THE FERRY TRAIN.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVI, Issue 17030, 3 December 1915, Page 9

THE FERRY TRAIN.

TO the editor

Sir, —There appears to have been an explosion on this topic, at the Lyttelton Harbour Board meeting yesterday. Have we had enough • explosions in the past or shall we wait till we get more? .[ must lie pardoned for saying that I think something ought to he done at once. I understand that at the request of the railway authorities the Lyttelton Harbour Board lias at considerable expense made the Gladstone pier fit to carry on the ferry traffic. The railway people say it is just what will remove their difficulties in working—but the Union Company refuse to bring their steamers alongside. It is reported that, ” the secretary had a proposal to make when the proper time arrived.” Query—when is the proper time? It is further reported that the proposal means the expenditure of an additional £‘50,000. Now, it is only a matter of money. Why not pay the. Union Company a sum to fcompensate them for the inconvenience of coming alongside the Gladstone pier? As far as 1 can see all difficulties would then be removed.' The southern express train could he in waiting on said wharf, with a powerful locomotive attached, then proceed without delay (for by good management the tunnel could he kept clear for this important train) —and would then only have to unload the Christchurch passengers, taking on hoard the Christchurch passengers going south. This would meet Mr Friedlamler’s -reasonable request. This plan would fill immediate requirements.

But we must look ahead. T’ne Canal Cnmmissiener.s labourocl In- show that Christchurch had nopre-peer <J increased trade, but somehow or other it does increase and will increase, immensely when the war is over. In Mr Cyrus Williams’s report, dated November 5. 1905. he estimated the increase of tonnage of goods handled at 10,000 tons per annum: up to 1914 the increase has been 30.000 tons pet annum. In the 1905 annual report the engineer states: —-“In this connection it is well to bear in mind that any present disabilities do not come from the waterside but are on the land side, and as trade increases this will be more pronounced.” That prophecy is now fulfilled. In 1902 Mr W nymouth said before you spend another pound on Lyttelton, see if you can’t remove the coal and timber trade to Heat*cote. It is all a question of money—which will give us relief in the shortest time on the smallest expenditure. We will see when the ” proper time arrives.”—l am. etc., JOSHUA LITTLE.