THE SHANNON PUNT.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 3042, 29 May 1926, Page 2

THE SHANNON PUNT.

A Moutoa correspondent informs us that the punt lias only made one crossing of the Manawatu during the past four weeks. “For 16 years prior to the erection of the bridge, Mr. Pigott, who woi'ked the ferry, never had a hold up and gave continuous service. When the present punt was under discussion Mr. Pigott, who still resides near the river crossing, stated that the 'contraption’ would not work satisfactorily and offered to construct and fix a workable punt for £6O0 — about two-thirds the cost of the present punt, with a guarantee of continuous transport. Mr. Pigott informs me that when he informed Mr Furkert, shief engineer,- that the present punt was too high and would not work, the engineer’s reply was, 'well make it work.’ But he hasn’t made it work, at least not continuously. Now about the banks silting up. The old system worked satisfactorily, which was -to keep the mud stirred with iron scrapers, one man .working from the punt and the other in the water with gum boots. If the mud is not kept moving trouble follows as at present.” DISCUSSION BY lIOROWIHENUA COUNTY COUNCIL. Included in the Horowhenua County Council’s estimates for the current year is an item of £l2O for the Shannon punt. At last meeting of (lie Council, Or. Barber said provision for a larger sum should have been made. Speaking of his experiences Cr. Barber said that in oder to get to the Poplar Mill from Shannon a few days ago he had been obliged to travel 54 miles, as against 12 miles if’ the punt had been in order. If an engine were installed-—one which could shift the silt from the cuttings, by pumping, the solution would be arrived at with comparatively little trouble. There was a 4ft. bank of silt there, and it had been stated that sluicing would be the best method of getting it out. The sooner that was done the sooner would traffic be able to get through. Quite recently, two lorries had spent two hours in getting over. If the Manawatu County Council could be shaken up, the completion of the work would be good for the public. Did the Engineer consider £l2O to bo sufficient*? The Engineer said increased expenditure plight be alright, but there was the flood question to be considered. The chairman (Mr. G. A. Monk) said that, in any case, there was £2OO set aside on the estimates for contingencies. COMMENTS BY MANAWATU COUNTY COUNCILLOR. At last meeting of the Manawatu County Council, Cr. W. E. Barber (representative of the Awaliou Riding of the Manawatu County) said the punt was out of action owing to floods. Something should be done as the position was very unsatisfactory'. Some time ago the Horowhenua County Council had been communicated with and it was understood that an engine was to be fitted to the punt. Delay was being experienced and he considered that a conference of county engineers should be. held to go into the question. It appeared that the matter was being neglected. The Manawatu County had to contribute towards the running of the punt, but the ratepayers were not getting service. It was resolved to write to the Horowhenua County Council suggesting a conference on the matter.