MERCER.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XX, Issue 6828, 5 October 1883, Page 5

MERCER.

The Government have constructed here a large engine shed capable of holding six locomotives. A party of men are now excavating a bed for a large turn-table. Thin, when completed, will allow the engines to be turned in any way that may be found necessary. It is also intended to shift the pumping engine and tank, which supplies water to the locomotives, down to the wharf, as it is found difficult to pump water such a long distance. A second line of rails to the wharf is also spoken of, and it is confidently expected they will remove the unsightly building that blocks the exit from the platform. While writing of public works I may mention that our esteemed townsman, Mr. ft. Martin, has secured the contract for rebuilding the road bridge across the Hangatawhiri creek. In private enterprise the Messrs. Oldham of Tuakau, have started a flax mill on the site formerly occupied by Bailly'ssaw-mill, andare turning out large quantities of dressed flax. ! Mr. Dillon has sold his interest in the Railway Hotel to Mr. Porter, and has settled j on his suburban farm, where he has built a house and is rapidly improving his property. [ Mr. Porter the new proprietor, has been long I aud favourably known as host of the hotel at Queen's Redoubt, and is a very general favourite.

Our firm of storekeepers, Messrs. M. and S. Hunter, have enjoyed a monopoly for a considerable time. They are likely to have a rival soon, as a store is beiDg built, and is almost completed. It is to be hoped that competition will prove the life of business. I may also add that the Messrs. Hunter have never taken advantage of their monopoly in anyway hut have been uniformly courteous and obliging to all. In the early paitof last month, the Rev. Mr. Smallfield delivered an interesting and instructive lecture on Alexander the Great, in the Court-house, here for the purpose of raising funds for building a church. The Court-house was filled by an attentive audience and the lecturer was awarded a very cordial vote of thanks. Since that date it has been decided that a public hall (in which all denominations could worship, would be much more expedient, and the site has been already secured.

In matters pastoral we have had the worst winter that I can remember in nineteen years of Auckland provincial experience, and in consequence, a jireat many cattle have died of cold and scarcity of feed. There- are a good many people who consider that cattle have only to be bought and turned out, to ensure a profitable return, but I think the past winter has shown that more cultivation is necessary, and it has also shown that a run can be overstocked as well as a paddock. The genial spring, however, has now set in, and the settlers are busily engaged clearing 1 and ploughing. lam sorry to have to record the death by drowning of our local butcher, ' Mr. Charles Fletcher, on the 16th September, His horse was found standing near the old tunnel. This excited suspicion, and a further search discovered his boots and hat on the bank of the creek. The constable dragged the ereek, and the body was recovered. Next morning an inquest was held, and a verdict of found drowned was returned,— [Occasional Correspondent, October I.]