MANAWATU BRIDGE PROTECTION

Shannon News, 11 July 1922, Page 2

MANAWATU BRIDGE PROTECTION

CONTRIBUTORY COUNTY'S SUGGESTIONS. SHOULD CONSULT OUTSIDE OPINION. Sir James Wilson, chairman of the Manawatu County Council, wrote the Horowhenua County Council on Saturday regarding the Shannon bridge, stating that his Council had been invited to join the Shannon Borough Council in a deputation to the Minister of Public Works to force the Horowhenua Council, as the controlling body* to take- steps to have the protection work on the river undertaken. The engineer .the Shannon Borough had employed had stated the work should be done forthwith, as the bridge was threatened. The letter proceeded: "We understand that your engineer is of opinion that there is no immediate danger. On the other hand our engineer and the councillor lor the riding are of opinion that some protective work should be undertaken. We do not wish, however, to go as far as the Shannon Borough Council in asking the Minister to use his powers to force the work being undertaken, and believe your Council

is" quite willing to fall in with the I views of the other contributory bodies. Under the circumstances - we would suggest that you take steps to have a professional opinion-given on 'the necessity of protective works, and if necessary, the class of work recommended. We would also suggest that the Government be asked, through the member for the district, that the En-gineer-in-chief be allowed to make an inspection of the bridge and banks of the river, and make a report on the matter."

The chairman (Cr. Monk) said their engineer had nev*r stated there was no danger. There was always danger, and he welcomed a report by the Engineer-in-chief. The district engineer, Mr Hannah, had inspected the bridge in company with their own en- , gineer. As a result of that inspection [ the Council was to take certain levels, and this worE their engineer would undertake at once. Cr. Whyte asked if there had ieen further erosion since last meeting. The Engineer: No. Cr. Whyte: Do you consider there is any danger? The Engineer: No immediate danger. The chairman slated that when the levels referred to were taken and submitted to Mr Hannah, he would report to the Council, which could then determine what was necessary..