THE WAIKANAE FERRY.

Manawatu Times, Volume III, Issue 102, 2 October 1878, Page 2

THE WAIKANAE FERRY.

TO THB SniTOS. . Sra,— l have been asked by three of my fellow-passengers per to-day's coach from I Wellington to Foxton, vis. f Messrs J. S-; Ca verbally Peacock, and Ashforth, toaddresa to you an "Indignation letter "on the waut i of proper ferry accommodation at the W»i- --| kariae. I do bo this evening while pur / sufferings are yet fresh m my recollection. I When we got to the Waikanae, owing tct the great surf which was on, the river was. too high for the ooaohes to cross, and wo had to "change into the down coach; which was waiting on the other side. The hones swam across. There was no boat for the passengers, iand we had to, cros3 m an old Maori canoe, which had neither .stern nor prow and was full of holes. Her Majesty's mail* and the .baggage were taken first, and : then fivo of (us, averaging twelve sione m weighty were compelled to go at one time m this frail craft under peril of losing the train from Foxton if we -delayed. So we wera paddled slowly across, afraid' even to wink for fear of upsetting the canoe, and having" to stop up some.of; the holes with our fingers and thumbs and others with a portion of our body which it is not expettiA}. ent to specify, while with every j rippl^^A the waves the water came rushing : over £neA side. Thus, besides risking our lives, weA had to sit m clothes wet from the waist j downwards for the rest of the trip. Ha'ict- : there been any ladies with us I do hot know what they would hay« done. Now, Sir, this state of things is. rtally too bad. Avery few pounds would provide a good boot. If it is trua that the hoenses of the Waikanae Hotel, gat har lioehsa frea m consideration of keeping a ferry-boa. ready at all times, she ought to bt made to comply with sucii agreement. If not, the County* > Council should advonca both the necessary sum. I suppose, however, there is no. ■ chance of their doing so unless the twocoronars who have seats iii the Council get drowned themselves when crossing. 'May v this soon happen ? Whoa I sold Dr. Bookstrow'of the danger which he had escaped* he said he was glad, that we were not di'ownad, but. only beoause *he Waikanae is not within his coroner's district. ; He oxpressed tome fche intense delight he would; have hadin silting on my body, and pbckefcr ing the fees for so doing, hadlbaeh drowned m the Ohau. I cannot view the matter m. the same light, and earnestly hope thattbeA Council will provide ferry-boats on all therivers. Passengers will willingly pay for . being ferried across. Please move m thematter.—l am, &c, , ■ "■.■•'.-. W. Mixiißß Lawis. p.S — The ratepayers of the Mam watu should nos elaoi coroners as members of their governing bodies.