ACCESS FOR RIVER SETTLERS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 80, Issue 121, 25 May 1938, Page 6

ACCESS FOR RIVER SETTLERS

HON. R. SEMPLE TO BE WAITED ON LOSS OF STEAMER SERVICE When the Minister of Public Works (Hon. R. Semple) visits Wanganui oa May 31 an effort is to be made by the Wanganui Tourist and Development League to bring to his notice the difficulties of settlers on the right bank of the Wanganui River. Recently the settlers concerned forwarded a petition to the league, pointing out that the transfer of the mail contract from steamer to the road and the subsequent deletion of the steamer service, had robbed many properties of a means of transpoi. and access. “We have no means of getting produce to the market except occasionally when the steamer will run u take wool,” the settlers state. “Cream cannot be taken to the factory except, by taking it across the river in a boat and carrying it up to the road on (lie cast side. To get or send mails it necessary to cross the river and go to the road. This cannot be done b.i women and children. The river is often in flood for more than a week at a time. Schooling for children is another trouble which is adding lo our difficulties. . . . Settlers were induced to come here originally in the belief that there would always yr some means of communication. The river steamer service supplied this fii over 40 years, and it has now be, .i stopped without any alternative b. n.; provided.”