HARBOUR FERRY SERVICES.

Evening Post, Volume LXXIX, Issue 73, 29 March 1910, Page 7

HARBOUR FERRY SERVICES.

■* A COMPLAINT. ' * A correspondent writes to us asking if there is any limit to the number ot passengers the harbour steamers may carry. He states that on a recent Saturday, on the steamer leaving Day's Buy for Wellington, there was hardly standing 100 m. There was also smoking ou both decks — puffing of pipes and cigarettes, everywhere. H« presumes there is a limit to the number* of passengers that may be carried, and that the authorities see thai the law is obeyed. Our correspondent complains that in his opinion there is not sufficient provision made in case of an accident, but in this matter also, he adds, no doubt the Marine Department pays attention to the need of the travelling public. On enquiry from tha Marine Department to-day it was ascertained that there is a limit to the number of passengers the ferry steamers are allowed to carry. The numbers are given in the vessels' certificates which are posted on board. On holidays the Customs officers count the passengers who go on board at Wellington, and also those who go on board at Day's Bay. If the limit is exceeded a prosecution follows. Provision is also made that each steamer shall carry a boat and a specified number of lifesaving appliances — life-belts and air-tight cases affixed to the seats. Certificates have to be furnished by the marine surveyors that these life-saving appliances are oa board ai»d in good order. When plying within harbour limits ferry steamers are allowed by the regulations to carry as a minimum life-belts sufficient for two-thirds of the number of people their certificates allow the vessels to take. While in tne harbour the Duchess it authorised to carry 1029 passeugers; the Cobar 745, and the Admiral 616. The Duchess has on board (or should have according to her certificates) 695 life-belts and 12 lifebuoys. The Cobar has 369 lifebelt?, 10 lifebuoys, and buoyancy seats sufficient for 374 persons. The* Admiral has 410 lifebelts and four lifebuoys.