BAYSWATER FERRIES

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23574, 7 February 1940, Page 12

BAYSWATER FERRIES

SOUND SIGNAL DESIRED AVOIDING DANGER IN FOG "The masters of the ferry boats employed on the Auckland-Bayswater service have stated through their employers that, owing to the absence of a sound signal on the outer dolphin of the Bayswater channel, there is a danger in time of fog of ferry boats missing the channel and running aground," said the ""superintendent and -engineer. Mr. D. Holderness, in a report to a meeting of the Auckland Harbour Board yesterday. Mr. Holderness added that the cost of a submarine cable from the Bayswater wharf to the outer dolphin and of erecting an electrically-operated sound signal would be approximately £3OO, operating cost would be about £lO a year. He knew of no instance in the 30 years of the ferry service to Bays water when a ferry boat had missed the channel entrance and grounded in a position which would have been avoided had a-, fog signal been installed in the position asked for. In view of this and because of the comparative infrequence of fogs in Auckland it was questionable whether the high cost was justified.

"If the doubts of the masters were actually .realised;.and a ferry boat were to go (aground, t,lie worst that would be likely,,to happen would, be inconvenience .and| fJelay to the. passengers on that, particular trip,'' .Mr. Holderness said. fn. View of,the board's heay.v .commitments for'other more urgent work he : ' recommended HKai ; no action bo taken'.'■'>" •> , "■ >■

The matteiy was referred to'the board in icoimnittee. i ;•» ?x.r !