NETHERTON FERRY.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXVII, Issue 5022, 3 September 1926, Page 2

NETHERTON FERRY.

VIEWS OF OHINEMURI COUNCIL.

PLAINS COUNCIL TO CONTROL.

At the. meeting of the Ohinemuri County Council yesterday afternoon the chairman (Cr. H. M. Corbett) reported that in accordance with the recommendation of the, Finance Committee he had interviewed .the chairman and engineer of the 'Hauraki Plains County Council relative to the running and maintenance of the Neth-ert-Gii ferry across the Waihou River.

The meeting then went into committee and the chairman outlined the proceedings of the- conference. On resuming in open meeting Or. R. R. Morrison moved that the chairman’s action be endorsed, and that the Plains Council bei authorised to purchase the interests held in the ferry by' the Thames. County Council - id run the ferry and retain all profits. The speaker a.dded that he failed to see how there, could be ajiy profits, and in his opinion the Ohinemuri Council would, be relieved of a- honpayable, proposition. Cr. A. R. Robinson pointed out that the position was now altered, as previously the Wharepoa ferry had been operating. It was not reasonable to suggest that the. Plains County was going to' purchase the ferry if no profits were anticipated. He was favourable to, the Plains County taking over the fe.rry for a definite term, at the outside for not more than ten years. There was a likelihood of the route becoming a main highway, and it wqsdesirable, that the Ohinemuri Count)' should retain an interest and have a say in the running and maintenance. Cr. Morrison said that the- prospect of revenue from the ferry would be lessened still, .further when the Hauraki bridge was completed.

Cr. Robinson said that the Kopu ferry dealt with the traffic from the Turua end of the Plains, and with the completion of the Hauraki bridge the present ferry would have outljved its usefulness.

Cr. Morrison reminded the meeting that the Kopu ferry belonged to private enterprise; and was able to run when it liked. Cr. F. C. Hubbard asked what guarantee would the, Hauraki Plains Council give that the ferry at Netherton would be kept open. The; structure was an- old one, and maintenance changes would necessarily be heavy.

Cr. Morrison pointed out that the ferry was- of little value or convenience, td the ratepayers in .the Kaimanawa riding. Pressure had been brought to bear by the Netherton residents to have the ferry opened for the convenience of reaching Hikutaia. Cr. Johnstone said he thought that the council should retain an interest in the ferry.

Cr. A. D. McGuire agreed, and a.dded that he did not see how any profits would accrue. Finally it was resolved that providing the Plains County would keen the ferry open and in working order the Ohinemuri Council would hand over its interest and allow the Hauraki Plains Council to retain the profits for a term not exceding ten ytears.