Mayor (Mr Hay): They have the permission of the Mayor.

Diving.—Two New Zealanders, Graeme Shaw and Wayne' Taumata, were first and second in their section of international age group diving championships in Mildura, Australia. They competed in the boys’ 17-18 years section.

Softball.—A training camp will he held in Wellington in November to help boost the standard of New Zealand women’s softball. A squad of at least 20 players under the age of 23 is to be selected at the end of the season.

Cr Garrett’s remarks were greeted with shouts of “Shame! Shame!” from other councillors when she admitted that she had not travelled in the Rangatira. Mr Hay said that he had! travelled in the Rangatira. I “In fact, I went to see the Prime Minister in her,” he said. Cr P. J. R. Skellerup said that a sea passenger and vehicle service between Lyttelton and Wellington had to be retained if South Islanders did not want to become second-class citizens. He said that if the Christchurch and Wellington airports were closed by unfavourable condi

tions, many people who otherwise might have an alternative way to travel would simply have to stay at home. The council adopted the recommendation of its committee. with only Cr Garrett voting against it.