MIRAMAR FERRY SERVICE.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1668, 7 February 1913, Page 6

MIRAMAR FERRY SERVICE.

SUBSIDY. QUESTION.

At the meeting of the Miramor Borough .Council last evening, a deputation, introduced by Mrs. Doughty, presented a petition to tho council, . signed by over, a hundred ratepayers •cf Seatoun,, Knraka Bay, Worser Bay, and:the other parts of the borough, requesting that the council consider the proposal to subsidise the Wellington Steam' Ferry Company, in order to enable that company to continue the service between Wellington'and' Karaka Bay and Seatoun. If that service ceased, communication with thq city by boat would be stopped,- and property would suffer _ in value as permanent residences for city business men,' as they would be compelled to walk over a mile to-the tramway terminus, even if it were continued to Marshall's Point, Worser Bay. . With regard to 4he matter,'the special committee which had been appointed by the council reported that the cost of extending the Seatoun tramway to Worser Bay bad been considered, and dt had been decided that the committee should confer with the Ferry Company. ■'. Councillor Bowie stated that the committee had met representatives of the Ferry Company that afternoon, and had suggested a reduction of the proposed subsidy from .£2OO to • ,£l5O, but the Ferry Company could not see its way to accept that suggestion. He moved: "That the. council offer tho Ferry Conipanythe subsidy asked for (X2OO per. annum), provided that the steamer,' Cobar be engaged iff that service." . . '■'■'■'

Councillor Grigg thought that in the agreement with the Fenj Company'a clause' should bo inserted giving the council the option • of purchasing or leasing a, boat.

■ The Deputy-Mayor (Councillor Bell] questioned the legality of paying'a' sub. sidy. ' .. ■'...■.'

The town clerk said that one per cent. on the vat« 9 could be used for such a, purpose. ' :"ii. : After a discussion, during which Councillor Telford stated that a counter-peti-tion was being signed, the Deputy-Mayor moved as, an amendment: "That the matter bo referred to tho Works Committee, which would meet to consider the position on Monday." This was carried on the voices. " ■'