MERCER.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 7, Issue 416, 8 October 1918, Page 3

MERCER.

WAIKATO RIVER BOARD The itionthly meeting of the Waikato River Board was held at Mercer on Saturday last. Present: Messrs A. G. C. Glass (chairman), H. W. Matthews, T. S. P. Pendergrast. M. Gallery, and the clerk, (Mr E. Hallett). widening of river tn connebtioil with the authdriaed Government grant of £4OO, to be supplemented by a contribution of £IOO from the Waikato Shipping Coy, for widening and deepening the stream between Church Hill Bhallows and Bangirin, it was agreed that the Board's Engineer (Mr Kennedy) should meet the Goverment Engineer (Mr J. B. Thompson) with a view of a decision being made as to the best way of carrying out the work. It was also decided to write to the Shipping Company asking them when the £IOO would be available. WAAHI CREEK In connection with the Waahi Creek, Mr W. J. Ralph, of Auckland, wrote pointing out that the time had arrived when steps should be taken to have the creek cleared. The overseer (Mr P. Sellers) was instructed to inspect the creek and to submit an estimate of the cost of cleaning and clearing it. LAND CLABBIFICATIOX A communication was received from Mr B. G. Geraghty, of Tuakau, complaining of the heavy rates im« posed upon a portion of his iwamp land at Tuakau, He pointed out that the water backed up on his property and considerably deteriorated the value thereof. He asked that the land should be re-classified The Chairman said some time ago a complaint was received from a ratepayer similarly situated and he (Mr Glass) inspected the land and made a fresh classification He thought it only fair where land was wrongly valued they should take steps to have it reclassified. It was decided to reply to Mr Geraghty to the effect that the land would be inspected to see what could be done to have it re-classified. LAUNCH REPAIRS Regarding the Government launch 'Waitoa,' which isnow out of running order, it was decided to have it taken to Mercer for inspection as to the extent of repairs required MISCALLANEOUSThe Clerk, and the Overseer were d»puted to submit a full report for next meeting as to the supervision of the River from Mercer down. The groynes at Kaitangata Heads were reported to be in an unsatisfactory condition and in order that they be removed and repaired it was decided to apply to the Government for a grant of £SOO for the work. Accounts amounting to about £6O were passed for payment. It was resolved to apply to Mr J. B. Thompson, Government Engineer, fur a supply of willow poison. WILLOW OBSTRUCTION Mr Pendergast enquired as to the legal position in regard to owners allowing willows to grow in the streams. He explained that the dredge scooped silt out and this was thrown on tbe banks Cattle fre quently trampled it back into the streams and the work of the dredge thereupon became more or less valueless. He thought that property owners on both lides of the various creeks should be made to keep the willows down. Mr Matthews pointed out that the law provided that owners of properties were bound to keep the willows down.

The Chairman endorsed this view and stated that the Board had cut the willows but they were not going to do it again. Eventually the matter was left in Mr Pendergast's hands to have steps taken to have the nuisance remedied.

At the next sitting of the Mercer Magistrate's Court which takes place on Tuesday next a number of seaior cadets from Taniwha and Te Kauwhata will be charged with failing to attend drills.