TOTARA LAGOON TRAGEDY.

Hokitika Guardian, 20 March 1928, Page 1

TOTARA LAGOON TRAGEDY.

(To the Editor.) Sir—Will you kindly allow mo a Miutll space in your valuable journal, to draw attention to a long standing grievance in connection with the. 'lota ra Lagoon. In the year 19211 when I was one of the members representing South Westland in the County Council, at the request of a Ear South stock drover. I tabled a motion to have a wire bridge put over this dangerous lagoon. As a result, Air Alillncr. County Engineer, was requested to report on the matter. I do not now remember the nature of his report, but no action was taken. It must have been unfavourable for the bridge. Sixty two years ago when all the traffic was carried on between Hokitika and floss by pack horses and drays, there was a punt on this lagoon. but after the main road to Ross was opened the punt was taken off and no substitute was installed, in its place. The late Mr Woolhouse’s death in this lagoon is the third in the writer’s knowledge, and should be the proverbial straw. Let mo hope, in conclusion that the County Council will take immediate steps to have this death trap made .safe for South Westland stock drovers. Thanking you in anticipation, T am etc., .T. RITCHIE. Okuru, 13th. March 1928.