MERCER.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 5, Issue 165, 14 April 1916, Page 1

MERCER.

Evidently the publicity of the recent trip arranged by the Waikato River Board for the Minister for Marine (the Hon. Dr. McNab) to visit the Waikato Heads is stirring the business acumen of some people as to the possibilities of the trade to be done from Port Waikato up to Hamilton for we undeistand that Capt. Williamson, of the auxiliary kelch, Dawn, some thirteen days ago visited the mouth of the river and took soundings of the bar at dead low water. He found the minimum depth to be nine feet, which means at high water twenty-one feet. Evidently his investigations proved sufficient to wariant him at once entering into this trade, for he has completod the purchase of the auxiliary schooner Albatross, which has engines sufficiently powerful to propel the boat eight knots per hour. On Thursday last he took overcharge of tho vessel, which for the next day or two will bo on the slip at Northcote, in the Auckland Harbour, for completion of repairs and alterations. When these are completed the boat is to load a full cargo of benzine for Port Waikato. In view of the River Trust that

has control of the Wanganui River much in the same position as tho Waikato River Board as regards shortage of funds, the following report of a conference of delegates of local authorities held at Wanganui on Wednesday of last week may be of interest to the ratepayers in the Waikato River Board area, viz : "A conference of members of local bodies in Wanganui, Taumarunui, and adjacent districts, was held to discuss the unsatisfactory state of the Wanganui River. Messrs Yeitcli, Pearce, Jennings and Smith, members of Parliament were also present. It was said that the liver was almost unnavigable in places as the result of Hoods last year, and the River Trust was unable to remedy the position, as it was largely dependent upon Government grants. Questions regarding the rating of lands served by the river and asking for a Royal Commission, were discussed, but ultimately it was decided to request the Government to tako over the management and control of the river, and run a State steam service under the control of

the Railway Department." . . . A deputation is going to Wellington to lay the matter before the Premier.

The United Timber Company have at the present time some 350,000 feet of logs on the banks of the MaDgawhera stream, Taupiri, awaiting a rise in the river in eider to enable them to bo towed down to Mercer, there not being at present a sufficient depth of water. Mr J. T. Geleibraud, late of tho State Sawmill, Mamaku, has been appointed as manager of the United Timber Company's sawmill at Mercer.

A good deal of criticism has been passed on the Railway Department from time to time in regard to the shortage of berthage accommodation at the Department's wharf but so far no suggestion has been made as to how the dilliculty might bo overcome. The smaller craft?, in particular, launches, are prevented from discharging their cargo on arrival owing to the s.s. Freetrader when berthed taking up practically the whole of the space ottering. It is suggested that a Jloating wharf might relievo the situation.