THE UPOKONGARO FERRY.

Wanganui Herald, Volume XXXVI, Issue 10708, 29 July 1902, Page 2

THE UPOKONGARO FERRY.

The Wire Rope a Danger to Navigation.

Comment* by Mr C. O. Kettle, S.M.

The civil case Wanganui Counsy Council (Mr Watt) r Alexander Hatrick (Mr Bamicoat), claim £7 for damage to the wire rope at the Upokongaro Ferry, was concluded after we went to PJ 88 5,y estenlaT .- *"• £«"« W» decision, Mr Kettle said it was unnecessary for him to go- into the question as to whether the ferry was properly established, that would no doubt be a cause' for a further action, if the wire was not placed in a position so as to be no longer a source of danger to the largely increasing steamer &affic. From the evidence, it was clear that the ferry was, in its relation to the steamer traffic, conducted in a slovenly and careless manner, and he was compelled to give his decision against the County with costs. , In doing so, he expressed the hope that the rope would be raised and made an over-head one, the same as at many other ferrys. ' It was mentioned that in one accident, » life had already been lost, and on another occasion all the passengers on the "Moutoa" steamer had been swept into the river some yean ago, and that in the Ohura accident— the present cause of action — if the steamer had got broadside on to the. wire rope in "the heavy freshet, and it had not parted, the result might have been I Tory serious. j