NIGHT SERVICE TO SEATOUN.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 5735, 2 November 1905, Page 7

NIGHT SERVICE TO SEATOUN.

FERRY COMMUNICATION APPROVED.

Tho question of communication at night between the city and the borough of Miramar was again before the Miramar Borough Council at last night’s meeting. Tho following letter from the secrotary of the Miramar Steam Ferry Company was read: — “Having gono very closely into this matter, 1 find that tho cost of a steamer every night (excepting Sundays) would not bo very much greater than a service upon only three nights a week, as originally suggested, the largest item to be taken into account being tho wages of a permanent staff, which would amount .to the same in both cases. This company is, and always has been desirous of meeting tho wants of the residents whenever possible, and I be-, hove my directors would be willing to run a night-boat sis nights in the week for a period of, say, six months from date provided the borough bo willing to remit altogether the wharfage ac present charged against this company. So far as I can see at present, there Would bo a considerable loss to this company as a result of running such a service, and it is only on tile understanding that the whole position can bo reviewed at the end of tho term, and possibly fresh arrangements made for a continuance of tho service that I would recommend my directors to outer into the arrangement.” Tho Mayor stated that ho had waited upon tho managing director of tho company, in order to see if they would reduce tho subsidy to such an extent as to enable them to establish some kind of night service, but they had rcpliea that they could not do it. In connection with Johnston and Co.’s ’bus service, ho had every reason to believe that very . satisfactory arrangements could bo made for a service every night between tho Constable street tram and Seatoun and Worser Bay for a much loss - sum than was asked by the Miramar Steam Ferry Company. Councillor Brodio said a ’bus service was out of the question, as tho accommodation was not sufficient. .What was really required was night ferry communication, which would suit the Miramar people almost as well as those residing along the water frontage. What would be the use of forty people trying to ride in a ’bus that only held fifteen? liven then i'no people would have to walk up the lull. He proposed that the Ferry Company’s offer bo given a trial for six months. Councillor Richards asked tho Mayor 'whether after the matter of the service had been left in his hands to deal with, ho had a conversation with the managing director of tho Ferry Company, and informed him (the .director) that ho thought the company’s offer a fair one, and did not think there would ba any difficulty in “getting it through?” His Worship told Councillor Richards that be was exceeding his duty as a Councillor in asking such a question. He would Mot answer it—it was not the right time or the right place for such a question. Councillor McGrath thought a ’bus service out of tho question, and favoured trying the ferry service for six monthsCouncillor Warded wished to tell the Council that it was not competent to grant a subsidy to the Ferry Company, and Councillors in voting on the matter should have the legal aspect of the matter clear in their minds. Ho was sorry that the residents of the seafront did not think a 'bus service would suit their requirements. Ho had little doubt that for some months to come it would answer the purpose admirably. It was ridiculous to suppose that all who wished to go to the theatre would do so on the same night. Until some light was shed upon the legality of the subsidy business, he was not inclined to commit himself. Councillor McGrath : What about subsidising tho ’bus service? Tho Mayor said the subsidy could be got over by not calling up the wharfage. But if they were going to allow

wharfage, tho Council should have a "say” as to what the fare and timetable should he. Someone had mentioned that the steamers would ho carrying seventy or eighty people. It would hu ridiculous to pay a subsidy if the steamers were going to get so much patronage. Air Brodio said it was mentioned that such a number might travel at night occasionally. The motion that the ferry service for night communication ho approved was carried, and tho Alayor was directed to make the best possible arrangements.