UPOKONGARO FERRY

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 75, Issue 270, 15 November 1932, Page 6

UPOKONGARO FERRY

RE-ESTABLISHMENT DECIDED. BOTH COUNTIES TO SHARE COST. The Upokongaro ferry is to be reestablished, and the total cost of the work will fall equally oi the Wanganui and Waitotara Counties. A high flood forced the punt loose from its moorings some weeks ago and an estimate of towing it upstream again set the cost at £6O. A difference of opinion arose then as to tho value of the ferry from the rrtepayers’ point of view. The Wanganui County was inclined to the belief that it had outlived its usefulness. Against that, tho Waitotara County pointed out that the school at Upokongaro was attended by several children from the other side of the river and there was a very live community interest in the ferry from that and other sources. When tho Waitotara County met yes terday, Cr. W. Morrison, tho •hairman. reported that he and the engineer had waited on the Wanganui County to support a letter urging that the punt be re-established and that the cost be borne equally between the two coniines. He understood that finalisation of the matter now rested net ween tho Ferry Committees of the respective counties. Cr. E. Parsons: Which ratepayer:benefit most by the ferry? Ours do, 1 suppose, because of children going to school. If the ferry was taken away they would have to pur a school on this side of tho river. "The Wanganui County has had gieat benefit in the past,” said Cr. Goldsbury. Cr. Parsons: Yes, L read all that in the paper. “I think it benefits the ratepayers 1 on both sides,” said Cr. Morrison. ■'There are business people on tho Wan ganui County side of the river and they are. probably glad to have business from our side. ’ ’ After tho Waitotara County meeting yesterday advice was received from the Wanganui County to the effect that i’ wa.s preapred to waive its objection.and go fifty-fifty in restoring the punt to its original place. Tho engineers of I

the respective counties are to confer find finalise the work.