THE SHANNON BRIDGE.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVII, Issue 2831, 8 January 1925, Page 2

THE SHANNON BRIDGE.

SETTLERS FAVOUR. OLD BRIDGE WITH NEW SPAN. The punt to ferry conveyances over the Manawatu river at Moutoa is about completed and the roadway on the Shannon side of the river giving access to it is completed, but no approach has yet been made on- the Moutoa side. The cost of the punt will run into about £SOO, then there is the expense of some one to take charge. So far no one seems to know whether a charge will be made for using the ferry. The settlers in the locality are opposed to the punt as a means of ferrying except as a temporary means of crossing. They are of the opinion that when once the punt is put in commission, the authorities will hang up the bridge question indefinitely. They express indignation at what they consider the indifference of those in authority in dealing with this question. If the money expended on the punt had been used to re-construct the span washed away by the flood and the present piles strengthened and protected, the bridge would have now been op.cii again for traffic. They also argue that the present bridge site can be made secure for all time by the construction of groynes to divert the current to the centre channel, and prevent erosion; further, that a new site as suggested by a conference of engineers does not guarantee any more degree of safety than the present site. One settler puts it “that too many lingers have been in the pie and between the lot of them they nave bungled the whole business and caused unnecessary delay, inconvenience and needless expense to the settlers. What we want is a new span on the old bridge and protective groynes erected.” Messrs Andrews and Hunter, of Shannon, visited Foxton yesterday in connection with the bridge and suggested the holding of an indigna - tion meeting. The Mayor (Air John . Chrystall) was interviewed on the subject and he'stated that he concurred with the views of the settlers and endorsed the statements of the deputation who interviewed Mr Burkett, Public Works Engineer. Mfc Furkett had stated that the question of re-erecting the span on the present bridge would be looked into but he had not heard anything further in the matter except that the Foxton Borough Council had been assessed for its proportion of the ! s cost of the punt. He had not received any further official information as to .what was being done in the nmtter. He fully realised the inconvenience the settlers were up against. He promised to get into touch with the representative of the Manawatu County Council on the subject. In conversation this morning with Air W. E. Barber, member for the Awahou Riding of the Afanawatu County, we were informed that he. had communicated with Air J. Linklater, ALP., who had promised to immediately interview Air Furkett on the subject and stress the importance of haring the bridge span reerected. Air Barber stated that there was evidence of laxity on the part of the Horowhenua County Council in connection with the control of the bridge. In his opinion had proper care been exercised the span would not have been washed away. If the span was re-erected and other protective steps taken the present bridge would serve for at •least another ten years. Porvided the “cuts” were put in to relieve the Alanawatu of its flood waters this .would further safeguard the structure from future severe erosions. The present bridge was 400 feet in length and the proposed new bridge would bevjOOO feet. The expense of the new structure would be avoided if proper steps were taken to safeguard the present bridge. If those responsible would concentrate on the present structure communication with Shannon would be resumed in a few weeks. He understood that the Foxton Borough Council and other local authorities intended to deal with the matter immediately.