THE SHANNON PUNT.

Shannon News, 15 December 1925, Page 3

THE SHANNON PUNT.

iCOST OF. INSTALLING ENGINE. The Shannon Bridge ferry is still much in evidence at meetings of the Horowhenuia County Council. On Saturday the Engineer reported that he had gone carefully into the matter of installing power on the punt and estimated that it would cost £l3O. Or.. Whyte said the engineer's estimate, of £l3O seemed to) be rather large. How: was it arrived at? The Engineer pointed out that his estimate including shafting, installing costs, pulleys and timber—a big joib. He had discussed the' matter with Mr Johnston, Buiblic Works engineer, and he had agreed that the method of putting the shafting under the deck would be the best plan. There was great difficulty in getting reversing gear. The chairman said he would like to suggest that (Mr Anderson's estimate be submitted to the Manawatu County Council and the Public Works Department, asking them for any suggestions or their approval. A resolution passed •to. this effect was carried.

Or. Barber suggested the use of a rope on the bed of the river for the reversing" action, it depending howthe rope went on to the drum as to the direction. "• Cr. Barber said it had heen reported to him that the boat was in a very bad state. It wins full of water and unsafe to travel on. t * The Engineer stated that the only thing that had been wrong with the punt was that two. planks had split, but these had been fixed and the whole thing thoroughly coated with tar,, and bitumen before going on to the water. Cr. Barber said tihere had been difficulty in securing the services of the ■ ferryman. At a concert recently someone had ito-go down and bring tlie entertainers over. He himself had had to go and get the ferryman about 8.30 one evening. M one man could not do the wiork .the local -bodies would have to consider paying for two. The engineer said .it was a funny thing that hone of these complaints seemed to reach his ears.The chairman said there were other men willing to take on the job oif ferryman and thev had already had applications, lif it wias necessary they would have to put on two men. They had the assurance of the' High-ways-Board that the cost of the ferry Would not codt Une Council mare than the maintenance of the bridge did. The chairman said that, all trouble and complaints should be reported to the Engineer- It was unjust that he (the Engineer) should have. to come to the Council meetings in order to hear complaints. He was not referring to Cr. Barber, who was 'quite justified in reporting what he heard. , \

SHANNON BRIDGE ROAD. The Shannon Borough Council, in regard to the proposed road leading to°the new bridge on the Shannon aide, asked the Council if it were practicable and possible to allow the, road to join the present County read as near Shannon as possible.—Received. ' . ,' . ,' The chairman of the Mam Highways Board wrote in connection wiitli the Manawatu river bridge, stating lie Avas pleased to knqw an agreement had been made between the various local bodies concerned m the matter. As soon as the result of the survey is known steps can be taken to have the necessary plans and estimates prepared.—-Received. A copy of a resolution was received from the Manawatu County Council to the effect: "That the Horowhenua County Council be asked to expedite the installation of an engine ion the Shannon punt for working tlie same."