STATE FERRY SERVICE.

Marlborough Express, Volume XLIII, Issue 268, 13 November 1909, Page 7

STATE FERRY SERVICE.

AND THE SOUTH TRUNK

RAILWAY.

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE PROTESTS,

Previously to the termination of the Chamber of Commerce meeting last night, the president (Mr J.. ItSharp) referred to the Prime Minister,'s proposal, to establish a Stateowned ferry service between Lyttelton and Wellington. He said that it was a matter which would affect the Marlborough pro vine© materially, and Sonp in? connection with - whibh the Chamber should take some action immediately. He read a telegram which he had .received from Mr J. Duncan, M.P.', asking that the Chamber pass a resolution in favor of pushing on the railway construction works, and thereby strengthening his hands. Mr 'Sharp said that the ferry service had .been brought forward only with the j object of hanging up the railway works for a number of years; A question which at the present time was of considerable importance was that of opening, the line to beyond Lake Grassmere. As a matter, of fact, the 'train was carrying stuff from that place to Seddon, but the rates charged by the Public Works Department were enormous, and almost prohibitive, and beyond all reason. It was desirable that the line should be opened immediately, in order that the settlers might; be able to get their produce through at a reasonable rate. He understood that it was the intention of the, Government not to open the,t line until December Ist. He moved: "That in the opinion of this Council it is of the first and-urgent importance that the railway; line to Grassmere should be opened for the transit of produce immediately." Mr J. j! White seconded the motion^ which was carried. The members present expressed themselves strongly upon the proposal to institute a State-owned ferry service between Lyttelton and Wellington, which • they regarded as, a direct attempt indefinitely to postpone further construction of the South Island Main Trunk Railway. They- considered that the position should be brought before Parliament with all the force that Marlborough was capable of putting forward. Mr Sharp moved, and Mr Smale seconded: "That this Chamber views with alarm the suggestion to establish.'.. a. State-owned ferry service between Lyttelton and Wellington, and the consequent postponment of the South Island Main Trunk line, the progress .of which has beeii so slow, i and desires to impress on the Government the necessity for the early completion of the line. In the interest of the district and the Dominion generally this Chamber urges that a substantial sum be placed upon the Estimates for the immediate extension of. the railway." The motion was carried, and, together with the other resolution passed, was forwarded on to Mr Duncan; this'morning.