MERCER.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 6, Issue 271, 1 May 1917, Page 1

MERCER.

INTERESTING MAORI WEDDING. A "REGAL" CEREMONY. ». # Between 1000 and 2000 Maoris have been assembled in Mercer for the past few days in honour of the wedding that took place yesterday, wherein the contracting parties were Teaa Mahuta, brother of King Rata, and Teumurangi, daughter of Major Brown, of Masterton. The festivities commenced on Friday with the arrival of the bride, a triumphant procession making its way to the native encampment, headed by a Chief wielding a wand and by the Maori band, the members of which were attired in the radiant hues of the King's uniform. Then dressed in the gorgeous colours which the tribes like so well came several hundred natives, both men, women and children. The bride was dressed in black and aa she walked she wept in accordance with native custom, whilst several maidens, gaily attired, danced in front of the band as the procession was in progress. On arrival at the camp a haka was held and the bride, who was welcomed by several chiefs, took her seat, remaining the whole time in silence. Yesterday the wedding ceremony was duly performed amid much jubilation and rejoicing, a sumptuous feed of course forming an important part of the proceedings. CATTLE THAT VANISHED. THEFT CHARGE IMMINENT. At the last sitting of the Mercer Magistrate's Court, Mr E. C. Cutten, 3.M., being on the Bench, further civil proceedings took place in regard to the disappearance of cattle belonging to Mr C. J. Drake, of Whangamarino, from his property whilst he was away at the war. The defendant was A. G. Stokes, who was sued by Drake for the return of a cow and calf or their value of £l6. After a lengthy hearing the Magistrate gave judgment for the plaintiff for the return of the cow, and for £3 10s being the value of the calf which it transpired had been sold.

Arising out of circumstances previously before the court R. L. Garmousway, formerly manager in Drake's employ, claimed the sum of £6O from Drake for wages alleged to be due and bonus in respect of share milking. There was a counterclaim by Drake for £69, being the amount in respect of missing cattle and damages sustained by reason of Garmousway's alleged neglect. Judgment was given in favour of Garmonsway for £6 12s lOd in respect of bonus and £25 for Drake on the counterclaim.

In the action Garmonsway v W. C. Drake, a claim of £9 for board and lodging, plaintiff was nonsuited with costs to the defendant.

A police prosecution has now been instituted against Mardon (who was a witness for the defence in the first of the cases brought by Diake) and Garmonsway for alleged theft of cattle and the hearing wili commence at the Magistrate's Court on Thursday of next week before Mr E. C. Cutten, B.M.

The usual monthly meeting of the Waikato River Board was postponed from last Saturday and is to be held on Saturday next.

On Wednesday laat a horse which was being " backed " in a cart at the wharf went too far and with its conveyance fell into the Waikato River. But for the prompt action of Mr K. Carter the animal would have probably been drowned. Mr Carter jumped into the stream and managed to release the horse from its harness and both horse and cart were brought safely to shore.