MASTERTON NOTES

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1148, 8 June 1911, Page 8

MASTERTON NOTES

(From Our Special Correspondent.! Masterton, Juno 7. It is understood that the Wellington Acclimatisation Society, tho leaso of whoso property in Masterton expires next year, is endeavouring to sreuro a site for hatcheries in the Forty-Mile Bush district . An active demand at present exists in the Masterton district lor freehold properties. The poll taken in the Alfredton Biding of the Masterton Conuty on Saturday last on the proposal to ra£e a loan of J350 for rebuilding the bridge over tho Te Jloe stream was carried, eighty votes being recorded in favour, of tho proposal, and eighteen against. A public meeting has beeu convened by (he Mayor, to ha held to-morrow (Thursday), to make arrangements for the celebration of Coronation Day.

Some months ago Mr. G. li. Sykos, who i<? contesting the Masterton scat in tho Opposition interest, tendered his resignation as secretary of the Masterton A. and P. Association. The president of tho association (Mr. W. Perry) has given notice fo move at tho meeting of tho general committee of the association on Saturday next:—"That the acceptance of the secretary's resignation be reconsidered." Mr. G. Morris has been appointed to succeed Mr. Cairns as registrar of dogs in Masterton.

At the meeting of the Masterton Borough Council last evening, tho rates for the ensuing year were struck. The general rate is 2.20 d. in the pound, which is the same as last year.

The monthly meeting of the Masterton Fire Brigade was held last evening, Superintendent Jenkins presiding. A proposal that the Veterans' Association be affiliated a 9 a branch of tho brigade was referred _to a committee for a report. The social committee recommended the holding of a progressive euchre tournament on a date to be arranged. Tho unsatisfactory ringing of the' central firebell was commented upon, and the superintendent intimated that ho had referred tho matter to the Firo Board. Officers for tho ensuing year wero nominated. Messrs. J. A. Swanson and Geo. Olliver wore e'sctcd honorary members.

At last night's meeting of the Masterton Borough Council it was decided to erect a residence for the caretaker of the park, at a cost of ,£3OO.

: Mr. W. C. Buchanan. M.P., delivers political addresses at Miki Miki to-night and at Kaituna to-morrow.

A Maori and a European were charged in the Magistrate's Court this morning, before justices, with creating a breach of the peace by fighting in the street. They wero admonished and let off with a small line.

Arrangements have been completed for holding fat -stock sales at Sol way yards, Masterton, and the first salo is to 1m held on Wednesday nest. It is hoped that these sales will develop into a regular fat stock market.

A distinct sbock of earthquake was experienced here on Monday morning, shortly before three o'clock. It was also felt at Mauriceville and elsewhere.

The statement filed in tho estate of Frederick Benge, labourer, bankrupt, shows liabilities totalling .£lO2 4s. 3d., and assets ,£ls, leaving a deficiency of .£B7 4s. 3d.

A considerable number of dairy farmers in tho Masterton, Wairarapa, and Forty-Milo Bush Districts intend giving Holstein-Friesian cows a trial next season. It is somewhat interesting to know that, when the co-operative system of dairying was first mooted by Mr. Coleman Phillips, of Dry Eivor, Wairarapa, some years ago, lie imported a herd of Holsfein-Friesians, which he regarded as the best utility cow. Dairy farmers, however, would have nothing to do with the breed, preferring the Shorthorn cow. Thus is history repeating itself.

Several farmers in the Forty-Milo Bnsli District are this year stumping and burning areas of land, ready for tho plough. The high price ruling for oats is .inducing quite a number to turn their attention to this cereal.

Schools in tho Masterton district will break-up on Friday next for the Coronation term holiday—a fortnight. Captain J. B. Whyte, of Ngaturi, Forty-Milo Bush, has disposed of liis farm of 910 acres to Mr. A. M'Kay, of Masterton. Captain- Whvto has purchased a farm at Morrinsville, in the Auckland district, where ho intends settling.

The half-yearly meeting of the Stonchengo Lodge of Druids was held this week, Bro. C. H. Anderson was appointed lodge trustee, vice Bro. Shackleton (resigned). The election of officer; resulted as follow: —A. D. Bro. Corbett; V.A.D., Brn. Hilton: sec.. Bro. Pragnell; treasurer, Bro. ,T. Iv. Blinkhorne; 0.G., Bro. Anderson; 1.G., Bro. Elder;A.D.B.'n, Bros. M'Gaughran and .T. Clime; V.A.B.'s, Bros. Webb and Adams; minute secretary, Bro. Pickering. The installation ceremony was performed by Bro. J. H. Hudson. D.P. A vote of condolence was passed to the relatives of the late Bro. W. Bliukhorne.