SAFETY OF FERRIES

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 221, 7 December 1927, Page 13

SAFETY OF FERRIES

REGULATION OF HARBOUR TRAFFIC DISCUSSION BY BOARD Restrictions on the movements of hulks and vessels not under their own power and regulation of the ferry service were suggestions put forward at yesterday’s meeting of the Auckland Harbour Board, to ensure greater safety for ferry steamers, j THE chairman, Mr. H. R. Mackenzie, ! moved that the board’s solicitor | should be instructed to frame a by- | law, making it unlawful for any vesI sel not under its own power to enter, j leave or swing in the basin between | 7.45 a.m. and 5.30 a.m. and 4.45 p.m. | and 5.30 p.m. from Monday to Friday j inclusive, auu on Saturday between j 7.45 a.m. and 5.30 a.m., and noon and j 12.30 p.m. In addition it was proposed to make it compulsory for ferry steamers to leave the tee or Queen’s Wharf at least one minute after the preceding ferry had departed. SHIPPING PROTEST Nine shipping companies had written a joint letter, objecting to the proposed by-law on the ground that it would hamper the working of vessels at neighbouring- wharves. “'This is a case of safety first,” said j the chairman. “Captain Sergeant has | said there is danger and the board | will not take the responsibility of a | smash. The shipping companies | would not give the alteration a trial.” I Mr. E. W. Inder suggested the proposal should be deferred for six months. He opposed the chairman’s motion on the ground that there was no danger whatever in the basin if the existing by-laws were carried out and that if there were danger, the ferries should give way to the overseas shipping. “We represent the whole of the people of the province,” he said, “and we are here for the business of the port," he said. “Shift your ferries to some other place out of the way of the shipping.” A member: Hobson Bay. Mr. Campbell Johnstone: There should be no restrictions on overseas shipping. “A RETROGRADE STEP” “We would be taking a retrograde and improper step if we had regard for only one section of the harbour users and neglected to take into account the weight of shipping,” said Mr. F. A. Hellaby. “The by-laws existing cover the position and there is no danger.” The Hon. E. W. Alison said that a slight delay in the carriage of goods would not be detrimental. The board had a big responsibility after the harbourmaster’s report. Mr. T. Bloodworth said he was surprised that Mr. Inder, a representative of the people, should defend the shipping interests. The chairman explained that the provisions referred only to hulks and vessels not under their own power. The chairman’s proposal was defeated and an amendment moved by Mr. G. R. Hutchinson that the question should be referred back to the Works Committee was passed. QUESTION OF RIGHT-OF-WAY PASSENGERS SHOULD HAVE FIRST CONSIDERATION Following the example of Sydnev and San Francisco, Auckland should give right-of-way over harbour traffic to the ferry steamers, especially in the basin between Princes and Queen’s Wharves. This ie the opinion of the Hon. Ei ~W. Alison, who, when interviewed this morning, said, “Surely the safety and convenience of passengers take first place. On the other hand, of course, we must give consideration to the berthing and to the coaling of large vessels.” Ho described the statement that the Harbour Board’s proposed regulation of traffic would decrease the prosperity of the country, as “absolutely absurd.” The space between Princes and Queen’s Wharves was very limited, in fact, lie had seen a steamer completely blocking the entrance to the basin. In the rush ‘hours it was necessary that the ferry passengers should he landed as speedily as possible. Any delay would be most unfair to the travelling public. only hulks and vessels under their own power should be stopped from entering the basin at certain hours, but large ships should be delayed for the small interval of time necessary, he said. This provision was suggested by the harbourmaster, and it was in force in Sydney, he understood.