HIGHWAY MATTERS.

Shannon News, 9 July 1926, Page 3

HIGHWAY MATTERS.

MEETING OF DISTRICT COUNCIL,

BRIDGE OVER MANAWATU RIVER,

A meeting of the Council of No. 9 Highways District was held last week, the chairman, Mir 3. Hannah, presiding. There were also present: Crs. F. W. Arbon (Pohangina), \V. E. Barber (Manawatu), A. Campbell (Oroua), J. Baitohelar (Kairanga), G. A. Monk (Horowhenua) and L. T. McLean Kiwitea). Messrs A. Benhani (Hutt County Engineer), J. R. Menzies (Kairanga County Engineer), A. K. Drew (Manawatu County Council Clerk), R. L. Hiarding (Oroua County Council engineer and clerk), and M. W. L. Beech (Makura County Council Clerk) also attended. The chairman, commenting upon matters raised at the last meeting, said, that, as regarded the Manawatu bridge to be erected near Shannon in replacement of that damaged by flood a year or two ago, the necessary surveys had been made, but the plans were sitill in hand owing to boring not having been completed. As foir the suggested deviation of the Levin-Shannon highway, the Main Highways Board has decided to adhere to its original plan. SHANNON PUNT.

Cr. Monk introduced the matter of the.future administration of the Shannon punt. Of late, he said, it had not been operating very well, partly on account of the low level of the water in the river and partly, perhaps, because the council was not experienced in such matters. As a conference of the local bodies interested the Horowhenua County Council had offered to hand over control of the punt to the Manawatu County Council. The latter had accepted the offer tentatively. The Horowhenua County Council had done its best, but if any other local body could do better it would gladly hand over control, in wliich case Ms council would still pay its share. At any rate, some efficient arrangement acceptable to all concerned was desired. He moved that, providing the Horowhenua and Manawatu County Councils and the Highways Board were agreeable, the Shannon ferry should be handed over to the Manawatu County Council. The motion was seconded by Cr. , Barber, who stated that, while he desired to cast no reflection on the Horowhenua County Council, he would comment upon the fact that the location of the ferry came more immediately under the supervision of the Manawatu County Council. “The Manawatu County Council 1 may do better than we have done,” said Cr. Monk, adding that contributions towards the cost of the punt would remain on the same basis as formerly. Suitable arrangements would bei made to. advise road travellers when the punt was not working. Eventually, the motion was carried in the following form: That this Council recommends to the Highways 'Board that it sanction the handing over of the operation of the Shannon ferry from the Horowhenua to the. Manawatu County Council.