EASTBOURNE AFFAIRS.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIV, Issue 8046, 27 February 1912, Page 9

EASTBOURNE AFFAIRS.

RTi PROPOSED INCEESSED FABE. (To the Editor "N.Z. Times.") Sir,—l have read "Diogene's" letter in yesterday's issue, and wish to heartily endorse his suggestion that the ratepayers of Eastbourne form themselves into a Hatepayers' Association. If such an association were formed it would be possible at a very small oost to advertise throughout tho Dominion and Australia the extraordinary opportunity there Is at present for investment of capital. Here wa have a growing and prosperous suburb served by an inadequate fleet of out-of-date terry boats, and run by people who are half-hearted about their business and who at the approach of opposition would withdraw, at once • and probably put their boats mutton-birding at the Kermadecs or something equally profitable. One gdod 16-knot boat,' an up-to-date double-ended two-decker, costing about £16,000, and a boat of the Cobar type, oosting about £SOOO, is all that is required to oominenoe with. The borough would retain at least half the shares. If it invested £12,000 in the business It would have the principal say in the management and policy of the service. There is within a stone's throw of the Bona Bay wharf a property whioh la acquired by a financially strong company could be turned into tennis courts and hockey grounds, with an ideal site for a large aooommodation house, which run in conjunction with tho service (that is to say, board and lodging, to include boat fare, oartage of laggage, etc.), could be made a splendid thing of both for those financially interested as well aa for the residents of the borough. En concluding I would like to point out to tho Perry Company that, if they charged 6d each on the mountainrhish pile of bicycles that cross the harbour on their boats every' Saturday as well as week dayß th>-y would more than cover any dißorepacnoy they may have to meet through the additional wages paid to their small staff.— I am, etc ; , EESIDENT. February 25rd.