SHANNON PUNT.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLV, Issue 119, 22 April 1925, Page 4

SHANNON PUNT.

HIGHWAYS BOARD DECLINES TO TAKE CONTROL.

At a meeting of tlie Horowheuua County Council, a letter was received from the Public Works Department advising that it was in receipt of a letter from the Highways Board intimating that, at a meeting held in the middle of March, it had been decided to notify the council that the board regretted that' it' was unable to take over the operation of the Shannon punt, and that from April Ist it would be necessary for the local bodies to employ a ferry-man for its operation. The county r clerk stated that he had been informed by T Mr Ronayne, of the Public Works Department; that from last Saturday the Highways Board would not take responsibility for the punt. The chairman (Cr. Monk) said that, at the last meeting of the Highways Board, of which he was a member, this matter had come up for discussion. The board was of - the opinion that no charge should be made for the use of the puut and had suggested that the county should take over its running. To this he had made no objection, provided the council was given sole charge, and that the other local bodies were notified of this fact. The idea was that the ferry-man’s wages should be paid by the~ Horowhenuu County Council, the other local bodies contributing. If it was found that the annual cost of running the punt was greater than tho keeping of the bridge open, then they should approach the Mtfm Highways Board to have the road proclaimed a main highway, when the board would contribute. _ Tue board was to notify fho council when arrangements were made in the direction of appointing them to control, but until such intimation was, received, nothing could he done. The matter was held over.