THE SHANNON PUNT.

Shannon News, 28 May 1926, Page 2

THE SHANNON PUNT.

APPROACH SILTED UP. included in the Horowhenua County Council's estimates for 1926-27 year, was mi item oi £l2O, appoa-.tioii.ed as a contribution to- the' Shannon punt. Cr. H. Barber said he would like to have seen a little more .money spent on the punt. ~..--. The Engineer isaid increased expenditure might Ibe alright, but there was the flood question to be considered. Gr. Barber said that in order to get to the Poplar Mill from Shannona few days ago, he had been obliged toi Iravel 54 miles, as against 13 miles if the punt had been in order. If an engine were installed —one which could sliift the silt from the cuttings, by pumping, the solution would be arrived at with comparatively little trouble. There was a 4ft bank, of silt there, and it had. been stated that sluicing would be the best method of getting it out. The sooner . that was done the sooner would traffic be aJMe to .get through. Quite recently, two lorries had spent two hours in getting over. If the Manawatu County Council, could be shaken up, the compJieti'on of Ibe work would be good for the public. Did the Engin eer consider £l2O to be sufficient? v The cliairman (Mr. G. A. Monk, said that, in any case, there was £2OO set aside on the ' estimates for contingencies.

CRITICISM MY MANAWATU COUNCILLOR. The method of working "the Shannooi punt was mentioned by Mr. W. E, Barber at Wednesday's meeting of the Manawatu County Council. For some time past, he said, the punt was out of action owing to floods. Something should be done as the .position was very unsatisfactory. .Same time ago the Horowhenua County Council had been communicated with and it was understood that an engine was to be fitted-to the punt. Delay was being experienced and he considered that a conference, of county engineers should be held to go Into the question. It appeared that the matter was being neglected. The Manawatu Countvhad to contribute towards the running of the punt, but the ratepayers were not getting service. It was ; resolved to write to the Hero, whenua' County Council suggesting a conference on'the matter.