UPOKONGARO FERRY

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 71, Issue 219, 15 September 1928, Page 8

UPOKONGARO FERRY

BOATS DECLARED UNSAFE REPAIRS TO BE MADE. With ribs so unsound that, it was stated, it could not be expected to' survive a collision with a substantial log, one of the ferry boats at Upokongaro might well seem to be a fit subject for concern. At the monthly meeting of the Wanganui County Council yesterday, a letter, written by Mr D. Matheson, headmaster of the Upokongaro School, to the School committee, was read. It was stated that representations had been made that the boats were unsafe for school children. .The report of the County engineer, however, was mor. re-assuring, as it was stated that the larger boat could be repaired for a small outlay.

The meeting was presided over by Cr. A D. Mackintosh (chairman), and there were also present Crs. D. Mackintosh, George McGregor. D. McGregor, Hine, Hamilton. Collins, Broderick. Craig and Kennedy. As a result, of his inspection ot the ferries Mr Matheson found that the larger ’eraft was probably 40 years old. The smaller one was at best a calm water boat—quite unsuitable for the conveyance of children. He recommended that a boat similar to the larger one be provided and that at present no pupils be conveyed while the river is in flood. An inspection of the boats was made by the engineer, Mr Dawson, who stated that the larger boat required new ribs at one end, but. as far as he could see, the timber, which was of kauri was sound and would last another’2o or 30 years. The boat might be caulked and' other repairs effected. About £lO would put it in order. It was decided that the necessary repairs be carried out.

Highways Improvement. The No. 8 District Highways Council advised that the Board had approved of a programme of improvement of the highway between Wanganui and M angaehu comprising the widening formation to 24 feet ami improving the alignment for 3} miles at a cost of £3”50 and strengthening the metal and widening to 18 feet and bitumen sealing for 54 miles at a cost of £l o‘ oU - The Board offered the Council a £-• to £1 subside on the proposed work, which it hoped to be able to finance within a period of six years. It was decided to accept the programme in its entirety.

Completion of Bridge Wanted. An application for the completion ot a new bridge erected by the Public Works Department on the Mangahouhi Road. Parihanhau. was received from Messrs E. C. Rumford and R. Neilson. The present temporary bridge, it was stated, was inadequate and liable to be washed away, as well as being dangerous to crossing stock. The applicants had considerable material to bo transported up the road for the purpose of bushfelling and fencing. The engineer stated that the approaches to the bridge required io be finished. It was decided to hold the matter over in the meantime.

Control Of Party Line. Mr Phillips, representing the Mai marine settlers, waited on the Council in connection with the* party line through Kakatahi to Waimarino winch it was proposed to take over from the Council. It was decided to hand over the line provided an association of the settlers was formed for its proper control. Cr. Hine remarked that it was a very good move for settlers to take o\cT such lines ®s. being the users, it was in their interest to look after them. Engineer’s Report The engineer reported as follows: — Mangawhero Hiding.—“ Slips have occurred on various roads in this riding but no serious damage has been caused. The roads effected are the "Wanganui River, I‘arihauhau and the Para para from Taukoro northwards. On the latter road a large culvert re quires to be renewed near Taukoro for which concrete pipes are. being supplied immediately. The road widening at Sparrow Cliff is progressing favourably and will be completed within a few weeks. Manganiahu Riding.—Slips have also been experienced on the Wangaehu River Road north of Taipo Creek. However, this road is again open tor traffic. The widening of the Wangaehu Valley Road has been commenced and all dangerous corners between Manganiahu ".ad Ngamatea will be cut bark. Approximately three miles ot the Manganiahu Road has been blinded with grit from Manganiahu southwards. This will make a good road surface after the occasional use of the road scraper. The stone crushing plant is being set up on the Manganiahu road preparatory to obtaining metal from Mr Wylcy’s property. The metal is being stripped and the plant will commence operations next week. The metal to be obtained from this pit is of very good quality and will economically serve for the maintenance of the Mangamahu road between Forde 11 and about the 23-mile peg, or a distance of Approximately thirteen miles. Purim Ri«ling.—Road widening work is under way on the Deniair and Warrengate roads and similar work has been completed on the Union Line. The Mangamahu road requires to be metalled between eleven and thirteen miles and it is proposed to obtain the metal from the new pit at Wyley’s. Kaitoke Riding.—Road widening in connection with the new construction work of the No. I Line has been commenced next week. The length of bituand spreading of metal will be commenced and the general reconstruction menous sealing on the No. 1 Line is proving very satisfactory and the priming coat over the portion to be completed is being carefully maintained until the weather conditions are opportune for completing the surface. Road widening has been completed on the AVarrengate road, the condition of which is much improved. Kaukatea Riding.—The work in this Tilling has consisted of general maintenance only and the roads are in fair condition. Concrete pipes are on the site for a culvert at Gordon Park and will be placed in position immediately.

Morikau Riding.—General maintenance has been carried out in this riding and no serious damage has been reported. Upper Wangaehu Riding.—“ The roads in this riding are in fair condition for this season of the year. When the weather conditions are favourable a road grader will be employed for the re-formation of ell clay roads. ” The report was adopted.