AUCKLAND HARBOR BOARD.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVII, Issue 154, 5 December 1914, Page 7

AUCKLAND HARBOR BOARD.

DISPUTE WITH FEIIBY COMPANIES. Auckhind, December 3. Mr G. H. Gunson, chairman of the Harbor Board, made a statement to-day with reference to the position that has arisen between the Board and the Ferry companies. The board recently decided that the two ferry companies were paying the Board for wharf accommodation an amount that did not represent anything like fair interest on the amount expended 011 the wharves, and resolved, therefore, to materially increase the charge to the Ferry companies. The companies retorted by threatening to run ferry trips with ferry boats and increase the fares. The North Shore suburbs viewed the position with alarm, and made representations to the Harbor Board, but the Board declined to alter its attitude in the matter. . The chairman pointed out to-day that the ferry companies are wealthy ana make large profits; that they now control a great and public service, and that if the board allows them to win in this matter, the public will he at their mercy in the future. The chairman further stated that if the position became acute, the board would itself enter into the ferry business, and he lias practically challenged Mr E. W. Allison, a member of the harbor board; and one very largely interested in the ferries, to give effect to his threat that he would secure an alteration in the law by which the board is seeking to control the operations of ferry companies.