DISTRICT NEWS.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 9, Issue 501, 30 January 1920, Page 4

DISTRICT NEWS.

MERGER. AN APPRECIATION. Writing to a Pukekohe friend, who fit riot enamoured of the charms of * Iftdy expresses the following views* showing an entirely differed Viewpoint. The lady correspondent evidently has the "seeing eye" and possesses those artistic qualities of mintl necessary to enable one to appreciate the diversified beauties of nature:— "Theee lines are in defence of Mercer, which you describe to me as a 'Godforsaken hole; last place made and not finished, etc.' Now, the only conclusion I can come to, is that you do not know Mercer —real Mercer — your only acquaintance being the glimpse one gets in passing through on ah express, which, I admit, is not prepossessing. But then, that is characteristic of - Waikato country townships. "Take a friend's advice, and get introduced to real Mfcrcer, and there Vffl be no regrets. Get. on a small launch or motor-boat and trip l up the'.Waikato and into the sluggish Whangamavhto, and Maramarria. As evening advances note the profound shadows in the still, waters; the bridges, willows, ridges, all reflected in long panorama as thfc boat gli<tosby at a reduced speed. That bittern which thinks himself completely hidden, because he is standing, behind a dtimp of hedge, forms * in interesting study, as do the pukekos aa they stalk about, fliclting their v short'tails with an air of indiffer-

ence. 71m native ducks are so bold ' that they, scarcely take the trouble to rise, till the boat is close upon them. One wonders if such will be * the ease on, say, the 2nd of May. "Nature has not been kind in the matter of banks as regards the Whangamarino Stream, for in places the pasture is little above the level of the water, but it seems that certain schemes are under consideration to deal with this matter. •'One never tires of the Waikato, for there is more variety than in the smaller streams, but it is wise to keep a sharp lookout for sandbanks.

"I had an opportunity of seeing the Waikato in a flooded condition, and wajs surprised to note the sluggishness of the current in comparison with the considerable rise in the level of the water, having the effect of backing up the water into the tributary streams. This can onlf be accounted for by the unfortunate conditions at the mouth of this finest of New Zealand rivers. It is a pity,, that more extensive operations are not carried out, so that the additional water in flood time can find a more ready outlet. "The rain has worked wonders in the Mercer district, as elsewhere, the hills as well as the flats showing considerable growth. Consequently, the farmers are smiling in anticipation of increased milk cheques, and 'everything in the garden is lovely.*"

Yours, as ever, TIM. ONEWHERO AND PUKEKAWA. PIG BUYING. Dates and times for the reception of pigs at OneWhero and Pukekawa are inserted to-day by the New Zealand Bacon Company.—See advt. __________ i MANUREWA. DOG REGISTRATION. An official announcement is inserted in this issue by the Manurewa Town Board intimating that fees for dog registration, which are 2s 6d for cattle dogs, and 5s for others, are .payable to Mr. A. G. M. Lucas, Massey Road, Manurewa. After one month from date, any owner of an unregistered dog is liable to prosecution. WAIPIPI. SCHOOL PICNIC. (Own Correspondent). x The school children's annual picnic took place in Mr. Frear's paddock, Wharf Road, on January 22. The weather conditions were ideal, the sky being overcast, and a fine cool breeze blowing from the northeast. A record gathering was present from surrounding districts, two sides of the picnic ground being bordered round by motor-cars and horse vehicles. The arrangements were in the hands of a strong committee, with Mr. T. Aylwa.d, as chairman, and Mr G. Frear secretary and treasurer, the secretary having a strenuous time of it, being paymaster. The prizes were paid out on the first, second and third system, with a shilling or sixpence to all losers. All children under six had a go at the bran tub. A new event in the shape of an apple in a full bucket of water caused some fun, having to be grabbed by the mouth in the quickest time. Some 20 or more school children's events were got through, and games were indulged in by young people. In the running events there were some big fields, and close finishes. In the evening there was a social in the school, carried out by four or five young fellows, nnd a very pleas- ' ant evening was spent. The prevailing dry weather for the past weeks was finally broke by i very good rain on Friday and Saturday of last week, the paddocks even now having a nice green shade on. Matters in connection with the building of the public hall have been finally fixed up. The erection seems likely to be held up owing to timber difficulties.