MERCER.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 1, Issue 55, 31 December 1912, Page 2

MERCER.

BOXING DAY PICNIC. The Boxing Day picnic to the Waikato Heads proved to he the largest of its kind ever held from here. By the time the Heads was reached oyer 250 people collected, Tuakau providing a big contingent. Timed to leave Mercer at 6.45 a.m the Heads was reached at 11, five stops having been made on the way. A jolly time was spent by the different parties—fishing, bathing, etc.; being froely indulged in.

Owing to the lateness of the tide a start for home was not made till 9.30, Mercer being reached about 2.30 a.m. On the journey either way quite entertaining concerts were held, songs, recitations and speeches enlivening the trip. A piano was provided over which Miss i?canlan presided as accompanist. Mr J. Ragg, master of the Freetrader. can be complimented on the careful provision made for- the coo 1 fort of all concerned, seats and awnings being provided for every person aboard and all voting it the best trip on record. All over a certain amount of the takings goes towards tin finances of the Catholic Church. Tuakau, and in this respect some £7 is expected to bo allotted.

Mr F. Davis has leased a portion of Mr Coleman's .-adtiler's shop and lists had it fitted up as a barber's and Imirdressing establishment. This is a* other sign of progress.for Mercer, being the first barber's shop in the township. Mr M. I'. lint' or lias leased the metal (|uany for live years and with an 8 h.p. traction engine and new crusher "will shoitiy be able to provide a liberal supply of crushed stone. Hoppers are now being erected by which means carts will bo able to load without any shovelling. As Mr Butler has agreed to put metal on the road for 6s per yard there ought to be no excuse now for bad roads. It is also hoped that some very necessary footpath work will be taken in hand ; this would greatly add to the appearance and utility <>f the main street. The metal from the abovementioned ([iiarry provides some of the iinost wealing stone in the district. Portions of the roads that were metalled w itli stone from here have now been in use for the past 10 years and are stiil in a good state of preservation.