TRAVEL HARDSHIP

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26176, 12 June 1946, Page 4

TRAVEL HARDSHIP

WELLINGTON-LYTTELTON FERRY

PASSENGERS’ WAIT ON WHARF

Attention was drawn at the monthly meeting of the Executive Committee of the Automobile Association (Otago) last night to what a member described as the inconsiderate treatment of passengers on the Lyttelton-Wellington steamer express service.

It was stated that passengers with cars were required to be at the steamer by a certain time and they were allowed to go on board the ship. Some time before sailing, however, all passengers had to return to the wharf and wait there until the purser was ready for them to go oh board again. It was not uncommon for elderly passengers to have to stand on the wharf for half an hour or more in severe weather, and then to have to take part in the crush .when 800 or 900 passengers went on board in about three-quarters of an hour.

“Everyone complains, but no one seems to be doing anything about it,” the speaker said. “Surely more considerate treatment could be given to passengers. Certainly there is only one ship running at present, but such restrictions are unfair to the travelling public. It is a very poor service.” A member: No opposition! It was decided to approach the Chamber of Commerce, the South Islands Travel Association, and the Union Steam Ship Company, with a view to obtaining an improvement in the conditions.