MERCER.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 6, Issue 244, 23 January 1917, Page 4

MERCER.

SUCCESSFUL MOCK COURT. Unler " His Honour " Judge M. Eoose a Mock Court was held on Friday night last, when Mr Dare acted as police officer. Ihe " hard up" eocial with which the Court was associated was well attended, and the Court was filled by residents, who became better known when their antecedents were detailed by Police Officer Dare. Even that enterprising officer was charged for that " he had wilfully, intentionally and with foie-knowledge told girls to write his name 'dear.'" Of course he was heavily fined. Another serious charge wa9 brought against Factory Manager Roberts, and he was fined for " allowing his horseAo go to bed with his shoes on." Postmaster Clifford was charged " for picking currants off the telegraph poles," while Mr Valentine, of "Store" fame, was indicted for that he was found " sponging and loafing in the bakehouse." The farmers, too, were "bailed up" and one, Peguero, was fined for "getting milk from behind the cows' horns." The fair sex had also committed some crimes. One, a stout lady, was charged " for getting stout and drinking tea." Kuowing the noble cause for which these martyrs suffered they pleasingly paid their fines, and altogether about £2B was contributed to the Belgian Relief Fund. A dance followed, when Mrs Bush provided music to " soothe the aching hearts," Messrs R. Kelly L. Nield acted as M C.'s, and altogether a pleasant time was spent. Mr A. C. Tribe, as hon. secretary, is to be congratulated on the achievement.

MERCER DOMAIN BOARD.

At a meeting of the Pomain Board held last week there were present: Messrs A. C. Tribe (chairman), M. Gallery, F. Coleman and W. Sel* wood. Mr H. Dix was re-appointed ranger on the same terms and conditions as last year. The inspection of fences and the authorisation of work was left to Messrs Coleman and Selwood. It ft as decided to provide an en closure paddock to facilitate the easier handling of horses grazing on the Domain. It was also agreed that all cattle and horses should be provided with chain and metal discs as required by the Board. The question of appointing a member in place of Mr F. Tregoweth was postponed until the next meeting.

TOWN BOARD MEETING,

A meeting of the Mercer Town Board was held on Tuesday last, when there were present: Messrs Morgon (chairman), Gallery, Gillibrand and A. C. Tribe, with the clerk (Mr F. J. Freeborn). •» PICTURE ENTERTAINMENTB. Application was made for the granting of a permanent lease of the hall for the purpose of showing pictures.—The application was referred to the Legal and Financial Committee. OUTSTANDING BATES. The Board's solicitor (Mr Dromgool) reported that with one or two exceptions the outstanding rates handed to him for collection had been recovered.—This the Board re garded as satisfactory. LANDING STEPS. On application being made by Mr C. Roose, junr., for landing steps to be built opposite his house on Main road, the sum of £3 was voted for this work to be carried out to the satisfaction of the Board. IHE DAIRY IACTOBY. Mr Tribe brought forward a notice of motion relative to urging the Waikato Dairy Co. to reconsider the question of retaining their factory business at Mercer and not to remove to Tuakau as contemplated, but no action was taken . STRAYING CATTLE. The Board's ranger was instructed to take proceedings against all persons infringing the by-laws by allowing cattle to stray. A gigantic Fete has been arranged for Wednesday, the 1-lth February, and farmers and others are kindly asked to send their produce (and any donations) to Mr A. C. Tribe, the hon. secretary. The Fete is arranged to swell the patriotic funds and is likely to be well supported. Ihere is a daily increasing trade on the Waikato river, and the Waikato Shipping Co. have all their work cut out to cope with the business. As an instance of this it may be mentioned that last week the Northern S.S. Co.'s "Arapawa" brought from Onehunga to the Heads no less than 4000 cases of benzine, in addition to other cargo. This on being transferred to the Company's barges was conveyed up the river, some being landed at Cambridge and Hamilton. The Company are negotiating for the acquisition of further boats and shipping accommodation and farmers and business men cannot do better than support the Company, as by so doing they are thereby assisting the development of the Waikato district. There is likely to be an increased passenger service at an early date, and the Company to serve all sections of the community are keenly alert to forwarding—as far as circumstances permit—those projects which are likely to produce incalculable benefits to the public as a whole. The progress of the Waikato Shipping Co. is assured.