Mercer.

"On arriving at Mercer, at 10.55, Mr. Seddon received a telegram from Ngaruawahia informing him that half an hour after he left Tawhiao arrived by Te Awamutu train. The Premier telegraphed in reply that his engagements would not admit of his returning to Ngaruawahia, but that if Tawhiao desired to see him he could come on to Auckland. Our train waited at Mercer the arrival of Te Awamutu train, so that had Tawhiao continued his journey he must have overtaken us there.

"At Mercer we met Kerei Kaihau, who had been released on bail the previous day, and had come up to Mercer with the evident intention of intercepting the Premier on the way. He had been pointed out to Mr. Seddon, and therefore when Kaihau boldly advanced and extended his hand to greet the Premier, the latter, prepared for him, placed his own hand behind his back, and said, 'No, your hand is soiled; I decline to recognise wrongdoers.' Kaihau looked crestfallen at this rebuff, and turned rather sheepishly away.

"There was not much at Mercer to engage our attention. Amongst its half-dozen buildings was a dilapidated wooden structure fronting the railway-station, bearing in chalk the inscription, 'Mercer Skating-rink. Fun for thousands! No flies on this place!' Evidently there had been far more flies on hand than skaters, for the building was sinking into melancholy ruin."