THE SHANNON PUNT.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 3506, 3 July 1926, Page 2

THE SHANNON PUNT.

DISCUSSED BY HIGHWAYS

COUNCIL. The question of the future administration of the Shannon punt was raised at yesterday's meeting of the No. !) Highways District Council by-Mr. G. A. Monk (Ilorowlienua), who said the punt had not been operating very well of late, partly because of the low level of water and partly perhaps because the council had not had experience with such matters. At a conference of local bodies the Manawatu County Council had tentatively accepted the oiler made by the Ilorowhenua County Council to hand over the control of the punt. Horowhenua County Council had done its best, but it would gladly band over the control if any other body could do better, while still paying its share. In any case what was desired was some efficient arrangements satisfactory to all 'concerned. He moved that the punt should be handed over to the Manawatu County Council provided that the Ilorowhenua and Manawatu County Councils were agreeable. This was seconded by Mr. W. E. Barber (Manawatu), who said that while desiring to cast no reflection on the Horowhenua County Council he would comment upon the fact that the location of the ferry came more directly under the supevvision ’of the Manawatu body. Mr. Monk said the contributions towards the punt would remain as formerly, and suitable arrangements would be made to advise road travellers when the punt was not working.

It was eventually decided that the council recommend to the Highways Board that it sanction handing over the operation of the ferry from Ilorowhenua to the Manawatu County Council.

The’.chairman, Mr. J. Hannah, reportinp in cunnoclion with the Mnnawnlu bridge to be erected near Shannon in replacement of the on/ damaged by Hood a year or two ago, said the necessary surveys bad been carried out, but owing to the bori„o- not having been completed, plans were still in hand. The chairman reported in regard to the suggested deviation of the Levin-Shannon highway that the Highways Board had decided to adhere to its original plan in connection with the proposed replacement of the Aornngi bridge and the disagreement between the adjacent loan 1 bodies as to their proportion of the eost. He said that to his mind • he only solution lay in a upw commission. Discussion ensued on this question, it being eventually decided, to defer action until a further conference of local.bodies interested bad been held. It was deeided, on the suggestion of Mr. J. Batchelor (Kairnnga County Coun(jl), to endeavour to make arrangements to have Wellington and other suitable centres advised whenever the (Jorge road was blocked.