MERCER.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 4, Issue 109, 17 November 1915, Page 2

MERCER.

The Mercer public hall was again . crowded on the evening ot the 12th inst., when a social to assist the Patriotic and War Relit Funds was held. The effort, which totik th 3 form of a dance and mock court producd £32, of which amount the sum cf £l4 15i was collected in fines imposed at the Court. £l4 12s being the result of the sale ot a cushion presented by Mist M. Roose and auctioned by Mr A. (J. Tribp. Alter re-selling the cushion 17 times it was finally decided to ~ present it to the firet volunteer leaving the district tor a training camp, du'ing the present week. Mr George Morgon again made an admirabls judge, while Meurs Valentine and Rutland, 'fa Kauwata, supplid the dsnce music in their usual capable manner. x

Sapper E Clire, of the Auckland Section of the Tunnelling Corps, is spjndiog a wetk'a furlough visiting friends in the district before returning finally tj the training camp at Avondale. He is the thiid ex-employee of Messrs Glass Brothers who has left or is about to leave for the trout. The Waikato river rose considerably during the last few days, the recent heavy rains causing the inundation of the river flats. The flood continues to tise, with the possibility of eventually closing down the flaxmills 011 tha banks of the river and the United Timber Company's sawmill. A recei.t addition to the fleet of the A.ll-Britieh Shipping Company iB a fine new launch, installed with an eight horse-power Standard engine, capable of driving the launch at nine knots per hou*. It is specially adapted for river use, the draught being only 18 inches. It is to be used both for the carriage of cargo and passengers. The AII-British Shipping Company ib gradually developing into an extensive enterprise, operating over the whole of the river. The fleet now comprises five launches. Peaceful aid unprrtentious Mercer received a severe sbcck on Monday mornirg last by the > Prussian-like tactics adort?d by _a j Huntly native, named Jack Manaia. Under the influence of drink he quarrelled with others of his race, who were playing billiards in Mr F. Coleman's billiard saloun. Declining to depart when requested to do so by Mr Coleman, junr., he threatened to strike the latter. Constable Horan was communicated with, and on bis arrival attempted to put an end to the dusky warrior's wild career by arresting him. The native strongly resisted, however, and it was only after a severe tussle on the footpath in front of the Baloon that the Maori was se:ured. His lege were tied together with rope and he was handcuffed, some three civilians assisting. He was conveyed in a cart to the police station. Brought up iti the afternoon before Messrs Valentine and A. C. Tribe, J.P.'s, on a charge of being drunk and disorderly and obstructing the poilce, he was lined £5 or was given an alternative ot 14 days' imprisonment. Not paying the tine he was t<ken to Mt. Eden prison yesterday. The usual monthly meeting of the Town Board, postponed from the previous week, was further adjourned owing to the lack of a quorum.