PURCHASE THE ONLY SOLUTION

Evening Post, Volume CXII, Issue 131, 30 November 1926, Page 10

PURCHASE THE ONLY SOLUTION

MAYOR GIVES REASONS

"RUINOUS AND INSANE COM

PETITION."

"The ratepayers of Bastbournc will be asked to-morrow," stated the Mayor of Eastbourne, Mr. H. M. Jones, to a "Post" reporter to-day, "to affirm or otherwise the recommendation of the Eastbourne Borough Council to purchase the buses at present in competition with the ferry boats for the sum of £7650, plus £350 for initial expenses. The council seeks support for the proposals submitted, believing that the programme outlined offers the only solution to our present unenviable position. The council is fully aware of, and alive to, the possibilities of such recommendation, but having fully investigated all aspects, confidently recommends the purchase as the only way that we can survive the acute and ever-increasing competition. "Might I point out that we are not alone in this respect. Railways and tramways have had to enter into the motor business to save heavy annual losses. One or two ferry companies in this country have had to go out of business on account of the mobility of motor transport. "The position of the Eastbourne ferries is such that we caunot, nay, dare not, sit idly by and wait for something to turn up. In the proposals submitted there is a reasonable chance of not only stopping the losses, but making the combined services a payable proposition. Control of the transport systems, co-ordination, and cooperation instead of ruinous and insane competition is in my opinion the only way out. We are heavily committed, and we have to go a step further if we are to save further losses. "The policy of the present council so far as cutting down expenses on the boats is concerned has been unusually successful, but wo are powerless to cope with the ever-decreasing revenue brought about by a transference of cash customers to the more mobile services. SAVINGS EFFECTED IN FERRY OPERATIONS. Last year under unfavourable conditions a saving _of approximately £1500 was made in the running expenses of the ferry service. This year, 1026-27, up }■> 31st October, a further saving of £1500 was made on the expenditure side as against the expenditure for the corresponding period of last year, when the saving first mentioned was made. Does this prove or otherwise the council's claim to have a full working knowledge of the conditions obtaining in the ferry service? SOONER OR LATER MUST PURCHASE. "In conclusion, I confidently assert that sooner or later we will be compelled to get control, or go out of business, and carry a very heavy burden for many, many years. If we are to purchase the time is now for obvious reasons. I leave this issue in the hands of the ratepayers with confidence." THE SECONDER OF THE MOTION. When asked if he had any statement to make in connection with letters appearing in the Press about the proposals, Mr. Jones stated he did not at this stago propose to enter into any discussion further than to give an extract of the resolution of 22nd October, 1926:— ' His Worship the Mayor moved that the Eastbourne Borough Council establish a motor-omnibus service between Eastbourne and Wellington, and vice versa, and if called upon will take advantage of the powers given to it by Section 15 of the Motor Omnibus Traffic Act, 1926, in relation to the taking over of the present service and the financing of same. Seconded by Councillor Edilson and earned. "You will notice," lie remarked; "that Councillor Edilson seconded the resolution, im-ther comment-is unnecessary."