Events in the Country Districts.

Franklin Times, Volume XXV, Issue 129, 6 November 1935, Page 5

Events in the Country Districts.

ITEMS OF INTEREST.

MERCER NEWS. TOWN BOARD MEETS. The chairman, Mr F. J. Freeborn, presided at the monthly meeting of ‘the Mercer Town Board last Monday, when there were present: Messrs A. .1. Bourne, E. B. Morey, H. Gordon and B. Wilson (clerk). An apology for absence was received from Mr C. Roose. A letter was received from tlie Hon. J. Bitchener, Minister of Public Works, regarding the forming of Mardon Settlement road, stating that at present all funds had been allocated but consideration would be given to this in the next allocation. At present access to the Mardon Settlement is gained from Te Kauwhata, a matter of 17 miles, whereas a road giving access from Mercer would mean a distance of four miles. The dairy company serves the district tri-weekly but the formation of the Mardon road would enable it to run a daily service. The work would entail the erection of a bridge over the Mangatangi stream.

Railway Activities.

Fourteen men arrived at Mercer on Monday morning from Auckland to 6tart preliminary work in connection with the demolition of the Mercer tunnel and the straightening of the line. A vacant plot of land between the Mercer station and the southern signal box is being cleared and levelled for use as a parking area for motorists desiring to use the railway refreshment rooms. A sign will be erected to enlighten motorists and no doubt this much needed improvement will be greatly appreciated by the travelling public as the entrance to the station is greatly congested at holiday times and week-ends. At one period on the Saturday preceding Labour day as many as 32 cars were lined up on the main road. Accommodation is being provided for the men by the railway department. \ Haulage of Metal.

The Railway Department’s wharf on the Waikato river at Mercer is the scene of great activity. Every day 20 to 25 trucks carrying 200 cubic yards of road metal are being transported in connection with the tar-seal-ing of the Mamaku-Rotorua main highway. Altogether 9000 yards will be supplied by the end of December from Smeed’s quarry. Mercer Rowing Club. Before a large attendance eight crews participated in the Mercer ro\ying trials for trophies donated by the patron, Mr .1. Dean. Mr R. Glass acted as judge and Mr J. Barron, starter. The Roose Shipping Company kindly supplied one of its launches

for the convenience of those who wished to follow the races. Some keen finishes were witnessed, the results were: First heat, S. Mackie’s crew beat J. Mcßobbie’s crew by one length; second heat, W. Donaldson’s crew beat L. Hutton’s crew by ai length and a half; third heat, A. Morey’s crew beat T. Wright’s crew by a length and a quarter; fourth heat, R. Barron’s crew beat D. Sweeney’s crew by a length and a half; first semi-final, Donaldson’s crow beat Mackie’s crew by half a length; second semi-final, Barron’s crew beat Morey’s crew by one length; final, Donaldson’s crew r passed the finishing line one and a half lengths before .Barron’s crevsfl. The winning crew comprised: W. Donaldson (stroke), G. Mcßobbie, F. Mackie, Clark Mcßobbie and W. Neill (cox). Refreshments were dispensed by the following ladies: Mesdames Glass, Morey, Barron, Kerr and Miss Burns. Following afternoon tea, Mr R. Glass, speaking in the absence of the patron, in a few well-chosen words delcared the 1935-36 rowing season open. A meeting of the committee will be held next Wednesday. Mercer Cricket Club. Weather conditions were not at all favourable for cricket during the week-end. Mercer suffered defeat at the hands of Hakanoa Extended (Huntly) on the Mercer domain. Hakanoa won the toss and put the local side in to bat. A score of 66 was made, the principal scorers being Douglas, 16 not out, Prattley 13. McCallum 9, Pryor 8. Bowling Ijjr Hakanoa, McLeigh took five wickets for 19 runs; Johns, two for 8; and Davies, two for 13. Hakanoa replied with 121 runs, Jones 39, Davies 38, McLeigh 15, Fleming 11. Bowling for Mercer Shadbolt look 4 wickets for 35 runs, Oorry, one for 8, and Jordan one for in. The Mercer team meet Te Kauwhota next week-end at Mercer.

Mercer Queen Carnival. The following are the names of the prizewinners in the art union: First prize, 02915, Mr J. T. Sherman, Huntly; second prize, 11837, Mr E. 13. Morey. Mercer; third prize. 1 1796, ‘‘business queen,” Mercer; fourth prize, 00737, “Taxi,” Mercer: fifth prize, 23087. G. Harvey, Pokeno. At Ihe social and dance held last Thursday in conjunction with the drawing of the art. union, the results of tiie various competitions held were: Cricket club, cake, Mrs J. M. Pryor; doll, Valerie Mcßae; handbag, J. Hamhlyn; meat, S. D. Jordan. Tennis dull, A note, Mr S. Watkinson: purse, Mrs S. H. Pratlley. Rowing club: Royal Ronlton tea set, Mr G. Treves; salad set, Mr 11. Douglas; suit of clothes, Mr D. T. Scholium, Te Kauwliala.

Women’s Division Meets. A very enjoyable afternoon was spent at the home of Mrs Moorhouse, on Wednesday, October 30, by members of the Mercer Women’s Division. Opportunity was taken to say farewell to one of the members, Mrs Sellwood, who is to reside at Howick. The stormy weather prevented several members from attending, but those who did brave the elements had a very enjoyable time. Several competitions were keenly competed for, one being won by Mrs Wilson and another by Miss Robertson. Afternoon tea was served, and the opportunity taken to present Mrs Sellwood with a salad bowl and servers as a small memento of the happy times spent among her lellow members. A hearty vote- of thanks was accorded Mrs Moorhouse for her hospitality.

Personal.

Mrs G. Roose of Mercer, accompanied by her daughter, arrived in Auckland by the “Lurline” last Friday after spending a holiday with her relations at Los Angeles.

Mx* and Mrs M. Walsh of Mercer, left on Monday by motor for Whangarei, where they will spend a week’s holiday. Miss T. Hannan of Auckland, is the guest of Mr and Mrs R. Bull of Mercer. , c, NOTES FROM AKA AKA. Recently the Aka Aka Basketball ! p lub h eld a highly successful dance in the Aka . Aka hall. The hall was artistically decorated with the club’s colours, blue and white. Edgerton’s Rythm Rascals suplied excellent dance dance music. Mrs Neilson was the winner of the cake competition. The Monte Garlo was won by Miss M. Cameron and Mr .T. Maxwell, and . a statue waltz' by Miss Judkins and Mr Atger. Supper was handed round, after which dancing continued until an early hour.- Mr Gus Walsh made a very efficient M.C. • ,y*'* • ' \ ONEWHERO NOTES. At a meeting of the Onewhero Domain Board held last week, Mr L. W. Reals was elected chairman and Mr H. Spraggon secretary. The sports club executive met on Saturday evening when the programme for the next sports was arranged.

To raise funds for the Wairamarama school a dance was held in the school on Friday evening there being a good attendance. ; Music was played by the Onewhero string band. A Monte Carlo? was won by Miss J. Henderson and Mr M. Glucina. A song was given by Mr B. Hyland. An excellent supper was served by the ladies. . TE KOHANGA NEWS. The annual dance of Te kohanga Rugby tilub took, place on Friday evening, there being a good attendance. Music was played by Karaka’s orchestra, anjl .am:,extra was contributed by Miss, M. Parry. The Monte Carlo

dance was won by Miss E: Ingram and Mr A. Cathcart, and the spot waltz by Miss Ingram and Mr P. Schimanski. , Dwen was master of ceremonies.:'