MASTERTON NOTES.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1221, 1 September 1911, Page 6

MASTERTON NOTES.

(From Our Special Correspondent) Masterton, August 31, Tho changing of the name of the luiri« puni railway station to "l'urakau," instead pf to "Solway," as asked by the Masterton A. and I'. Association, has provoked a strong outburst of indignatiou. Possibly tho meaning of tho term is not known to tho general public. "Kuripuni" is a name with a legend attached to it. It appears that in tho troiiblous days a Maori chief from Whakatane came to tho Wairarapa. He camped beside a stream, and his dog, or "kuri," rolled in tho water and dammed it up—at least that is tho legend. Ho then named the spot "Kuripuni," which means "dammed by a dog.' The name "Purakau" has also a Maori history. In the earlv days there was a track through tho Wairarapa bush to the Wairarapa Lake, and along this track were certain camping places, made of toi, flax, etc. At what is now known as "Solway thero was a Wo.hollow totara tree, which Afforded tho travelling Natives shelter for the night. This was named "Purakau. It means n "tree of "shelter." As a. chimp of totara bush still stands on tho fcolway. grounds, through which the original Maori track paswd, the name 'Turakau is by no.moans inappropriate. Colonel Dirkenshaw, ,the divisional officer of the Salvation Army, t visits this township on Friday, and delivers an address on "General Booth and his work.

Tho monthly meeting of the Masterton Borough Council was held this week, tho Mayor (Mr. J. A. Coradine) presiding. It was decided that a i report be obtained from tho engineer on the subject of diverting a stream which runs through the' esutro of tho town. An application by the Wairarapa Caledonian Society for the use of tho Park on New Years D ->? p the usual terms. Mr. A. M»v» intimated that lie had written the Minister \or Internal Affairs, TO*'*™ application for a P'?' 1 '- P* . ? stock-bridge over the W aipoua- River. A circular-letter was read from MajorGeneral Godley, wiring that tho council assist the compulsory training, of youths „i ac ing anv buildings which it poslissed at 'he disposal of the Defence nnrtment. It was decided to replj that fhe council possessed no buildings which could bo utilised for the purpose. Tt is reported litre that negotiations have been completed for tho purchase, of tile Hnutotara JSstate, ill the Lower \ alley, by a syndicate. The tender of Messrs. Rose and Mason, at .£026, has been accepted by the Masterton Borough Council for the erection of a Coronation Memorial Hall in tho public park. Only one other tender was received. It is reported that another rise in tho price of timber is taking place in tho Wairarapa district, as from to-day. The regular meeting of the Independent Order of Hechabites was held this week, Bro. A. K. Waimvright, C.E., presiding over a good attendance of, members. . It was decided to hold the annual "social on or about October 10, and a strong committee was appointed to arrange details. An old member, who has removed from tho district, was presented with a r<galia as a mark of esteem. One conviction for drunkenness was recorded hero during the past month, aa against two for August, 1!U0. For the past month tho vital statistics wcro as follow --Marriages, 10; deaths, t; births' fr""' " ,arm S° s ; nine deaths, and 25 births during August last year. No bankruptcies occurred lioro during the month. There was one during tho same month ot 1910. \n organiser has been appointed by tho "trade" in the Masterton electorate, and it is reported that a determined, effort is v to be made, to securc a restoration of censes.The Masterton Gun Club liavo decided to hold three competitions for Thursday members and three for Saturday members. A "social" in aid of the funds of St. Patrick's choir was held in the Drill Hall last night. There was a large attendance. .