LETTERS TO THE EDITOR.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1378, 2 March 1912, Page 3

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR.

EASTBOURNE AFFAIRS INCREASED FARES. Sii,—lt is with pleasure I read letters written by "Diogenes" and "Resident" in the. columns of your contemporary respecting the increased fares charged by tho Kerry Company for tho journey (o Eastbourne, etc. Surely (he residents of this otherwise favoured district havo been burdened too long villi (he ferry monopoly, and it is high lime the situation was grappled with by the. Eastbourne Council. <>»<> is almost templed to think Hint this body is (here simply to meet the company s end and not that of tho resident so dilatory are they in taking action in a matter which vitally threatens tho very oxis teneo of Ensllioiirno as a residential ocality. It is well known that during tho next month at least live families are caving ho bay owing to tho increased tare and that there aro four other residents who intend removing to other localities. This alone, should be sufficient for ho Mayor to take immediate action and bring tho matter before tho council. Many residents would like lo know why Mr. Organ was not allowed to bring his resolution before tho last meeting of the council. It is all very well for the Ferrv Company to arguo (hat the increased wages lor their employees is responsible tor tho faro being raised. Did tho increase warrant the gross imposition of about 28J per cent, on monthly tickets being placed on tho unfortunate residents? If the services to Seatoun, Karaka Baj, Day .s Bay, taken individually, are barely paying, it is grossly unfair for the company to iniiwso the burden of making good tho deficiency on tho Eastbourne district, and not even raise the fare .to Karaka Bay. As the council appear to bo lethargic about the matter, it behoves tho residents to form a deputation and ask tho Mayor to call a public meeting of residents. Let tho water scheme drop until this moro vital question is settled. If an improved and fast service wore obtained, hundreds would make the bay their homo, and then tho council would be in a much better position to carry out a water and drainago 6ystem. I would urge upon tho peoplo and tho council the necessity of keeping nil available resources free of further encumbrances, for there is no doubt that tho time has arrived to fight tho ferry monopoly. It is a crying shame that tins-fine and healthv district, with its magnificent stretch of beach and beautiful nativo bush, should so long nave been left to tho lender mercies of the antiquated and short-sighted Ferry Company. I agree with "Resident's" suggestion that the council should go into the question re the purchase of two steamers —ono a fast vessel of tho Duchess tvpo; the other could be of tho Cobar class. Those would bo amplo for the requirements of tho district. An efficient and convenient service could then Ire established and run in tho interests of tho residents. There is no doubt (hat a largo number would then bo attracted to tho place, and would take up permanent residence. It is unquestionable that the present fare will keep population away. The freight charged by tho company is. highly exorbitant, and has been tho means of losing them a largo amount of revenueeven this year. Builders found it cheaper to send thoir timber around via the Hntt. Others havo had their goods carted that way owing to the costly rates charged by the company. And all this goes on under tho eyes of tho council, and they do not even attempt to raiso a protesting voice .against a policy which is absolutely foreign lo the interests'of tho bay. There must bo something radically wrong with the constitution, and a change is most desirable. If tho council fail in their duty in the present instance, then elect a fresh council—composed of capable and energetic men—pledged for an improved and fast steam service. This is the only satisfactory solution to encourage an increased population to tho bay and put an end onco and for all to 'a monopoly which is likely to kill Eastbourne as a permanent residential locality.—l am, etc., .SEASIDE.