NORTH SHORE AFFAIRS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 19289, 30 March 1926, Page 15

NORTH SHORE AFFAIRS.

VEHICULAR FERRY CHARGES. NEW DEVONPORT WHARF. The Waitemata Chamber of Commerce met last evening, the chairman Mr. W. Marks, presiding. A complaint against the charges levied on carriers resident on the North Shore who use the Devonport Ferry Company's cargo service was forwarded by the Birkenhead Business Association, which asked for support in its endeavour to secure a concession for North Shore carriers who, in the course of their business, often require to make frequent trips daily across the harbour. It was pointed out that the Ferry Company makes a concession to motor-car owners whose cars are used chiefly for pleasure, while no concession is available to owners of commercial vehicles. As an indication that some of the North Shore business firms are regular users of the cargo service, it was mentioned, that one Devonport firm pays nearly £IOOO annually in ferry charges. The chamber resolved to assist in forming a deputation to wait on the Ferry Company to endeavour to secure the same concessions as those granted to motor-car owners Delay on the part of the Auckland Harbour Board in making public particulars of the new wharf at Devonport was the subject of considerable comment. The condition of both the passenger wharf and vehicle landing at Devonport was referred to and instances were quoted where carriers would not undertake to deliver heavy loads owing to the present state of the wharf. The chamber resolved to write to the Harbour Board asking that the new wharf be considered. As the question of water spply to the marine boroughs was causing some concern it was resolved to write <to the Minister of Health asking for the approximate date when the Water Commission will be set up. The chamber expressed itself in favour of legislation which will provide for the introduction of summer time.