MERCER

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 7, Issue 366, 9 April 1918, Page 2

MERCER

WAFKATO RIVER BOARD

MONTHLY MEETING At the monthly meeting of the Waikato River Board held at Mercer on Saturday last there were present Messrs A. G. C Glass (Chairman), Pendergrast, J. T. Cronin. P Henry M. Gallery with the Clerk Mr E. Hallett and the Board's Overseer (Mr P. Sellars.)

NEW MEMBER Before proceeding with the business of the Board the Chairman expresed the pleasure at having Mr P. Henry, the newly elected member for Rangiiiri, present for the first time. M r Henry, in replying, thanked the Chairman for the welcome accorded him and said that while he with others had made some adverse criticism on the work of the Board he could not fail to recognise and appreciate the work done by their Chairman, Mr Glass.

VISIT OF MINISTER OF LANDS The Chairman, reporting on the proposed visit of the Minister of Lands (the Hon G. A. Guthrie) to inspect the river and work done by the Board, suggested that arrangements should be made so that local bodies interested in the river might be first consulted with a view to a definite agreement being arrived at as to the route to be taken by the Minister.

Mr Henry expressed the opinion that every endeavour should be made to avoid friction so that as a united body more benefits would accrue. Mr Crbnin said that he was afraid there was not much chance of having a Commission appointed for some time. He suggested that the Board should ask the Minister for a suction dredge for use on the river as referred to by the Minister of Marine when he visited the district recently.

After some informal discussion, on the motion of the Chairman, it was resolved that a special meeting should be held at Mercer on Thursday, April 18th, to' which local bodies should be invited to make such arrangements for the Minister's visit as was considered best. In the event of such representatives being unable to attend they should be asked to submit suggestions for consideration at the meeting.

MATINGATAWHIRI CREEK Mr Pendegrast said complaints had been made to him that certain people near the Pokeno flaxmill had put gum into the Maungatawhiri creek which, would seriously affect the creek.— The Chairman stated that if such complaints were made in writing they would be dealt with by the Board.

A DISSATISFIED R\TEFAYER Mr McGaughran (Ohinewai) attended the meeting and complained of the classification of his rateable area which he considered unjust and asked for some amended classification.

Mr Henry, speaking in support of Mr McGaughran's request for a reclassification, thought that there were some grounds for complaint in his case and suggested that some consideration should be given to him. At the suggestion of the Chairman Mr Henry was authorised to visit the district with any aggrieved ratepayer in his Riding and report at the next meeting.

ACOOUNTB Accounts amounting to £l2O were passed for payment.

A farewell social and dance was given in honour of Private Norman Soppett on Friday last in the Mercer Public Hall, the chair being taken by Mr S. Carter. During the evening the Chairman, on behalf of the residents, presented their guest with a wristlet watch as a token of esteem in which lie was held and he wi hed Private Soppett every good luck. Vocal items were contributed by the Misses Kagg and Gillibrand and Messrs T. J. Riordanand A. Patison. Dancing was freely enjoyed, Mr T. Coleman acting as M.C. Arrangements are well in hand for the successful carrying out of the Mercer Regatta and Aquatic Sports on Saturday the 20th. April. The programme of events is an attractive one, including rowing and Maori war canoe races and comprises altogether eighteen, well arranged items. It is justly claimed that this year's function will eclipse all previous efforts and a large attendance is anticipated. The first race is timed to start at 11-30 a.m.