THE SHANNON PUNT.

Shannon News, 21 April 1925, Page 2

THE SHANNON PUNT.

HIGHWAYS BOARD DECLINES TO TAKE CONTROL.

At Saturday’s meeting of the Horownenuu County Council, a letter was received from the Public Works Department advising that they were m 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 the Ist April it would be necessary for the local bodies tQ employ a ferryman for its operation. The County-Clerk stated that he had that morning 'had a ring from Mr Ronayne, of the Public Works Department, who told him that from that day the Highways Board would not take responsibility fpr the punt. The chairman said that at last meetiiig of the Highways Boards, of which he was a member, this matter had come up for discussion. The Board was of opinion that no charge should be made for the use of the punt and hcJd suggested that the County should take, over its running. Tq this he had made no objection, provided the Council was given sole charge, and that tne other local bodies were notified 01 this fact. The idea was that the ferryman’s wages should he paid by the Horowhenua County Council, the other local bodies contributing, if it was found that the annual cost of the running of the punt was greater than the keeping of the bridge open, then they should approach the Main Highways Board to have the road proclaimed a Main Highway, when the Board would contribute.

The Board was to notify the Council when arrangements were made in the direction of appointing them to control, but until such intimation was received, nothing could be done. The matter was held over.