Ferry decision ‘weeks away’

Press, 15 August 1984, Page 1

Ferry decision ‘weeks away’

Confirmation of a new Lyttelton-Wellington ferry service is still several weeks away. The chairman of the Christchurch-based Pacifica Shipping Company, Ltd, Mr Brooke McKenzie, discussed the possibility of the new service with the Minister of Transport, Mr Prebble, in Wellington yesterday. Mr McKenzie came away from the meeting feeling slightly uneasy. “He (Mr Prebble) said that if we want to start the service the Government would not interfere or stand in our way,” said Mr McKenzie.

“I was hoping for more assurance. The Minister has been in his position only for two weeks so I suppose he is feeling his way and might be able to ’ give us some more assurances when we return.” Mr McKenzie will go overseas in the next two weeks for further study on the viability of a high-speed hovercraft service between Wellington and Lyttelton capable of carrying 300 passengers and 30 cars. In ideal conditions the run should take only three hours. “When I return I will forward a full written re-

port on the proposal,” he said. Finance for the service would be raised by public float underwritten by the Wellington sharebroker, Jarden and Company. The share issue would not be finalised until a tender for the vessel had been confirmed. The vessel is expected to cost more than $lO million. The ferry could be running within 15 months of the decision to proceed. Among problems still worrying Mr McKenzie is that the Government could introduce a ferry in competition, and the “preda-

tory” pricing policies of the Railways Corporation. Lyttelton lost its passenger service link with the North Island in'l976 when the Rangatira was withdrawn. Passenger facilities, which include a terminal and roll-on berth, are still available at Lyttelton’s No. 2 wharf. Mr Prebble declined to comment after the meeting.