NORTHCOTE FERRIES

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 801, 23 October 1929, Page 6

NORTHCOTE FERRIES

NEW VEHICULAR TIME-TABLE OPPOSED COUNCIL’S REPRESENTATIONS Strong protests against the new vehicular ferry service time-table for the Northcote run from the western staging were heard when a deputation was received by the Northcote Borough Council last evening. It was decided to ask that the timetable be recast and to enlist the cooperation of the Auckland Automobile Association. Reporting on a meeting between representatives of the Ferry Companv and the council the Mayor, Mr. A. E. Greenslade said tho Hon. E. W. Alison, chairman of directors of the company, stated that uniform charges would be adopted when the new landing on the western reclamation was opened on November 15. The fares, he had claimed, would be the same as charged on the Devonport run, and the fastest possible service with one steamer would be given, said tho Mayor. A half-hour service could not be run with one steamer, and the traffic, which was but 10 per cent, of that to Devonport, did not warrant employing a second vessel. A new timetable had been prepared providing for direct trips between Birkenhead and Auckland, and also between Northcote and Auckland. This showed that instead of the 11 return trips hitherto run, the trips had been increased to 20 on ordinary days and 24 on Fridays and Saturdays. Of the 20 trips on week days only eight would go to Northcote and twelve to Birkenhead, and, on Fridays, 10 out of 24. FEW EVENING TRIPS

All night trips would run direct between Birkenhead and Auckland, and none whatever to or from Northcote after the 5.45 from Auckland and 6 from Northcote on Mondays to Friday, and 6.40 from Auckland and 6 from Northcote on Saturdays, and also 5.10 from Auckland and 5.30 from Northcote on Sundays. The reason given for not running evening trips to Northcote was that it was not safe for the vehicular boat to stick out from the Northcote Wharf when passenger steamers were berthing.

Mr. A. T. Munn, speaking on behalf of the deputation, objected strongly to the proposed time-table. The order of reference of the Harbour Bridge Commission contained a reference to the vehicular traffic carried, and the diversion of the traffic to Birkenhead by the increased number of trips to that wharf would result in decreased traffic returns credited to Northcote. He stressed the point that the Northcote main highway was the quickest route to Takapuna and outlying districts. In the opinion of the deputation, it was detrimental to the carriers, and an increase of 25 per cent, in their cartage fees would be the result of the decreased service of the vehicular service at Northcote. After the deputation had spoken, the Mayor stated that he was fully in accord with the views expressed by its members. The old time was more advantageous, and any alteration should bo strongly opposed. It was their duty to see- that all steamers called at Northcote. NEW WHARF NEEDED Cr. H. J. C. George contended that tho statement regarding the danger of

berthing at the wharf was a finding by the Ferry Company of recent date only, but it emphasised the council’s demand for a new* wharf. On his motion it was decided to inform the company that the proposed time-table did not meet with the council’s approval and suggest the improvements desired. Cr. J. W. Taylor seconded the motion, which was carried, and the council decided also that a deputation consisting of the Mayor and Crs. Taylor and George should wait upon the Ferry Company and place the council’s views before ir; also to wait upon the Auckland Automobile Association invoking its assistance.