SHANNON PUNT.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVII, Issue 2883, 14 May 1925, Page 4

SHANNON PUNT.

CONTROL DISCUSSED.

At the meeting; of the Horowhcnna County Council at Levin on Saturday a lei ter was received from the Public Works Department regretting; that the Main Highways Board could not see its way (dear jo take over the control of the punt now being used in place of the bridge across the Mima wain river near shannon and which was damaged in it recent Hood. The letter stated that the council had been appointed the controlling body as front April Ist and that while the .Main Highways 'Board was of (lie opinion that the cost, of printing tickets, etc., would not be warranted, it would not object to the coun--1 oil obtaining an Order-in-Cotmoil to make, a charge for travellers using the punt. A further letter was received stating that the Main Highways ’Board had decided to increase the subsidy towards the cost ol: installing the punt from one-third to half. The total cost of the punt was £ISOO and the council's share would be two-twolfths and Shannon's one-twelfth, although it was doubtful whether Shannon's share could be collected as that township had contributed nothing to the cost to the original bridge. In discussing the I*l tors th« chairman (Cr. Monk) said that the question as to whether a toll should be levied now rested with the council and the Manawatu County Council. lie suggested that a conference he held with the Manawatu County Council and also that a tally be taken of the traffic which went across (he river in the punt. They could then go into the question of charges. In regard to the allocation of contributions, if was uncertain whether t.hey could obtain anything from Shannon. However, if Shannon were legally liable it was a different matter. The question to lie considered was whether to worry Shannon or apply for a commission.

Cr. ILarktiess thought that £150!) for a temporary structure was a sufficient enough charge. ’flie chairman suggested lhat hej'oro applying for an Ordcr-in-(Ymnoil, a tally of the traffic on the print should ho taken. It Shannon would not contribute then the council should apply tor a commission to consider a reallocation, including Shannon, which was vitally interested in the punt. He did not: think that the suggestion of placing special toll on Shannon residents would prove satisfactory. _ Cr. Broad licit was of the opinion ihut Shannon should pay as the residents used the punt. He though that a toll should he levied on a 1 users: this would be a fair method. It was decided to take a tall;. „i; traffic using the punt during a week before taking further action.