MASTERTON.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1156, 27 April 1894, Page 16

MASTERTON.

Masterton, April 18.

A serious trap accident is reported from Eketahuna. A man named Hughes and a lad named Lowe were riding in a trap on the Newman road, when the horse bolted. Both were thrown on to the road, Hughes receiving a double fracture of the leg, and Lowe a serious injury to his head. Assistance was immediately rendered, the sufferers being removed to Eketahuna, whore medical aid was procured.

After Mr Parker's lecture on Saturday the visiting teachers were entertained at a " social" by their lecal friends, when a couple of hours were very pleasantly spent. Mrs Ibbetson presided at the piano.

At a meeting of the Wairarapa public school teachers it was decided to send representatives to attend the meeting which is to be held in Wellington to discuss the corporal punishment regulations. The names of seven candidates were received for membership of the New Zealand Educational Institute.

It is proposed to present a testimonial to Mr J. Wallace Smith, late inspector of stock here. A strong committee has been formed for the purpose.

At the monthly meeting of the Masterton School Committee it was reported that the expenditure for the year ending March 31 was .£ll6 12s 9d, and the receipts .£134 3s sd, leaving a credit balance of .£l7 10s. It is expected that the new committee will have about .£2O to start with. The report bore testimony to the high state of efficiency kept up by Mr Jackson at the main school and Miss Keeling at the infant school. Messrs Feist, Hoar, Pragiiell, Easthope, Beard, Daniell and Wagg have been nominated for re-election.

At the usual fortnightly meeting of the Wairarapa North Liberal Association, it was decided to hold a debate on the next meeting night, the subject to bo selected by the president (Mr Pownall) and the secretary.

Mr A. E. Bunny and Dr Douglas have returned to Masterton after a pleasant holiday in the Wanganui district Dr Douglas climbed to the top of Mount Egmont.

Masterton, April 19.

At a meeting in the Foresters' Hall last night, it was resolved to form a Literary and Debating Society, and a committee consisting of Messrs Pearson, Colway and Jack was appointed to draft rules, &c.

Maori Pah at Te Ore Ore was mfete on Tuesday evening in honour of the marriage of Tikawanga Te Tau and Miss Parata, youngest daughter of Mr T. Parata, the popular Native member of the House of Eepresentatives. The happy event took place some days ago at Otago. The bridegroom is a wealthy and popular Native. There was a representative gathering of the Native people, with a good sprinkling of Europeans to assist at the festivities. The Europeans were introduced to the happy pair, the bride presenting them each with a portion of the wedding cake. Your representative and others were so unromantic as to eat theirs, whilst the ladies kept what was given them to put under their pillows and dream of knight errants coming from afar and laying their swords and their wealth at their feet. One of the male visitors, who was treated to a larger portion of the cake than the others, found his molars unable to get through some flinty substance, which turned out to be a fine piece of greenstone placed there, I presume, after the European manner of putting silver coins in plum puddings. The Natives were most hospitable to their visitors.

The flock of English mallards at the Acclimatisation Gardens here are to be supplemented by several pairs of pouchard ducks now on their way out from Home. These birds will no doubt bo a valuable addition to the game of the Colony. It is the intention of tho Acclimatisation Society to distribute, in the laying season, hatchings of eggs of the mallards to settlers in various parts of the district.

The trust balance-sheet of the Masterton Wesleyan Church for the year ending March 31st shows a total income of .£6l 8s 4d, and an expenditure of «£IOB 4s 3d, leaving a debit balance of .£46 15s lid.

Masterton, April 20. At the Resident Magistrate's Court this morning, before Mr "T. Hutchison, S.M., two Natives, Jemmy Te Whaka and George Jana, were charged with assaulting Frederick Moorhouse, a ranger under the Fisheries Act, at Te "Whiti, on February 23rd. The evidence of Mr Moorhouse showed that, hearing that Natives were netting fish in the Rumahunga, he travelled along the river, and took a net from the defendant, Jana, whom he saw in the water. Jana and his brother Te Whaka attempted to regain possession of the net, and in the course of the struggle Mr Moorhouse was knocked down, and it was alleged, struck several times. His Worship said he had some doubts whether Mr Moorhouse had a right to forcibly seize the net. Mr Beard, who appeared for the complainant, said he was prepared to show that he had, and the case was adjourned until to-morrow in order that he might cite authorities.

