WAIHOU RIVER FERRIES.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXVII, Issue 4937, 10 February 1926, Page 2

WAIHOU RIVER FERRIES.

WHAREPOA TO BE CLOSED.

KOMATA TO BE RE-OPENED.

Ferry matters were the subject of much discussion at yesterday’s meeting of the Hauraki Plains. County Council.

Cr. Miller reported on the conference with the Thames County Council, and pointed put that the position was that if .the Plains. County wanted an efficient ferry it would have to maintain the approach roads' on both sides of the river.

Cr. Harris reported that a committee had met representatives of the Ohinemuri County Council at Hikutaia. The opinion was that two ferries were not warranted, but that the Netherton ferry should be maintained, as it was of more benefit than the Wharepoa ferry. The following resolutions had been carried : (1) “That this conference is of opinion that the Komata North-ferry should be kept open.” (2) “That we recommend that the Wharepoa ferry punt be transferred .to the Komata North site, and that the Ohinemuri and Thames County Councils confer as to the plant transferred.” Cr. Harris' said that the Ohinemuri County would confer with the Thames County upon receipt of notification from the Plains Council.

Cr. McLoughlin moved that the Wharepoa ferry be closed and the plant transferred to the Komata North site upon satisfactory arrangements being made with the other councils. This was seconded by Cr. Mayn, and supported by him and other couhcillors, including Cr. Nicholson, who agreed that the council could not afford to maintain two ferries and their approach roads. The motion was carried unanimously.

A letter was received from Mr W. Ludwig, ferryman, Netherton, resigning his, position as he could not afford to remain idle. On Cr. Nicholson’s motion the resignation was accepted. Cr. Mayn urged .that the Wharepoh ferryman be given the option' of taking charge of the Netherton ferry. Cr. Hare urged calling tenders.

Cr. Parfitt said that the Ohinemuri County Council, was of opinion that the Nethetron ferry would now be a paying proposition, and that for a period at. least the ferry should be run by a. wages man. Cr. Nicholson opposed this, contending that satisfactory service could not be expected from a’wages man. At two men would be required. Cr. Harris moved that the ferry be worked by a council employee. Carried.

A motion giving Mr C. W. Nicholson preference was then put and carried, the term of employment to be for six months.

Mr W. Ludwig, ferryman at Netherton, wrote advising that he was prepared to . sell ,to the council the engine and machinery on the ferry pontoon at less than what it had cost him.

Cr. Nicholson said that the ferryman would accept £35.

Tlie matter was left with the ferry committee, as also' was the question of hours of running, etc.

The Netherton Ratepayers’ Association wrote urging the council to get the Netherton ferry into going order as soon as possible.