MERCER.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 5, Issue 191, 14 July 1916, Page 1

MERCER.

Arrangements in connection with the flotation of a Shipping Company to do business on the Waikato River and its tributaiies are progressing satisfactorily under the direction of Mr C. C. Davis, who is acting as promoter. A meeting to further consider the proposal was held at Mercer on Wednesday evening last and was attended by a fair number of interested parties. The ss Freetrader and four launches engaged in the river traffic have been valued in connection with the scheme. The names of Messrs Horrocks, R. Clephane and E. T Frost have been mentioned as probable directors. The river rose rapidly during the recent heavy rains and the flats were inundated, canoes being paddled over the Mercer Domain Reserve, but a preceptible lowering is now taking place and while the weather keeps fine the prospects for the river regaining normal level are good. It is claimed by a resident of long standing that the water was prevented from submerging a larger area thanks to the groynes placed in the river by the Waikato River Board.

Out of Mr B. Sweeney's family of four sons three have already enlisted and the fourth, Mr Ed ward Sweeney, who is engaged as a telegraphist in'the Post and Telegraph Department, and is at present relieving at Mercer, has received notice £to enter camp on the Bth August, when he will he attached to the Wireless Operator's Section. The largest load of timber over conveyed on the river, amounting to 106,000 feet of white pine, was conveyed on seven of Mr 0. Roose's barges from the United Timber Company's landing at Mercer to the s.s. Wallsend, which until Wednesday last was anchored at the Waikato Heads, when it left ttie harbour for Sydney, carrying a cargo of 200,000 feet of wbite pine, supplied by the United Timber Company. Duiing the s.s. Wallsend's stay in the Waikato's Heads Port the schooner Albatross entered the

harbour, sailing right up to the wharf under her own sail. She carried a cargo of 2000 cases of oils and merchandise for pjits between Mercer and Cambridge, which was taken in hand by Mr C. Boose and delivered on barges. It is an indication of the rapid development of the industry that it was the first occasion on which cargo has been sent through to Cambridge and discharged at Hamilton for transhipment by rail to Te Awamutu. The Port was entered without difficulty and the Heads were cleared safely on the return journey to Auckland, where another consignment of 500 cases of retiued oils await delivery to Waikato Ports. The cargo on the return journey consisted mostly of wool.

Mr T. J. Wright, the newlyappointed Town Clerk, vico Mr V. N. Xing resigned, officiated for the first time at the regular monthly meeting of the Board held on Tuesday eveuiug last. The busiuess transacted was, however, only of a formal nature.