MERCER

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 7, Issue 342, 4 January 1918, Page 3

MERCER

At the last meeting of the Mercer Town Board there were present Messrs 0. Morton (chairman), Glass, J. T. Gillibrand and M. Gallery. The resignation of Mt 0. H. Norrie as clerk was received and Mr J. F. Sturm was appointed his successor. Messrs Gallery and Gillibrand were appointed members of the Works Committee and were empowered to carry out such repairs ana improvements to the township as they considered necessary. Pte C. Hult, /who was formerly employed by the Waikato Dairy Factory ahd also by the Shipping Company at Mercer, is now on holiday leave. He had already seen some service bnt owing to illness was discharged. After some trouble he again offered his services and was accepted He is now a member of | the Dental Oorps attached to the 1 Feathereton Main Camp I There was a good attendance at the Mercer Patriotic League's euchre social held on the 3th December when prizes donated by Mrs J. Murohie and Messrs G. E. Morgon, H. 8. Valentine and C. Edwards were won by the following, viz., Ist prize, gents, Mr S. Elmore; ladies, Mrs A. Dunsmuir; booby, gents, Mr Nield; booby, ladies, Miss Gillibrand. The gathering proved a great success and the financial result was encouraging. Mr F. X Sturm provend a capable secretary. On New Year's Eve a social and dance, organised by Mrs Dunsmuir, was held in the Public Hall and there was a crowded attendance. Mrs Bush supplied the music, extras being played by Miss Kelly and Messrs F. J. Sturm and A Cotton. During the evening songs were rendered by Messrs A. Cotton and 3. Seymour and a quartette was creditably rendered by the Misses Bush and Elliott and the Misses Banon. The function was a decided success.

For the triennial election of the Waikato River Board Messrs M. Gallery (Mercer sub-division), A. G. C. Glass (Whangamarino), T. S P. Pendergast (Pokeno), J. T. Cronin (MaramaruaJ, H. W. Matthews (Rangiriri) and Arthur Lapwood (Tuakau) were the only candidates nominated and tney have accordingly been declared duly elected. No nominations were received for the Whangapae sub division and a fresh election for the same will be necessary. A petition-is being circulated in Mercer proposing that the Town Board should be merged in the Franklin County Council and it is understood several signatures frqm ratepayers and householders have been obtained. The Town Board are strongly opposed to the proposal and notice is given in our advertising columns 'that a petition opposing such proposal has been prepared and can be signed at the Board's office. It is claimed by the Town Board that when the Franklin County Council formerly controlled the township the town district lost about 10s a day representing 3d per yard royalty on the Mercer quarry. Further it is pointed out that the Town Board receives £39 a year for rents payable and as this provides for the repayment of principal and interest on the Public Hall and a balance of nearly £lO it is contended that the proposal to merge is not a sound financial proposition.