THE NEW SHANNON BRIDGE.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLIX, Issue 3867, 6 November 1928, Page 2

THE NEW SHANNON BRIDGE.

INSPECTION MADE OF APPROACHES. On Saturday Mr. J. Linklater made a tour of inspection of the flood damage in the Manawatu. When in Shannon Mr. Linklater was requested by a Aloutoa resident to inspect the approaches to the new Shannon Bridge with a view to seeing if the work of metalling the approaches could be speeded up, thus giving the Moutoa residents means of access and egress to and from the flooded area. After inspecting the locality Air. Linklater stated that the matter of having the metalling of the approaches to the new r bridge speeded up was a matter for the County Councils concerned and he felt sure . that their respective chairmen were keeping a watchful eye on affairs. Mr. Linklater wired Mr. Monk, chairman of the Horowhenua County Council, pointing out that with a little additional expenditure it would be possible for the settlers whose properties were affected by the hood to. use the bridge. Air. Linklater also wired the Public Works and Lands Departments urging that an engineer be sent up to inspect the flood damage in the Moutoa. ENGINEER TO INSPECT FLOOD DAMAGE TO-DAY. Yesterday morning Mr. J. Linklater received the following replies to his telegrams to the Lands and Works Departments:—< From the Minister of Lands: — “Have received your telegram regarding Manawatu flood. Alinister of Public Work is in Bay of Plenty and am referring your representation to him so that he. may consider the question of complying with your request.” From the Alinister of Public Works, Gisborne: —“Have received jour wire re Alanawatu River and am instructing Wellington to arrange nspection immediately. (Iv. S. Williams).” Further to the telegrams, Mr. Linklater got in telephone communication with Wellington and 1 ascertained that Air. Ronavne, District Engineer, would make an inspection of the flood damage tort a v.

The matter of having the Shannon Bridge opened for the use of the farmers in the Aloutoa district is also receiving attention. Air. W. E. Barber, (Chairman of the Manawatu County Council) accompanied by Mr. J. Linklater, AI.P., visited Aloutoa on Sunday and inspected the damage done by the recent flood waters. The pressure had broken the banks at several points, one of the worst breaks being at the back of Mr. Newth’s property. The road has also been badly scoured out in places.

The completion of the Makerua banking diverts the flood waters to the Aloutoa area and unless some comprehensive scheme is decided ffpon a very large area will be inundated at normal flood times.

Recurring floods will strain the financial resources of both the Alanawatu County Council and Aloutoa Drainage Board and for this reason some form of relief is sought from the Government. A meeting of the Aloutoa Drainage Board was held in the secretary's office last eveining when it was decided to employ Mr. J. Newth to repair -the damaged flood bank at Poplar. Mr. Chrystall was accorded a, vote of thanks for his efforts in saving a bank during the flood. Air. Ronayne, Public Works engineer carried out an inspection of the flood damage in the Moutoa today and was accompanied by members of the Aloutoa. Drainage Board.