MERCER.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 6, Issue 269, 24 April 1917, Page 4

MERCER.

WAIKATO SHIPPING CO. COAL MINE BOUGHT At a special meeting of the Directors of the Waikato Shipping Co., Ltd., held recently at Huntly, there were present Messrs Clephame (chairman), E. T. Frost, C. C. Davis, R. English, and B. Horrocks. The meeting being called to consider the question of acquiring the coal mine, over which the company had an option of purchase. A report was submitted by Mr Holland, which was regarded as encouraging. This was j to the effect that where bores had j been made seams of coal from sft to 20ft had been discovered, in addition to valuable deposits of fireclay. After consideration of the report by the Directors it was unanimously resolved to intimate to the owners that the company proposed to exercise their option of such right. It is anticipated that the company will shortly be able to supply coal and that there is reason to believe that no difficulty will be experienced in obtaining suitable labour. So that all industries can bo kept working during the period of the coal strike the Waikato River Board with commendable forethought have arranged to supply all works and factories between Hamilton and Pukekohe with sufficient manuka wood to enable their output to be sustained under normal conditions. To meet a large demand in this direction the Company are able to command the labour of forty men for the purpose. Mr A. C. Tribe is progressing favourably and is expected to return to Mercer shortly. A letter has been received from Sapper E. Clare who left with the Ist Reinforcements. He says he has been stationed in France for the past twelve months and in wishing to be remembered to many old Mercer friends adds that he is in the best of health.