PLAINS FERRIES.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXVII, Issue 4971, 7 May 1926, Page 1

PLAINS FERRIES.

DISCUSSION BY COUNCIL. agreement not wanted. Kerries occupied the attention ol the Hauraki Plains County Council at its monthly meeting on Tuesday. In his report the engineer stated that the fillings to ,the Pipiroa, ferry approaches were completed. Fascines had been laid where necessaiy, and metal had been laid. Work on the timber approaches had been commenced and was being continued aS the tides permitted. The pontoon was completed, and only required hauling machinery to be fixed.- This could not be done until a definite decision regarding .the Wharepoa, ferry wap: arrived at. In reply to Cr. McLoughlin the engineer said that the approaches would be completed in .about ten days. He could not say when the ferry would be opened until he knew where the machinery was to come from. To purchase it would mean an expenditure of £l3O and a delay of a fortnight or so. -

In reply to Cr. Reid the engineer said that he could open the Netherton ferry within 24 hours of receiving instructions. The Thames County whs taking a poll on the retention of the Wharepoa. ferry 'on the 12tli. He had conferred with the- Chine-, muri County, and, if necessary, that county would contribute up to £3oo* for a new ferry at Nether,ton. Cr. Miller considered that no matter what the result of the Thames poll, the Plains County should not pay anything in future for the Wharepoa. 'ferry. If the Hikutaia, people desired it, they should pay for it. , ' , ■ Cr. Madgwick said he would not agree to maintain the approach roads in the future-.

In reply to a question regarding, the cost to date of the Pipiiroa ferry the engineer said .that, exclusive of the timber workers’ wages-, it was £574 16s 3d. The punt, cost £350. The approaches ha,d exceeded the estimate, as a wider pontoon had been ordered than he had been led-to believe, and in conslequence he had to ■make the approaches wider. This timber work was the most expensive, part o>f the approaches-. x Cr. Parfitt expressed .the opinion that the job was too elaborate, considering the temporary nature of the crossing. The approahces had already cost £274 Is 3d. ■ •

In reply the engineer said that the cost would not be £5O above; the estimate of £450. A much better job was, being nia.de than was anticipated. Cr. Madgwick said that thp cost would be £l5O more If the Wharcpoa. feryr was not closed down a ( nd the machinery used. It was necessary to reach some finality in regard to- the Wharepoa ferry. The matter wa,s ing deferred month by. month, and unless a-.definitie stand was taken it would be in the same state in the year 1936. Tire council should definitely decide to 'dose the ferry. Cr. McLoughlin.- urged deferring action until the Thames County poll was taken. .Cr. Parfitt moved that the Thames County Council be to agree to the cancellation of the agreement that the Plains County should runthe fe.ny. Cr. Hayward thought; the better way would be to notify the Thames County that the Plains County desired to get out of the whole business. Cr. Parfitt altered his motion to the effect that the Plains. County desired to close the 1 . Wharepoa ferry, and that the Thames County be as,lied to, relieve the Plains County plf its agreement ■ Cr. Hayward, (seconded. V ■ Cr. McLoughlin moved,, as an amendment, .that the matter be deferred until the result of the. poll in the Thames-' County was known. Cr. Nicholson seconded. . Only the mover a,nd seconder. supported the amendment, and the motion was carried.

Cr. 'McLoughlin asked whajt the Pipiroa ferry would cost the ratepayers of the. Plains. County. Cr. Harris s,aid that, .the Main Highways Board woul|d contribute £2OO, the Thames business men £2OO, and the Pipirpa settlers £lso'. The balance would come out of the County Fund, a.nd would probably be' £7oo'. At a later stage in the. meeting; the, matter of cajling-tenders for ,the rental of the Pipiroa ferry was mentioned by Cr. Parfitt. Lt, was decided that the tenders would close. for the next meeting on conditions to be decided by the Ferry Committee.