MASTERTON NOTES.

Dominion, Volume 3, Issue 865, 11 July 1910, Page 9

MASTERTON NOTES.

IBs , Telegraph.—Special CorreoDOiideiiU The MiistiM'ton Technical School continues to do excellent work. During tho last few days several important improvements have been mado at tho school. At a meeting of the managers this afternoon, at which -Mr. Edwin Ficst presided, the secretary (Sir. N. D. Bunting) presented a report on the work of tho sehoul for the lirst term of the year. This showed that, altogether, there were 307 names on tho roll, and that there were 137 free places. The only weak class in school was that for drawing and painting. It was decided that the art instructor (Mr. Fcnton), who has excellent credentials, meet tho manager on Monday to discuss methods of popularising the art classes. It was reported that Mr. Wood, instructor in wool classing, had a strong class at Mangamuhoe, but could not afford time to proceed to Tenui and Tewahrau as desired. Tho treasurer reported a credit balance of £261 10s. 6d., and tho pay sheet for salaries amounting to £227 4s. Gd. was passed.

Mr. Finley John M'Kenzie, son of Mr. John M'Kcuzie, of Tauranga, and nephew of Mr. Tv. M'Kenzic,. of this town, died in Masterton Hospital on Thursday evening from pleurisy supervening on a severe chill. Deceased was a woll-known piper, and had competed at various contests in the Wairarapa. At an enjoyable "social" held in the Fire Police ' Station, Mr. T. Wagg (chairman of tho Trust Lands Trustees) presided. A number of toasts were honoured, and the medals won for regular attendances at tho Town Hall during tho year were presented. At a meeting of the Masterton Labour party, at which Mr. W. Abbott presided, an address was given by Mr. A. AV. Hogg, M.P., which was remarkable, for its outspokenness. Mr. flogg' advised tho workers to bo united in tho fight against their sworn enemies, whoso chief object was, he asserted, to keep tho workers in tho background. Tho usual meeting of Endeavour Lodge, 1.0. G.T., was held on Thursday evening, Bro. H. King, C.T., presiding. Fraternal greetings from tho Loyal Nelson Lodgo were conveyed by L.D. Bro. Heyhoo.

There are evidently some mischiev-ously-disposed persons in Master-ton. Tho management of the Town Hall Pictures, on returning on Friday from a week's tour in the country, discovered that their engine-room door had been unlocked and the gas-engine and dynamo tampered with. Fortunately it was noticed by the operator in time to prevent any serious consequences. During his recent visit to Wellington as delegate to tho Municipal Conference, Mr. J. M'. Coradine, Mayor of Masterton, interviewed tho Prime Minister in regard to tho money required for the. extension of the local sewage system. It is understood that tho interview resulted in satisfactory terms being arranged. Tile Mayor will report fully upon tho subject to the next meeting of the, council. There are at present twenty-two classes in which instruction is being imparted at tlio Mastorton Technical School. The most popular of these appear to be the commercial class. The classes in woodwork, which are being 'instituted by the Education Board at the District High School, are likely to become very popular. Tho teachers who previously attended the Technical School for instruction in drawing will, in future, be instructed at tho High School class.

Tho Masterton Telephone Exchange has now.no fewer, than 497 connections, which is an.iucroaso of 50 on the number last year.

At a meeting on 'Friday night of tho Board of Management-of'the Y.M.C.A., at which Mr. I J . L. ]-lollings presided, a most encouraging report was presented by the secretary (Mr. Snowball), showing that tlio membership had increased- from 1-10 to '270 during tho year in which ho had hold office. Tho secretary was heartily commended for his work, and it was unanimously resolved that he bo re-engaged. A committee was set up to deal with matters relating to the extension of physical culture. Mr. 11. D. M'Hattio was appointed to a, seat in the Board of Management in place of Mr. T. G. Thompson, resigned. The resignation of Mr. A. P. Feilding, as custodian, was accepted, and tho question of the appointment of a new caretaker was held over until tho August meeting. Tho secretary reported tho reorganisation of _ the Boy Scouts, and a new organisation in the Shakespeare Chili and elocution class.

Tho monthly meeting of the Masterton Trust Lauds Trustees was held on Friday evening, there being present Messrs. T. Wagg (chairman), W. H. Jackson, E. G. Eton, 11. Kraluven T. B. Michell, C. E. Danicll, and (X Pragnell. It was decided to approve the. transfer of a section in Church fjcivrt from Mr. F. King to tho Y.M.C.A., tl;o latter body undertaking to orort at onco a gymnasium in wood at a i-usf. of £-392. ■ The plans of the building were approved. Tho Lotting Committee was empowered to arrange with the Wellington. Farmers' Meat Company for tho lease of a largo room in the Trust's new buildings.' It was to make tlio usual annual 'crnnts to the schools of the district. A sv.icial grant of £10 was made to i'iie, Lar.sdowne. school for the purcha.ii- of a piano. Accounts amounting to .■C^'l 7s. Bd. were passed for payment. Th" treasurer's statement showed a bnlanco of £'226 13s. 3d. j.Vssrs. Wagg, MiehelL, and Daniell were appointed a repairing and inspection e0:: , .- milrteo.

Tho Mastcrton Parliamentary Unicn will meet on Monday evening, ivlicii i'ho new "Ministry," of which Mr. Edwards is "Premier," will dhci-iie itr, policy. Tli© debate on the !.i:id qr.crtion with a Wellington society takes place in the Empire City next weelc. A handicap teams' match was fired hy the United Morris-tube Club on Friday evening. This was won by a team consisting of Summorell, Sclandors, Mnee, and Fuller, with a total of 121.

The weather, which has been cold and wintry during tho past week or two, took a turn for tlio better on Saturday, when a sharp frost was succeeded by'a warm, bright day. There are evidences, so the Maoris say, that we will have an early spring this year.