THE FERRY SERVICE.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XXXX, Issue 12956, 15 January 1913, Page 2

THE FERRY SERVICE.

Another striking' evidence of the value of the ferry service and a further solid reason as to why that service should receive the unbounded support of . both the- Gisborne and Napier people, was furnished last night in .consequence of the mishap to the Mokoia. This vessel had actually left the Napier breakwater, but inadvertently fouled her propeller with a line. She had to return to the wharf/ where the Takapuna was then lying. The latter vessel, the tide at Gisborne permitting, was detained until midnight in order to bring on mails and any passengers who desired to change over. It was not anticipated that the Mokoia would leave Napier, before daylight. The Tak<apuna reached here in good time this morning with a large complement, enabling passengers to transact their business, and if, necessary leave again by her to-night.. Had the ferry steamer not been available the ! returning passengers would have arrived here too late to-day to carry out their mission and get away to-night. The s.s. i Mourn, which lost a couple of days in tho South owing to the trouble with firemen, did not depart from. Auckland until 9 o'clock lasjt night, notwithstanding that every effbrt had been put forward to secure time-table sailing. She, as a result, will be late in arrival at Gisbornej and will miss ' the express at Napier to-morrow morning. Fortunately \he Tftkapuna, leaving here to-night, will be able to connect, and thereby prevent loss and inconvenience .to the isolated .Gisborne passengers. . Gisborne, pwing to. its geographical isolation, suffers seriously as a result of ,;every steamer delay, . north or south., These delays are very frequent, although possibly quite beyond the control of the Union Company or those otherwise responsible. Had it nofc,.been|or.the Tak'apuna^. this place would, have been left witih'qivt rfhy. mail .connection s f rohi South between last Saturday" arid this afternoon by Mokoia. In addition the mails despatched for South to-night by the M*6ura would miss the express" at Napier. This inconvenience to the district has fortunately all been obviated by the bf- the ferry* steamer. We cannot understand how any of the Gisborne or Napier people, fail-to support this eminently benpficial service, and in some instances use the ' roadstead steamers in preference to it.. It- can ,only be suggested that they have' not yet become used to the new order, which has superseded the long-standing, inefficient service. We would again make a strong appeal' for. solid support, .as the ..Union Company has fully redeemed its promise' and has • supplied a f splendid and up-ot-date vessel. Those who have travelled by her speak in the highest terms.regarding her accommodation and comtort, alsd With' respect to the' 'attention of : the stewards. The company cannot be ex-j pectcd. , to continue this service unless it is supported. ' It therefore i behoves 'everyone to "dp their ' best tb ensure its continuance beyjond^'. the ?next couple of months. There •is'S'teasort 'to fear that the> lack of, support "has, been a yei % y serious- consideration, to "those responsible. ' We \v'6u Id aTso take ' |this- opportunity of impressing ' upon the * harbor' authorities the absolute, importance^ of pushing on; with, the breakwater extension- whilst the. weather is favorable' A,s ". eVeryone .knows, the , recently-appointed l Engineer is keenly alive, to the reforms necessary both from administrative ," and • constructional standpoints, but we 1 cannot too strongly impress the need for urgency in the. progress of this | work, owing to the larger ana" deeper vessels visiting the port. ;We are quite .confident that the expansion .of the trade and com-! merce of the port in 'the near future 1 will amply justify every effort that is put forth to ensure continuity of the present .Useful .ferry service.., A team representing ■ the' Gisborne Fire Brigade will leave Gisborne during the second week of to- attend the Fire Brigade, competition ;at Warigunui. At a meeting ;. of the Fire. Boar.d yesterday, the chairman (Mr Townley) said .it; was customary to-' "pass, the hat round" to prqvide £5 va-pieee to cover the m aii's .expenses. Jle suggested' tho I Board rshpuld defray the "expense tlm y-eav uip : to £36.. .Tins waa 'agreed^ to. The erection, of the /.second . storage-, battery car at the Borough car barn is nearing completion, and it should/be ready for tihe' painters in a week or two. The' first car. is now being painted, and when completed promises to be: of, an attractive appearance. The painting is being, carri&d. out by Mr J. H. Oi-mond, and the attachment of 'the various fittings will be effected as soon as this work is done. The oar /.has been' given a' preHminary trial, with a view to those handling it becoming .acquainted, with the mechanism. ' The test proved satisfactory in every way, the car starting and stopping on one of the sharpest curves without : the Jeast trouble.