THE FOXTON FERRY.

Manawatu Herald, Volume II, Issue 30, 5 December 1879, Page 2

THE FOXTON FERRY.

It is matter for grave enquiry by the County Council why such incessant bungles are made of matters relating to this Riding. Scarcely has the Foxton pound bungle ceased, when another and worse one comes to the front regarding the Foxton ferry. Some months ago Mr Bowe tendered for the ferry, his offer being £280 per annum — a much larger sum than was ever before paid for it. Under these circumstances, Mr Bowe had a right to look for protection from the Council, but through some mismanagement or other this has not been afforded him. As is well known, a large number of natives are constantly crossing the river, in many cases using the canoes owned by the natives who live opposite Foxton. By law, Mr Bowe is empowered, as the ferryman, to collect tolls from all persons who cross the river within a mile of the ferry, whether they use the boat or not, and he has consequently asked repeatedly for the money from natives; in most cases receiving abuse from the parties. Yet on each occasion when he. has gone to Court he has lost his case, owing to bungling en the part of the Coun-

cil. A month or two ago, he brought a test case, which was at once dismissed on the ground that the requirements of the Act as regards the board with schedule of tolls printed thereon had not been complied with. This having been rectified, Mr Bowe naturally believed that he would now have a clear case, and therefore laid information against several natives, charging them with endeavouring to evade the toll. But scarcely had the case opened, when Mr Hawkins, for the defence, raised several legal objections, and on the lease being produced it was found the stamps had not been defaced, the deed being therefore worthless. The charge of course fell through. We understand Mr Bowe intends to claim compensation from the Council, for the loss he has sustained through the laches of that body. The number of natives who cross at or near the ferry without paying the toll represents a considerable amount in the course of the year to him, and we certainly think he ia entitled to substantial compensation at the hands of the Council.