MERCER.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 1, Issue 24, 21 August 1912, Page 2

MERCER.

Last winter one of the most enjoyable 'lances was that given by the railway employees. It is good news, therefore, to hear that the Railway Ball will be hold on September 13th. The first annual ball of the Raglan Rugby Union is to take place in the Rowing Club's shed on August 31st.. Very complete preparations are being made, a town orchestra is to be eugaged, and the function promises to be most successful.

On 15th inst. Messrs Ashley Hunter and Otway, engineers, accompanied by Mr Wily, paid a visit of inspection to the River Board works. Neither Mr Konnody, the Board's engineer, nor Mr Glass (the chairman) wero of the party, so that it was au " opposition" force. Mr Thompson, Government engineer, accompanied them, being sent, wo understand, to report to the Government. We trust that as the outcome of his report the Government will push on the work themselves. A meeting of the School Committee was held on Wednesday evening, present:—Messrs Valentine (chairman) Hallett (secretary), Barron and Pickett. Report from the head teacher was received showing an average attendance of 95, and as that number is largely in excess of the accommodation it was resolved to again ask the Board of Education for increased accommodation. It was also resolved to repair the fence between the school garden and Mr Elliott's property, and request t'io owner to pay his share of the cost of same. Accounts to the amount of £5 17s 5d wero passed for-payment. Workmen are now engagod in making alterations to the post office, and will provide for a telephone bureau. This latter is very much needed. One can hardly realise it possible that the placo has boen loft so long without. It is to be regretted that the Government could not have put up a new office instead of making alterations to tlio present old place that has done duty for the last forty years. It really would make a decent vvash-houso.

A most enjoyable evening was spent last Friday at progressive euchre and bridge. These socials are held fortnightly under the auspices of the School Committee. Mr Edwards, the headmaster, is indefatigable in his exertions to promote their success. Miss Louie Pickett was the winner of tlio ladies' prize, whilo Mr S. Wright carried off the moil's prize. The nonsense prizes fell to Mrs Landon and Mr J. Davis. There was a special prize (presented by Mr Valentine) for the best bridge player. This was carried off by Mr Beamish. At the conclusion of the card-playing a short dance was )iold, which was much appreciated by lovers of the terpsichoroau art. Wo are informed that the Road Hoard has been successful in raising a loan for the erection of a public hall. This will bo good news, as it has been recognisod for a long time that a suitable building in which to hold social functions and other meetings was a real need, as the only available buildings' (the school aud Rowing Club's shed) were inadequate for the requirements of tlio place.