EASTBOURNE" FERRY SERVICE

Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 179, 24 April 1920, Page 7

EASTBOURNE" FERRY SERVICE

Sir,—Eastbourne local politics are in turmoil, possibly because too many cooks are engaged in preparing tho broth. The real bone of contention is the feny service, and it is upon this' subject I.crave a small 'space in your hospitable columns. •■■■'. - It has been apparent for some timo .that, the service is suffering' from dual control.' The Ferry BoaTd is responsiblein the first instance, but the general ' manager'has'full control, over the actual working.- Finally the Borough Council confirms the action of the hoard or otherwise, as'' the Case may be. I have long considered this arrangement unsatisfactory, but believe an effective remedy is available. I would suggest {hat a special Act of Parliament be. promoted; declaring the ferry to bo a public highway. -The administration of the service ■ should be vested in a separate authority to be designated tho Eastbourne Ferry. • Board. The members should be elected in the same manner as the hospital or harbour boards, and not" necessarily should they be councillors. The Mayor should bo a member, ex-officio. Just the same provisions as obtain in connection with tho upkeep of the Hutt Road should be observed in the-Bill constituting the proposed board, The 'surrounding;-'boroughs and county authorities would become guarantors, seeing that the population under their control is equally benefiting, as user. The new board should 1m empowered to raise a loan, sufficient to provide two new, up-to-date.' and suitable < Tin's loan would'readily bo subscribed, for' the following reasons: Tho service is a flourishing one, and in spite of adverse conditions, high cost of material, and labour unrest, shows a profit this year of about JJ2500. There is room for great expansion. The security for the loan would be gilt-edged, and would consist of a floating charge over, the whole undertaking,', a special, borough rate (to be levied if necessary), and the general' backing'of the sister boroughs.' It would possibly happen that the backers would never be called upon to contribute at all, .'but. the'.fact that the guarantee was existent, as' a sort of collateral security, would ensure the successful floatation of the loan. On acquiring the new steamers, the old ve?.=cls should be disposed of. A board such as suggested would attract sound commercial and shipping men to its counsels, men who have Hie necessary qualifications for. the work, but who bv virtue of their own business demands are' unable lo spare the lime to look after the purely local, or parochial details included in the duties of: a borough councillor. Apologising for trespassing oh your valuable spuce— I' aw, etc., ' . C. HATiTR.IDfiE. Tin si bourne, April 22, 1020.'