THE SHANNON FERRY

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 2984, 9 January 1926, Page 2

THE SHANNON FERRY

The chairman of the Manawalu County Council (Sir James Wilson) had a practical demonstration of the risks taken in crossing the Manawatu river by punt at Moutoa yesterday. In company with Messrs. Phillips and J. K. Hornblow, of the Hospital Board, Sir James was on route to Shannon to attend a conference with the Mangahao medical association. On arrival at the ferry the party was informed that the punt would only convey the car to within about 20ft of the opposite risk. It was decided to take the risk. The car bumped profussively on to the punt and the ferryman turned the hand windlass, which hauls the punt, meanwhile refusing an offer of assistance from the genial chairman. The punt grounded about 30 ft. from the opposite bank, leaving about 20ft. of running water with a depth of about 18 inches from the ledge of the punt to be negotiated by the car before reaching the opposite bank. The chairman suggested the use of a boat to effect a crossing, but was assured that, the river bottom was firm and the “Lizzie” was put to it with a nose dive of 45 degrees from the punt. The car was launched with a splash and successfully propelled its way to the opposite and precipitous bank, which was successfully negotiated, much to the relief of all concerned. While in Shannon the chairman conferred with the Mr. Monk (chairman of the Horowhenua County Council) re the ferry service and the installing of an engine on the punt.