MERCER.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 6, Issue 239, 5 January 1917, Page 3

MERCER.

(See also page 4.)

Mercer is destined to be, as the Head Office of the Waikato Shipping Co., Ltd., one of the most flourishing districts of the famous Waikato rive. The increasing trade is so phenomenal that the Company contemplate the erection of extensive wharf and store accommodation to meet this increasing trade. As the Waikato rends its course through • one of the most fertile dairying districts of the Dominion, it is btinij vised by the dairy farmers on both sides of its banks for the conveyance of cream and produce. It has a brilliant future, while the scenic views, opening up here and there fresh views to the tourist and business man, impress all as they rind it holds out such rotentalities es a pleasuse-taking trip. When it is recalled that the Company only took over the control so recently as November last, it is to be commended for its desire to meet the trade of the district. The Company's architect is now engaged on the plans for the erection of repairing workshops fv-r their vessels, which .number about 30. J'he lirgest boat "The Freetrader" is juat now being rebuilt to cater for the river trade. Preparations, too, are being made to organisa the Waioa with a view to divertirg the whole of its trade to Merce", which place, let it be noted, is important as being the first point where the railway touches the famous river. Already large cargoes are brought from Onehunga for conveyance as far as Cambridge. Mr C. Kocse, whose carrying business at Mercer the Company recently took over, has just returned from a holiday trip up the Wanganui river, and he asserts that the Waikato is by far better than the Wanganui river can be. This opinion from one who has a intimate knowledge of river trade is encouraging. So far the commercial aspect of the Waikato is being watched, but it is anticipated that ere long the tourist side will be developed. It is predicted that from its comparative nearness to Auckland the mind of the traveller will be directed not to the much advertised! Wacganui, but to its rising competitor —the Waikato—thus serving the dual capacity of a pleasure and business waterway. As soon as suitable boats can be built the tourist trade will be begun. The Governments in the past have spent thousands on the Wanganui river, while in its short-Bigbted policy it has overlooked the claims of the Waikato, which holds in store bouodless possibilities. It is confidently anticipated the Government will remedy its lack of support by meeting the shipping interest of the Waikato in the near future.

The prospects from the shareholders point of view are exceedingly bright, and Mr C. C. Davis, the managing director, whose business acumen and shipping knowledge is not questioned, is alert in the interests of the district as a whole, which, in no small dependent ujioifthe river trade which he i*J!S&*low to extend. The Waikato is indeed awakening.

An interesting presentation took place last evening when two local men Ptes C. Turner and W, Jenkins, belonging to the 22nd Reinforcements, who are on final leave, were given a send-off which took the form of a social and dance, a presentation beiag made to each of a wristlet watch. Mr A. 0. Tribe, the eecretary of the Patriotic League (in the absence of the chairman) made the presentation in a fitting speech. Afterwards the company indulged in dancing, music being supplied by Mrs Bush, while the duties of M.O. were ably carried out by Messrs F. J. Freeborn and R. Kelly.