FERRY DISPUTE.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume LXVIII, Issue 14205, 6 February 1915, Page 5

FERRY DISPUTE.

DIFFICULTY IN THE NORTH,

("By Telegraph—Press Association.) AUCKLAND. Fridnv.

There has been a further deA'elopment of the dispute betAveen the Harbour Board and the DeA'onport Ferry Company. The Board recently raised its charge to the. ferry company for the use of the Avharves to what, represented a fair return for the money inA-ested in the Avharves doA-oted to ferry traffic. The company has now announced that in consequence there Avill be a. proportionate increase in the cost of concession tickets. Discussing the position today. Mr J. 11. Gunson, chairman of the Harbour Board, said trrat the board had a right to say Avhat fares should be charged, although it could not, force the company to issue concession tickets, and it would not allow the company to exercise its monopoly of, the ferry ser-A-ices to the disadvantage of the public. The company's business was so profitable that its shares were quoted at 50 per cent above nominal value, and it paid large dividends and carried large amounts to rescues. The company could afford to pay the extra Avharfage charge, and if it attempted to pass this on to tho public the board would take the necessary action.