DISTRICT NEWS

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 4, Issue 126, 29 December 1915, Page 2

DISTRICT NEWS

POKENO.

Private Percy Waldeo, who is returning invalided by the Maheno, is a son ol Mrs C A Walden, Pokeno, and was born at Moutoa, Fnxtin, in 1895. Aftsr leaving school he took up storekeeping. lie was a member of the Mauku Senior Cricket Club and played in all the senior grade matches. He lett New Zealard as a member of the 16th Waikato Company with the main body of the Expeditionary Force, and was id the thick of ths fighting, meeting with many very narrow scapes, tie bad been in the tranchss fjr ssven or eight weeks ft hen hs contracted enteric fever and was sent to hospital at Alexandria.

Rifhman James Prendergast, ad* vance party ot tbe New Zealand Riila Brigade, is reported to be convalescent at Alexandria, after having besn wounded. He is the eldest son of Mr and Mrs John Prendergast, ot Pukeno. P/ior to bis enlistement he was engaged in farming in the Pokeno ditsrict

MERCER.

The shipping companies are having a strenuous time handling the large quantities of manara that are coming forward for consignees on tbe river. Consequently the wharf presents a busy scene, 'lhe extent of the increased traffic may be gauged from remarks passed on the trade by Mr M Gallery, who has resided in the district tor 33 years. Speaking to a "Times" representative Mr GilUry said: "Tbsre is more merchandise, etc., passing over the wharf than I have ever seen before. From the number ot launches trading on the river I am of tbe opinion that the business has increased 50 per cent of late, and th: geograohical position of tbe township being the closest town in tbe Waikati»to the river lendj itself for greater extensive business possibilities. The motor route from Auckland via Me:cer to the Waikato is also gaining more and more in popularity every summer."

The presence of batches of Maori cbildren bathing near the wharf and alongside the encamp* raent reminds one of the scene at the Whakarewarewa bridge daring the holiday season. The young swimmers are quits at home in the water, going through numerous feats that attract the attention of the public.

Trout are numerous in tbe rivsr. During the past few daya the river bus been placid and the "ily" could be seen dropping on tin smface from a distance by this species of the finny tribe, and the anelers, as a result, made some good catches.

The river bank, as a result of the Town Board'a operation ia presenting a more improved appear* ance. l'he Board's surfaceman hie cleared the larger portion of black* berries from the bank, and is now engaged clearing the frontage to the United Timber Company's property. At the Police . Court yesterday morning Rangi lapbana, a Maori, of Tuakau and Sydney Cox, alias Finch, were charged before Mr A C Tribe, J.P., with Jbaviog been found drank in Mercer on tha previous day. Both pleaded guilty and were convicted and discharged. At a special meeting of the Mercer Town Board, held on Wednesday last, by-laws for tbe control ot the town affaire were adopted. A resume of the same appears in this issue in our advertising columns.

THE MAORI CONFERENCE. Tbe conference ot Maoris which has been io progress at Mercer in connection with the despatch of native troops to the war was concluded yesterday The Hon James Allen, Minister for Defence, did not attend, but the Government was represented by Dr Pomare, M.P. The proceedinga were private, but it is understood tbat before separating the Maori a arrived at the unanimous decision not to offer any objection to further Maori Reinforcements being sent 'to the front. That decison was determined on after Dr Pomare had outlined tbe methods adopted by the Government therewith. Until then some ot the Maoria were under the impression that a form of conscription was in force. "King" Rata was present at the gathering on Saturday. It waa commented on by observers tbat the conference brought together a decidedly large number of young Maoris whose eligibility for tbe firing ljse wsi apparently unquestionable.

WAERENGA.

Favoured with beautiful weather the annual school picnic, held at Te Kauwhata on the 22nd inat* was crowned with success, lbe children competed keenly ia 'the various races and games. The ladies generously provided bounteous refreshments, and a. most enjoyable day was spent. In the evening a Christmas Tree, erected ia Mr Hewitt's ball,-was a source of great attraction. The utmost excitement prevailed as each child in turn drew from the heavily lalen tree his coveted toy. Dancing commenced at 9.30 to the usual faultless music of Mr Rutland. Some twenty couples participated and Mr A Napier ably performed the duties ot M.C. Supper, of an elaborate nature, was again provided by the ladies and dancing continued till the early hours of tba morning. Tbe recent rains, which will temporarily hamper harvesting operations, will be of great benefit to the recently sown turnip crops, of which a large acreage ia cultivated. The moisture will also promote the growth of tbe grass and will thus contribute to the raising ot oeef, for which tbe district is renowned.

. ALFRISTON.

Some important additions ire to be made to the New Zealand dairy Association's creamery at Alfriston, These include the erection of a new thelter and staging, whicb work is to be completed before the New Year. The contractor ia Mr E Dalton. The creamsry supply has /* largely increased daring the present, season—eighteen new , mppiiefe having been obtained—and cream is now being received from even coastal farms.

PATUMAHOE.

Troopar Beit McLa-in, who is reported as suffering trom pmumonii, is 22 ypars of ag , and ia the fourth son of Mr J W McLnri", ssnr, ot Kanui Es ate, Patumahoe. He is attached to the Third Auckland Mounted Rifle*. He went to the front, together with bil two brothers, Chat lea and Frank McLarin, with the Sixth Reinforcements. Uo to the time ot leaving he was engaged in farming In partnership with his brother Prank. The two brothers lett their -farm of 380 acres in charge of their father, ard their brother Cha lej also left a fine form to go with Ihem. Thi McLarh boys have always been keen Volunteers a:.d Teiri'otiah. aad keen footballers and cricketers Charles MeLarin cap ained the Mauku football team, and his three biothcrs, including Bert, played ueder hiT.

MARAMARUA.

Trooper William George Clark, Auckland Mounted Rifles, reported to have been seriously wonnded, is a aon of Mr and Mra H C C'atk, of Maramarus, Waikato. He was born at Mangatiti, rear Fahiatus, in tha Wairarapa district, and is now 20 yeara of .age. He received Imitorial training with the 16th Waikato Regiment. Trooper Clark nustly followed farming, though L be bad done a little mioiog. He ! baa a)Maya been exceedingly keen t on thootlng ard football. He is a great-grandson ot the late Captain Frederick Christian Hunaeus, of Denma:k.

RAZORBACK.

A dwellirg, tenanted by the owner, Mr A J Coombea and his aister, was totally destroyed by Ate on the 20th inat. Mr and Miss Coombea were awhv at the time Hnd were returning from Mercer at 11.15 pm. when they noticed the building in flamea. It was then too late to am the content*, the Mra having a fierce hold of the premises. The origin ot the conflagration is a mystery. The houae, which was s': : valued at £IOOO, was insured with ' the Commercial Union Fire Insurance Company for £6OO, but there *'• was no inaurance on the furnitur", which wia valued at £l6O. B -

PUKEKOHE EAST.

DEATH OF MK U DODD3 [ It is with the deepest regret that we have to report the death ot Mr tiordon Oodds, who passed away suddenly at his residence at Puke- ■■ kohl East on Monday, the 20th. [ instant. The deceased, who was unmarried, bad by his uuobtrusive [ and courteous manner gained the y reapect and isteem of all with tj whom he came In contact, The f funeral took place on Frjdsy last, and many parishioners were present to pay ttieir laat respects to one who waa alwaya looked upon aa a ■traightferward and hunest citizen.

TUAKAU

It io understood that the Police Department have decided to erect at an early date a police residence in Tuikau.