AN URGENT NEED

Dominion, Volume 24, Issue 184, 2 May 1931, Page 8

AN URGENT NEED

Lifeboat for Island Bay RESIDENTS RENEW DEMAND “The people of Island Bay are sullen and sore over the senseless loss of life which Has once again occurred at their door,” said Mr. C. F. Lethaby, president of the Island Bay Ratepayers’ Association, in referring last night to the wreck of the s.s. Progress, ' • He pointed out to “The Dominion” that deputations comprising the Island Bay Ratepayers’ Association, the Cook Strait Fishermen’s Association, the Island Bay Life-saving and Surf Club, and the Royal Humane Society had waited upon the Minister of Marine after the fatality which had. occurred in October last year, and again after the disaster which had taken- place In February last, with a request that a lifeboat should be provided for Island Bay at a cost of £15,000, which would be able not only to serve Island Bjjiy but the whole of Cook Strait. ■ In a little over six months. Mr. Lethaby explained, ten lives had been lost at Island Bay within swimming distance of the shore. The Government estimated the value of each adult at £2OOO, and this meant that the Dominion had lost £20,000 more than up-to-date lifeboat equipment would have cost. With a modern lifeboat, capable of being transported quickly on a highpowered motor-lorry to any part of the coast, stranded vessels In foul ground could be saved, where larger vessels would have no chance of affording relief. The fishermen of Island Bay and the members of the life-saving and surf chib had volunteered to undergo any form of training which the Mhrine Department or the Harbour Board might lay down. 1 The people of Island Bay. Sir. Lethaby continued, were unanimously of opinion that nil the lives lost yesterday eould hake been saved had a lifeboat been on hand., . A lifeboat could even have taken out an extra anchor, and thus averted the tragedy. Shipping activities in Cook Strait. Mr. Lethaby pointed out. wore increasing. In addition to the ferry services, there wks the fishing industry, and in the immediate future air services across the strait eould be looked for. In recent fatalities at Island Bay, ships had risked their safety in an endeavour to save the doomed vessels on a lee shote ill foul ground. Which a modern lifeboat could have negotiated much more safely, The highest praise. Mr. Lethaby said, was due to Constable F. Baker, of Island Bay. who had pluckily gone out yesterday in a rowboat in a brave but futile attempt to rescue the men who were still on the Progress or clinging. Constable Baker was nt present: in tho hospital wifli broken ribs, and the residents of Island Bay were very sore over the refusal of the Minister of Marine to listen to the two urgent requests . which had boon nindo to him'lo provide ; lifeboat for Island P-y. In order that furl,lioi- valuiihie lives might he saved. “It i« ,-oi-v h''rd." concluded Mr. Letiaby.. "to have to stand and watch men being di,,..til l.ge rats within swimming distance of the shore,” ,