The Shannon Bridge.

Manawatu Herald, 9 December 1902, Page 2

The Shannon Bridge.

As a sample of local geographical knowledge We commend the following statement taken from the Manawatu Times. The idea that the Wirokino bridge serves Shannon is moat quaint, as well as the statement that the Shannon people would, if the bridge was built be landed in a flood-stricken district where the roads would be impracticable for weeks together. All the statements bear the imprint of settlers who have never stirred out of their homes ;—We understand that while the Premier is in Palmerston to-day (Friday) a deputation of Longburn and Linton settlers will wait on him for the purpose of urging the erection of a traffic bridge over the Manawatu River at Longburn, instead of at Shannon, when the following will probably be amongst the arguments adduced in favour of the suggested alteration of si'e:—That the district to he benefited by the Longburn bridge comprises Whitmore, Linton, Tokomaru, Makerua and Shannon; and that if the bridge is erected at Shannon it will be useless to the majority of these places, as that township is at its extreme end, and at present is served by the Wirokino bridge. Property over this extent of country, 16 miles long, would be greatly increased in value, and residents would be brought within easy driving distance of Palmerston, and sO avoid the hilly road through Fitzherbert. If, ofl the other hand, the bridge is built at Shannon, people will be landed in a floodstricken district, where the roads would be impracticable for weeks together, and communication with Palmerston would be' impossible. The roads to the Longburn Site are, on the contrary, all well metalled, and are above flood level, and therefore the cost of maintenance would only be a fraction of what the Shannon roads would cost. Strong protective works would also be required at Shannon, which would not be necessary at Longburn. The Longburn structure would strengthen the railway bridge, and prevent the isolation of a large district in case of accident to the Fitzherbert bridge, as was the case a few months ago. The Shannon bridge would confer no benefit on Palmerston, whereas one at Longburn would confer great benefit upon this town.

WOLFE’S SCHNAPPS is absolutely in valuable to the traveller.

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