HIGHER FARES.

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 22 May 1919, Page 3

HIGHER FARES.

When, a month or two as:o, the Ejeyanport Ferry Company refused to accede -to the proposal qf the bevonporf Oouncil'that

twopence should be added on to the Company's fares and the money thus raised devoted to the beautifying of the Devonport beaches, everyone applauded the decision', and considered that the Company had acted most properly. But the simple fact of the matter was that in declining to raise the fares for the benefit of the Devonport Borough Council the Ferry Company was actuated by its intention to raise the fares on its own account, and in order to make up for the increased wages it now has to pay its employees. How much the fares are to be increased has not yet transpired, but it may safely be said that whatever the amount may be the new departure is not likely to find favour with the travelling public. The tendency, all the world over, is to reduce fares, and by this means increase the volume of traffic. Devonport is a charming place, but if the cost of getting there and back is going to make a big hole in a shilling—as it doubtless will— the chancee are that fsi^ few.er holiday-makers will find " their way there. And where would Devonpcrt be without its holipay traffic?