MERCER

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 7, Issue 386, 25 June 1918, Page 1

MERCER

Between Pokeno and Mercer on the low-lying lands adjoining the line there are large tracks of water as the result of the recent heavy rains. Close by Pokeno Station can be seen a miniature lake while the creeks all arouod the district are filling fast and judging by the continuance of the storms considerable damage is likely to be caused to the paddocks by ovej flooding and reducing available green feed to the minimum. Bince the past week stock have gone down io condition especially where little shelter' has been provided. Towards Mercer the floods are particulatly heavy, much water huvirg been brought down from the hills around Pokeno and the neighbourhood. For over a mile on the Waikato ride of the railway the paddooks are under water while the Waikato has risen two fe&t in the past week. So fur the timber mill at Mercer has been able to continue working," but unless the water subsides there is a probability that the mill will be obliged to close down. The Natives who have now taken up their residence in Mercer in large numbers and have hitherto been in the ha'iit of patronising a local billiard saloon have now purchased the cottage and billiard table belonging to Mr Claud Bilderbeck. Quite a large and animated crowd of the dusky tribe could be seen around this building on Saturday when some of their number were busily engaged removing the building and its contents en bloc to the Maori pah where they will be able to enjoy a friendly game with the cue.

The Mercer Patriotic League, under the chairmanship of Mr J. T. Gillibrand, accorded a loyal "Welcome Home" to Privates Graham, Turner and Barioa on Friday evening last whi< h took the form of a euchte social and dance. Despite the inclement weather there was a good attendance. Some enjoyable games of euchre were interspersed with dancing, the winners of the prizes being Mrs Bush and Mr R. Wilson. Mr J. Hill acted as M.C,and the music was provided by Mrs Bush, extras being played by the Misses Cardu?, R. Ragg, and Mr Pease.

During the past week an Auckland shooting party secured a good bag of grey ducks and spoonbills, also wild swans. It is reported that one day they secured 100 birds on the creeks around Mercer. Some of the roads around Mercer owing to the heavy rains are in a very unsatisfactory condition and the road from Mercer to Rangiriri is practically impassable. Complaints have been made that the Local Authorities by neglecting to cut down the growth of the hedges on the road from Meremere to Whangamarino have caused the road to be in a serious state. It is asserted that if that work had been attended to it would have allowed the sun to penetrate the growth and the road would have benefited considerably. As it now is it is nothing less than a quagmire.