SHANNON'S PUNT.

Shannon News, 14 May 1926, Page 3

SHANNON'S PUNT.

NO SOLUTION OF DIFFICULTY. At the last meeting, of the Shannon Co-op. Daiyy Co., Ltd., it was decided- to ask the County Council for some definite improvements to theapproach of the punt on the Shan"non side of the Manawatu river, it was further suggested that if a gravel approach was formed out into the water, with a supporting 12inch plank on the south side, it might improve the situation ~ very much. Further, that'Mr Hugh Akers had a pontoon which might be made use of in the construction of an approach, and that a winch on the Shannon, side would,* as a last .resort, be of advantage in pulling cars out of the water. When the "'matter came up at Saturday's meeting of the County Council tiie chairman said these suggestions had, on several previous occasions been considered, but there were always disadvantages*. Maybe, as the writers suggested, a moving pontoon could be used on occasion. Undoubtedly, the thing..was bad.

.Cr. catley; It isn't so easy td.i'e^nedy fl« It looks ! "' , ' ' , ihe Chairman: If only .we could have the water at a 'fixed level '. The. Council is very anxious to do what it can, and I suggest that we take up the 'matter with the Engineer of the Manawatu County. We can't go through another summer and have tire same trouble, as we had this year. Cr. Barber: It-seems' tome the Couiv cii suggests things, but nothing is done ! ' " . The Engineer: Oh, no, Cr. Barber, things are done, alright. Cr. Barber: For the past three months, or moire there has been trouble in getting the punt into the water. The Shannon Dairy Co. is losing a lot of money in the collection of cream, and the County roads are suffering as a consequence of the lor ries, etc., having to make such long trips on.the roads. I think, perhaps, an artificial approach might be made on this side -of; the river, built out in order 'to get. 'ah even grade. Put down the metal and,, if you can, confine it there. It is rather a sore point in the Shannon locality that'the Council does nothing.' ' ■ • The Chairman:. But, suppose we dp something, and it fails? Cr. Ryder: I make the suggestion that the Works Committee visit the punt-7 Cr. Barber: It is alright for the Works Committee to go there, but there are also other bodies just as much concerned: The Chairman: I feel that we should try something, even if it proves a failure. The Engineer: I have spoken to many different engineers, who were not directly interested, and have received various suggestions, but it has been found, up to the present absolutely impossible to do anything. What, for instance, would have happened while this flood was on? If the river, was stationary things would be quite "alright, but it is affected every day by every fresh in the river. So far as the building of approaches or stages is concerned I don't think they are going toi be any good at all. At the present time the river-at that point is gradually silting up, as you can see any time you go up there. 'The app*ach isn't nearly so deep as it was, and the water is gradually getting shallower. If, during flood, the punt comes up on a pile—away goes the jkmt! Cr. Barber: The punt never gets high and dry on the Foxton side of the river.

The Engineer: Because the water is deeper and always will be! Cr. Galley: Wouldn't it be possible to' artificially scour on this side? The Engineer: You can't get into a river like that with shoves. Cr Barber: If you put a groin there would it have the effect of deepening the water at this point? The Engineer: There is just a chance, but what will happen when the river rises and all the silt comes down on the structure? Or. Barber: It won't lodge for :i very long period on a 16 feet or 18 feet roadway.

The Engineer: I Have gone very fullv intoi the thing, and at the present "time I can't see what, can he done. Cr Barber: 1 feel that the people m the locality, who- find this crossing ■ very essential, should see we are serious in regard to our intentions ot ',l<,iii* something. If we go there on occasions, they can see we are gi.\i,ig it our attention, Tho Engineer: I suggested pulling down manuka fascines m the nvei. I have seen that tried in various places, and know it becomes very solid, but how are you going tcr work the purifc when the'river is fal mg? A roadway could be■■ made alrigM, but with the punt rising and falun* v h the river,, how are you going • o got the punt backwards and forward" Halin 10 grade were cut how ion "will it last? The first silt and sand coming down would again he felt certain tiial ITfoT\l ho. Council were to mee ihe other bodies interested good would day. as the "Works band. but we can mal?e cer air, recom mediations to the incoming Cmmcd. However/ I move that the Fng neer confer with those interested, and re port accordingly. i The motion was carried.