MERCER

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 7, Issue 357, 5 March 1918, Page 4

MERCER

On Tuesday last a somewhat serious accident happened to Ganger D. Cronin whilst returning home on his jigger that evening. It appears that he was removing the jig-get from the line and about to proceed to his home situate close to the railway at Pokeno when the engine of an approaching train which left Pokeno about 6.30 p.m struck the machine which rebounded on to Mr Cronin, resulting in a fracture of the skull and severe bruises to his head. The sufferer, who was in a dazed condition, was conveyed by the train to the Mercer railway station. He was at-

tended by Dr Cheeseman, who, on examination, ordered his removal to Hamilton hospital. From the latest report the injured man is progressing satisfactorily. In connection with the impending departure from Mercer of Mr and Mrs Morgon and family shortly a grand farewell social and dance has been arranged for Friday evening next at the Mercer Town Hall. An attractive programme of vocal and instrumental music will be presented to a large company, including representatives from the Mercer Town Board and other bodies with which Mr Morgon has been identified.

WAIKATO RIVER BOARD MONTHLY MEETING At a meeting of the Waikato River Board held at Mercer on Saturday last there were present Messrs A. G Glass (chairman), S. P. Pendergrast, M. Gallery, H, W. Matthews and J. T. Cronin.

REMOVAL O!'' GROYNES The Under-Secretary (Mr T. W. Brodrick) of the Department of Lands and Survey, Wellington, wrote, with reference to the request by the Commission, to remove the groynes as recommended by that Commission that the Chief Drainage Engineer had recently inspected the river and groynes and it was suggested that certain groynes should be first attended to as particularly referred to in that letter and the

plan attached. It was pointed out that with regard to one groyne its immediate removal would result in the precipitation of the big sand shoal behind it into the Aka Aka channel and this should be avoided as much as possible. It could be done later on if necessary, as the sand became swept away when the other groynes were pulled up. Groyne removal, it was stated, should proceed up stream so that the action of scour would ielieve each pile of sand accumulation and thus make the drawing of piles easier The willows required to be retrieved and disposed of either by stacking and burning or else sent to sea through the " bar" ; otherwise they would take root in the mauy shallows in both north and south channels down stream. He asked that the Board would take the action desired at an early date. The discussion relativo to the removal of the groynes referred to in the letter was taken in committee.

THE DISABLED BARGE At the invitation of the Chairman, the Manager (Mr Stevenson) of the Waikato Shipping Company Ltd.. attended the meeting and explained the circumstances relating to the barge used by the Shipping Company which had been reported as unfit for use and for which the Board were held responsible. The circumstances connected with the hire and use by the Company's men were narrated by Mr Stevenson, who informally undertook to have the barge made fit for ordinary use as soon as possible and suggested that the Board's Overseer could probably [ agree with the Company's foreman to have the barge put in order. Mr Stevenson, in a friendly spirit, oxplained that probably an amicable settlement could be arrived at without recourse to legal proceedings as had been suggested some time ago. This the Board formally agreed to and Mr Stevenson arrange;! to write a letter to Mr Thompson, the Chief 1 Drainage Engineer, who had rq» >rted on the unsatisfactory conditi <n of the barge, explaining what he knew of the circumstances relating to thi hire of the barge.