SMOKING ON VEHICULAR FERRIES

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 232, 20 December 1927, Page 10

SMOKING ON VEHICULAR FERRIES

Sir, — It appears that the great danger of smoking on vehicular boats is still going on, and the Hon. E. IV. Alison has declared that the ferry company has no power to stop it, and suggests a by--,v. Several shipmasters in Auckland,

including my'self. do not agree with \ the Hon- E. W. Alison. We contend : that they have the power without any ; by-law being made, and our attitude is j strengthened by the opinion of one of Auckland's leading barristers. Every shipmaster, whether of river boat, ferry or ocean liner, has absolute power to control or prohibit any act on the part of passengers that will endanger the lives of those on board. When such men as the Hon. E. W. Alison and Mr. A. A. Pond have declared there is great danger of fire through smoking on the vehicular boats and throwing matches down, then surely, it is time that the public should know who Is responsible, considering that at times, on a Sunday especially, when there are women and children travelling, the cars are packed within inches of each other, and in some cases the doors could not be opened. The ferry authorities declare they have taken all precautions, but besides having fire extinguishers on board, I wonder what they are. I have been informed that the penalty in Sydney for smoking on vehicular boats is £SO. WILLIAM ROSS.