GISBORNE PASSENGER SERVICE.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2153, 31 March 1908, Page 2

GISBORNE PASSENGER SERVICE.

.DISCUSSED BY THE HAIIUOIt BOAItD.

At the conclusion of the general business of the Harbor Board meeting yesterday afternoon, Mr. Hepburn' brought up tlio matter of tlio action of tho steamship companies in landing -passengers in the middle of the night. He remembered that on the last occasion on which this was done that the steamer had not -left the roadstead- until 9 o’clock tho following morning. He would suggest that if the Board had not a ‘by-law on tho matter, tlie sooner* t-lioy framed one the better, and-such an action on the part of the steamship companies was not a proper one. Mr. Sievwrig-ht jocularly suggested increased hotel accommodation. Mr. 'Hepburn stated that if tho steamship companies would insist on bringing their vessels there at that hour they should be compelled to keep the -passengers on board till morning. * Mr. Sievwrig-ht: “You will have to amend the .Licensing Act,” The lion. Capt. Tucker considered that it was a matter in -which the Board had no power whatever. It was purely a matter for the steamship companies. ■Mr." BLevwright stated that tincompanies would be liable to incur- a, serious responsibility if they did not land the passengers on arrival. Personally, he’-had no doubt that a majority of the passengers would prefer to be landed on arrival. The only remedy was greater hotel accommodation or else the extension of the closing hour. , Tlie -Chairman said that nothing could ho done by tho .Board, -but that representations could bo made to tho steamship companies. Mr. Met) burn ; “They leave Auckland too "late; they simply make a convenience of -Gisborne.” • Tho -Chairman said that the delays were no doubt much to -be regretted, but apparently they were unavoidable at present. He -was quite satisfied that the compan-ie:-: were doing their very best to obviate the trouble. Mr. Matthcwson: “Wait- until we get the new breakwater.” The matter then dropped.