THE GISBORNE-NAPIER STEAMER SERVICE.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2209, 5 June 1908, Page 2

THE GISBORNE-NAPIER STEAMER SERVICE.

A GRUMBLING PASSENGER. A correspondent writes in Monday’s Lone of tho ijominkm” as follows: May I crave a little of your space to place oh record the manlier in which tho second-class passengers from, Gisborne to Napier wore treated on tho last trip of tile Ma-heno 't Tho lighter with i\apier passengers left Gisborne wharf at 5 p.in. on Sunday, and arrivod alongside at 5.20. i nose boarding naturally expected to bo sorved with toa —tho usual hour being sto G. However, in order to avoid .this, tea had been put on -at 4.30, and -a record- was established in clearing away tho things; and passengers asking tori tea wero coolv told that it had boon cleared away, but that they could get a sandwich and cup of tea for a shilling. But the Company didn’t refuse to supnlv enough drink, too much, for some young fellows. Next morning (opposite Napier) there was much anxiety on the part of the passengers as to whether they would bo supplied with-breakfast, and the approach of the lighter and the arrival of breakfast-time (7:30) were eagerly watched. The former was not available for passengers till 7.50, and still no breakfast was sorved. iSome of the passengers were clamoring for something to eat, and then the gencrosit- of the Company was extended to those about to land by the announcement “that the-- could pet some coffee -and biscuits.” Ye gods! liow liberal. .But they .had not been seated two minutes before tliov were hustled off the boat, i. At 8 a.m. the lighter cast off, and | immediately the breakfast-bell sounded on board, amid, derisive cheers j from the departing passengers. Some of those self-same passengers had not ! tasted food since dinner-time on Sun--1 day. and had to wait.till they landed in Napier before doing so. As the I Company charge a pound for this journey—about a six hours’ run—they could well afford to supply at least one meal to those travelling secoiid- | class. Perhaps some of our lcgisla- ! tons will introduce a clause making it ' compulsory to do so within so many . hours, and thus counteract such acI tions as the one related above. —I am, etc., STEERAGE.