Wilful Damage Caused to Bridge Equipment

Chronicle (Levin), 8 February 1949, Page 3

Wilful Damage Caused to Bridge Equipment

A punt moored in the Manawatu River and used to carry out repair work on the Shannon-Foxton Road hridge was tampered with, presumahly. by swimmers, over the weekend. I When he arrived to recommence work yesterday morning, Mr. R. R. Lind found that consi'derable damage had been done to the machinery and the woodwork of the punt. The winch mechanism used for holding the punt stable against the current of the river had been released and only the fact that the winch jammed preventerl the whole plant drifting down the river. A heavy plank from the top platform was removed to the deek and used as a diving board. The plank was broken and damaged beyond repair. It was of imported timber and will cost several pounds to replace. Mr. Lind stated that in the past he had held no objection to swimmers using the punt for a swim.ming platform," but since damage ha'd been done, which could cause a fatal accident to workmen engaged on the hridge repair work, he had no option but to take action against any persons unlawfully* trespassing on the punt. A rowing boat moored in the river was also interfered .with and it was considered lucky that it was not lost downstream. The police have been notified of the damage cause'd to this equipment. It is to he pointed out to swimmers that the depth of the river at this point is only about five feet, and is considered most dangerous for diving owing to the number of logs in the river bed.