A FERRY SERVICE?

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXVI, Issue 20424, 1 October 1934, Page 7

A FERRY SERVICE?

Connecting New Brighton and Sumner. ACROSS THE ESTUARY. A proposal to connect Sumner and Brighton across the Estuary from Shag Rock by means of a ferrv serviceusing the Sumner lifeboat as the ferry, was put before the Christchurch Tramway Board at its meeting this afternoon in a letter from Mr F. E Roberts, of West Clifton. The letter was received and it was decided to thank Mr Roberts for the suggestion. Mr Roberts stated in his letter that as no doubt the board was aware, the Sumner lifeboat was to be housed at the new site at Shag Rock, and the work of building the jetty had just been commenced. It would be an ex. cellent opportunity for the board fo connect Brighton and Sumner by means of a ferry service. The capital outlay should not exceed £l5O. The board could place a “ rise and fall ” landing stage opposite Shag Rock on the Brighton side. If arrangements were made now the lifeboat jetty on the Sumner side could be made suitable. The ideal ferry would be the lifeboat, which would thus be enabled to earn its cost. Its use as a ferry would increase its value, as it would be instantly ready to proceed to an accident. Use of Launch Possible. Should- those negotiations fail, a launch owner Mr Roberts knew would be willing to supply his launch on a percentage basis, the trams to supply round-trip tickets. The trip would prove popular as the hike from Brighton to Sumner along the beach with Pleasant Point as a half-way rest, would suit both old and young. No extra trams would be necessary. The chairman (the Rev J. K. Archer) said that the suggestion would be popular with fishermen. The chairman said the proposal was not one for the board. ” Why should we do it?” he asked. “ It* is quite impracticable.”