MERCER.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 6, Issue 288, 29 June 1917, Page 4

MERCER.

RIVER BOARD WORKS OFFICIAL INSPECTION An official inspection of the Waikato river and adjacent waterways under the control of the Waikato River Board has recently been made by Mr Logan, of Thames, Acting Engineer of the Land Drainage Board. The visit was made in company with the Board's Overseer (Mr Sellars) and the route traversed included the Maramarua, Opuatia, RotongaroandMaungatawhiri creeks Mr Logan expressed his complete satisfaction with the work done by the Board, which included the clearing and removal of eight miles of willows from the Maramarua creek and of 4 milesfromOpuatiacreek. He stated he was surprised that the Board had been able to accomplish so much work with the money at their disposal and commented on the fact that the money had been well and faithfully spent. It may be added that new construction work had been carried out on Roto-ngaro creek and that for a distance of one mile and 60 chains the creek had been cut which lowered the RotoNgaro lake two and a half feet in 36 hours. The result of this is that a good deal of land previously submerged will be of great value. The improvements effected by the cutting of the Roto-Ngaro creek will eventually lower the Roto-rapua and Roto-ngaro creeks by 51 ft and will permanently stop any flooding. Dredging is still being continued at Maungatawhiri creek, but the work has been handicapped owing to the height of water. Despite the heavy floods—which have been the worst for the past 50 years—surprise has been expressed that the Waikato had not risen more than 3 J feet over summer level and that as soon as the rain ceased the water went down.

The Waikato Shipping Company's steamer "The Freetrader" was relaunched last Saturday, after having been thoroughly overhauled and refitted for the river trade. She is to trade regularly between Cambridge and the Manukau heads.

Mr A. C. Tribe, who is progressing favourably, is expected to return home to Mercer very shortly. Before departing from Mercer recently Mr H. G. Clifford (Postmaster) was entertained by a few friends at a smoke concert, over which Mr Sellars presided, Mr Clifford especially desired that no presentation should be made to him on his departure for camp. The evening was spent in a convivial spirit interspersed with musical items. Mr Ogilvie, until lately at Hamilton Post Office, is now acting as Postmaster in place of Mr Clifford pending a permanent appointment being made.