THE SHANNON PUNT.

Shannon News, 15 June 1926, Page 2

THE SHANNON PUNT.

CONFERENCE TO BE HELD

NO CHARGE PAYABLE, FOR CROSSING.

The Shannon punt makes a regular appearance at the monthly meetings of the Horowhenua County Council. Two letter were' on Saturday’s order paper.

The Manawatu County Council advised that a resolution was passed at its last meeting to the effect that a conference of representatives of both councils (Manawatu and liiorowhenua) be' called at an early date to discuss matters in connection with the working of tllie Shannon punt. Mr T. H. King, of Shannon, reported that on the 29th of May he had occasion to take, provisions across the river, but when he arrived at the punt at 2.15 p.m. he found ■the man on the punt had gone, to a football match some distance away. The writer considered it high time some action was taken in the matter, and stated he would like to know whether, in the case of an accident, the iHorowhenua. County Council would be liable for any delay encountered'in attempting to get the patient across to the other side. <The chairman said anybody using tin) punt at any time did so at their own risk. He understood that, was the law. If the work was not being done satisfactorily they should get someone else, but it was a. question whether one man could handle the punt night and day. There was also the question of providing accommodation at 'the punt for the ferryman, which was perhaps the most important of all. The Manawatu County had seemed to criticise this Council in the miatter of the provision of power on the punt. The Engineer arranged two 'months ago with the Manawatu GQunty for the installation of power and they were to install it. They agreed to that and so did the Highways Board, . but so 'far the Manawatu County had not carried out the arrangement. He proposed to suggest to the conference that the Manawatu County Council take over the control of the punt. The Council did not stand for the ferry man absenting himself to attend football matches, however, but- his hours should he fixed.

Cr. Barber gave instances where it was alleged that charges, were being demanded for tbe use of the punt. The Council should either) decide that there be a fixed charge or a notice should be put. up saying that, there was no charge. There were many complaints about the punt. Cr. C'atley said he also had beard complaints. The ferryman was getting £5 5s a week and while they could not expect him to be on duty 24 hours, the Council should insist on Its conditions being observed. Cr. Kilsby considered there was a duty on the Council to see that- people got the use of the ferry free of charge, ilf there was to be a charge a board should be put up stating what it was.' Cr. Jensen thought the matter should be left over till the Conference. The local bodies' were to blame for not fixing definite hours. The chairman said the Highways Board had refused to allow a charge to be made as they were removing toll-gates and ferry charges from roads. The Board agreed to pay the difference between what the bridge was formerly costing and the cost of maintaining tire punt.. He believed tire mistake was made in not fixing the hours for the ferryman. He contended that the Manawatu Qoiunty Council was more interested in the punt than this /Council and no one had criticised this County more than members of the Manawatu County. That County should therefore be given an opportunity of showing whether they could do any better. Horowhenua was not taking up a dog-in-the-manger position.

SWING BRIDGE IMPOSSIBLE.

Cr. Barber said there was a feeling in Shannon that this County was not doing all it could dot The Shannon people seemed to be under the im-' press! on that a swing bridge could be put from the remaining part of the bridge to the shore. They should be told that that' could not possibly be done. .

The Chairman: The Manawatu County suggest a swing bridge now. , Gr. Barber said the .Shannon people were also saying that the £3OOO spent on the punt would have erected the bridge. The Council should make it plain that this was absolutely impossible.

j The chairman said the Public Works .engineers had .inspected the site ami had said that if a swing bridge was placed there it would have to bo done by the local bodies at their own risk. The Highways (Board would have nothing to do with it as it would bo dangerous to put up such a bridge. -They said that if a bridge to carry three tons was put up, i.t would not be long before some one would try to cross with five or six tons and bring it 'down. Further erosion had taken place on the eastern side and if a tower had been erected to carry the swing bridge, it would have been down the river by now. If the Manu- . watu County was .determined to build a swing bridge, they must take the risk.

Cr. Gailey wished to move that the ferryman’s services be dispensed with and another appointment made. Tito chairman advised that the matter be left in abeyance until after the conference. The most important point was the provision of accommodation at the crossing. Cr. Catlev did not press his motion. Crs. Whyte, Barber, Ryder, Catlev,

and the chairman were appointed to represent this County at the Conference which will be held at the bridge site at 10.30 a.m. on June 21st.