ACROSS THE STRAIT

Marlborough Express, Volume LIV, Issue 190, 12 August 1920, Page 2

ACROSS THE STRAIT

INADEQUATE FERRY SERVICE

NEED FOR IMPROVEMENT

The question of improving the ferry service between Picton and Wellington was discussed jit a. meeting of the Wellington Central Progress League on Monday niglifc (reports tlie Post). The organiser (Mr G. Mitchell, M.P.) reported that some alteration was promised in the Wellington-Pic-ton service, but so far no change was promised in the servics between Wellington and Nelson. The proposal to put on the Arahura between Wellington and "Pieton would not be. satisfactory to the people concerned, as.the Arahura was considered a doubtful improvement on the present boat, and the question was one for the serious consideration of the committee. The present '.service was a disgrace to any civilised ir-ommunity. . . t; he boats were old, out-of-date, foul, and slow, and the time had arrived to speak plainly, and ask how much longer they Were prepared to put up with, tho service. The people- concorned desired an up-to-date boat with a normal speed of eighteen to twenty knots, and a daily service to Picton, and an improvement in the Nelson service. The question, therefore-, resolved itself into : (1) Were they to wait until the shipping company chose to put on a service such as was desired; (2) the people concerned on both sides of the Straits to undertake the finance, and inaugurate a service themselves; (3). what other method could be adopted to fill the requirements? The second course was now being seriously discussed. It was also believed a suitable boat could be obtained in England for this service at the present time. The matter of providing sufficient and up-to-date accommodation was naturally linked up with the question of a better shipping service, and this matter was receiving careful attention by the Marlborough Progress League". Plans for a large and up-to-date hotel wero already prepared in Blenheim, and a company was being formed to carry this work out. The accommodation at Picton was also being extended and improved.

"It has been sa.id," concluded MiMitchell, "that the. Union Company would consider the question of cutting the Pateena out of the service altogether. Perhaps it would be v good job, but that statement is, in jay opinion, a, big bluff. Tf they did thai,_ then th© Government would step in, as the sea vice would have to be maintained."

Mr Will Lawson, organiser of the Marlborough Progress Committee, said that the Marlborough people wero looking for a .substantial improvement in'the service. Without interfering with the Nelson service, they believed that the three ports—Wellington, Nelson, and Picton--could easily be brought witliin close touch of each other by. frequent and punctual .services.

A deputation was appointed to interview the local managed' of the Union Steam Ship Company next day v.ith the object of ascertaining what st-eps the company proposes taking to improve matters. (A report of the proceedings at the deputation has already been published).