WELLINGTON FERRY SERVICE

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 184, 24 April 1918, Page 6

WELLINGTON FERRY SERVICE

CARGO STEAMER SECURED.

Tho old and well-known small coastal steamer Aorere has been sold to the Eastbourne Borough Council for tho carriage of goods and cargo across tho harbour to relieve the pressure, and inconvenience,.which the steady growth of tho district is causing on the ferry boats. The Mayor of Eastbourne (Mr. I'. Levi) reported at tho last meeting of the council that the Ferry Board had gone very fully "into the matter, and had gathered a great deal of information, which was now placed before the council for its final decision in the matter. Several vessels had been placed under offer to the council, and independent reports had been obtained on two that were considered most suitable. After several councillors had expressed tluiir views on the matter, it was ultimately decided to purchase the Aorare, which was under offer for ,£6OO.

The Aorere, which is of 77 tons, was until about two years ago regularly engaged in the Wellington-Paten, trade, but sinco then has been tied up at the Queen's Wharf. The overhauling of the vessel will, it is understood, be put in. hand in the course of a week or two.

The Ferry Board's report laid before the Eastbourne Borough Council on Friday stated that the revenue from ferry business for March amounted to JI3BO, as compared with .£1234 for the corresponding month of last year. The expenditure also increased by ,£9l. leaving the not increase for the month ,£SG. The Easter holiday period was marred by bad weather, and as a consequence there was a big falling-off in the receipts compared with tlioso of last year, tho deereaso being ,CIGO.

The report further stated that the attention of tlio Harbour Board had been drawn to the unsatisfactory state of Hie lighting of both wharves at Eastbourne, since the use of the acetylene gas plant had been discontinued. As a result of the representations made it was understood that the Harbour Board was considering the question of installing a small electric light plant, and it was hoped that an early improvement in th" lighting of the wharves would bo effected.

The council decided h> amend the regulations in connection with season tickets, in order to make provision for liona fide domestic servants to he included on annual family tickets upon payment of £3 extra per annum.