MERCER.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 5, Issue 169, 28 April 1916, Page 3

MERCER.

(See also page 1.) TOE WAIKATO RIVER. IMPROVEMENTS AT PORT WAIKATO. During his recent inspection of the Waikato River, the Minister of Marine (Hon. W. McNab), had pointed out to him the lack of facilities at Port Waikato owing to the absence of beacons and lights The Minister recognised the possibilities of the port, which is easily navigable to vessels of 20ft. draught, and there is the probability of the sandy entrance being further deepened with the completion of the river navigation scheme. Dr McNab has now instructed Captain Fleming, of the Marine Department, to make a re-survey of the port, and to have the necessary guides to mariners erected. Dr McNab, during his tour of inspection, expressed himself as greatly impressed with the potentialities of this great waterway, and has now promised the River Board to give the deepening scheme what assistance he can. Next week a regular service will be established between the Manukau Harbour and Port Waikato, where the cargo will be transhipped on to river steamers for ports along the Waikato and Waipa Rivers. The Baron Falls will also trade direct between Australia and Port Waikato.

Sundry alterations to the United Timber Company's mill are being made, with a view of opportunity being afforded to cope with an ever increasing trade. There is continued activity in the Company's operations. They having just completed the loadof the Wallsend with 200,000 feet of timber and will be loading next week into the Senorita 100,000 feet, whilst on the 16th the Wallsend will be due to be loaded again. In proximity to the mill skids there are a little over 300 logs, whilst on the banks of the Mangawhawra landing there are 300,000 feet of big timber awaiting winter rains to float them down the river.

The concert held on Anzac night was a brillian success", the proceeds amounting to £8 5s 6d. The repairing of the decking on Railway wharf should be completed today. Six men are engaged on the job. From the state of the old decking it is evident that the work was not undertaken too soon. The new timber consists of a selection of three kinds, and should last for a lengthy period. Mr J. B. Thompson, the Government Chief Drainage Engineer, who has olready made several inspections of the Waikato river, is now going over the route again, in company with Mr A. G. C 1 Glass, chairman of the Waikato River Board. Mr Thompson's visit is a result of Dr McNab's recent inspection of the river.