THE SHANNON PUNT.

Shannon News, 1 June 1926, Page 2

THE SHANNON PUNT.

A Mon too. .cor respondent, informs the Foxtom Herald that the punt has only made one crossing of the Manuwatu during the ipast four weeks. “For 16 years prior to the erection of the bridge, Mr iPigott, who worked the ferry, never had a hold up and gave continuous service. When the present punt was under discussion Mr iPigott, who! still resides near the river crossing, stated that the ‘contraption’ would not work satisfactorily and offered ito construct and , fix a workable punt for £6O0 — about two-thirds the cost of the present. punt, with a guarantee of continuous transport. Mr Pigott informs me that When he informed Mr Fur-k-ert, Chief Engineer, that the present punt was too high and would not work, the engineer’s reply was, five’ll make it work.’ But he hasn’t made it work, at least not continuously. Now about the banks silting up. The old system worked satisfactorily, which was to keep the mud stirred with iron scrapers, one man working from the punt and, the other in the water with gum boots. If the- mud is not kept moving trouble follows as at present.”