SHANNON BRIDGE.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLVII, Issue 220, 15 August 1927, Page 5

SHANNON BRIDGE.

DISCUSSION BY COUNCIL. At Saturday’s meeting of the Horowlienua County Council a letter was received from the Public Works Department concerning the . proposed routes between the new Manawatu River bridge and Shannon stating that the Main Highways Board had decided to adopt No. 3 route, which was estimated to cost £5400. In view of the present position of finances tho board did not consider any expenditure should be authorised along Johnston Road with a view to raising tho road above the flood level. Steps were now being taken to issue a warrant covering the approach roads on both sides of the river.

The chairman of the Main Highways Board (Mr F. W. Furkett), advised that the cost of the bridge would be £23,662 of which amount the Main Highways Board would pay £13,442, leaving £10,220 to be contributed by the local authorities in the following proportions: Shannon and Foxton Borough Councils, one-twelfth each not exceeding £BSO, and the balance equally by the Horowhenua and Manawatu County Councils. A commencement had been made with the reconstruction of the bridge, and it was essential before the work was proceeded with further to have an unconditional resolution from the council agreeing to the terms os above.

Cr Barber said that he understood that the No. 2 route was the cheapest, and he was of the opinion that the locality had been let down by the choosing of the route decided on by the Main Highways Board. The matters of flood waters and access had to be given serious consideration. The chairman (Cr Monk) remarked that the board was anxious to proceed with the erection of the bridge, but did not wish to go to a furtlior stage without first obtaining the council’s agreement, as the question of the subsidy was involved. It was decided to refer tlio matter to the works committee for considerations. In the interim the chairman and Cr Barber were authorised to interview the Main Highways Board in order to obtain further information on the matter. With reference to the same bridge, the Public AVorks Department forwarded advice that the timbers were now coming to hand, and the road from Shannon to the Manawatu river was cutting up badly. During the next three or four months heavy loads would be passing over this road, and it was necessary to have stacks of maintenance metal deposited where required. It was requested that the council should carry out this work. The matter was referred to the works committee to ascertain which body would bo ctflled upon to meet the expenses.