Venture deserves support

I have some sympathy for Stuart Perry. Here's a man who has been tasked with turning around the fortunes of our flagging tourism venture PS Waimarie.

It's problems are well documented, as are the efforts of those who toiled long and hard to rescue the vessel from the mud and then restore the ancient steamer so it might ply its trade on the Whanganui River once more.

Many have enjoyed a trip up river on the Waimarie, and it is said to attract tourists who want to enjoy the rare experience of steaming the waters of our glorious river. It is a unique attraction in New Zealand and most unfortunate that it has proven unable to pay its way.

I also feel for the citizens of Wanganui, many of whom simply can no afford the ride. For them it is a luxury and yet here they are, propping the venture up.

But Mr Perry has shown a willingness to try new things and appears to have ideas. Prices have been reviewed, special sailings put on for special events, children's activities arranged and the bar opened to bring in extra revenue.

These are early days in terms of righting the stricken vessel so it is surely fair to at least give some time before we say enough is enough and pull the plug on council/ratepayer support.

While it may cost ratepayers to subsidise the venture, it is hard to quantify the true return on that from publicity about the Waimarie, and the people who come here because of it.

It is part of our city and is symbolic of the ties to the river. It is, dare I say it, an icon so deserves at least a reprieve, and certainly consideration for our support while it tries to find its feet.

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