A " social " held in connection with St. Matthew's Church, in the Temperance Hall, was a complete success. Upwards of 200 people were present, the dancing lasting until the early hours of the morning. The music was supplied by

a string band from the Taueru under the direction of Mr 11. T. Rees, wko was highly complimented on the efficiency displayed by his instrumentalists. Refreshments were supplied on a liberal scale by a committee of Indies under the direction of Mrs F. G. Moore, to whom the success of the " social " was greatly due.

The anniversary soiree of the Wesleyan Church took place last night. About 350 persons were present. Addresses were delivered by the Revs R. Wood (Presbyterian), W. House and J. Dukes, and Mr J. Sussex. The tables were provided by the ladies of the congregation.

At an emergency meeting of the Masterton Masons last night it was decided to present Mr J. Aitken with a mark of their esteem on the occasion of his departure for Hapier.

Mr A. D. Riley, art director to the Wellington Education Board, has been here on a business visit during the past two days. « • • • Masterton, April 21. Argument in the case of Moorhouse against Jana and To Whaka, in which two Natives were charged with assaulting the complainant, a ranger under the Fisheries Act, was resumed this morning in the Magistrate's Court before Mr Hutchison, S.M. Mr Beard, who appeared for Mr Moorhouse, contended that tin ranger had power to seize the net. His Worship remarked that if such were the case the ranger constituted himself a judge, and determined at the time whether the parties using such implements were acting unlawfully. Mr Pownall, for the defendants, argued that his clients wore fishing for indigents fish, for which they had a perfect right, and secondly, that if the first contention was not right, the complainant was not privileged to forcibly seize the net. His Worship in giving judgment said that it was quite clear from the informant's evidence that he had forcibly seized a net which was in the peaceable possession of the Native, and that the assault complained of was committed in the course of the struggle which ensued on defendants attempting to regain possession. If Mr Moorhouse had no right to seize the net, he should be considered as a trespasser. His Worship said that if it were permissible for an active and energetic ranger, such as Mr Moorhouse seemed to be, to seize nets and other fishing implements which ho considered were unlawfully used, breaches of the peace would be continually occurring in the district. In his opinion Mr Moorhouse had no power to determine whether the Native had been illegally fishing, therefore the assault was committed whilst the owner was striving to regain possession of a net wliich was taken out of his peaceable possession by the complainant. The information was therefore dismissed, with £2 2s solicitor's fees and the expense of one witness. Mr Beard intimated that it was probable he would appeal.

There was a good attendance at the noting of the Masterton Mutual Improvement Society last night. The Rev. J. Dukes presided. The chairman and Mr Easthope delivered short lectures. Several new members were elected. Dr Butement, Mr T. Hutchison, sen, and Mr W. 11. Jackson were reported to have promised to deliver lectures during the session.

An informal meeting of the Licensing Committee was held yesterday afternoon, when it was decided that applicants for conditional licenses should give fourteen days' notice, and that the fee be £2 per diem. It was also decided that the committee should visit all the licensed houses in the district. The salary of the clerk of the licensing bench was fixed at .£25 per annum.

An invitation " social " was given in the Temperance Hall last night by Mr and Mrs Nicol, Mr and Mrs Hathaway, Mr and Mrs Bone, Mr and Mrs Williams and Mr and Mrs Mcintosh, for the purpose of giving an opportunity of the many friends of Mr and Mrs Aitken to say good-bye to them prior to their departure from Masterton. During the course of the evening an address was given by Mr Hogg, M.H.R., in which he referred with regret to the proposed departure of Mr and Mrs Aitken, and on behalf of their friends wished them success and prosperity in their new home. Mr Aitken afterwards suitably replied. Several songs were contributed during the evening, and dancing was kept up until the small hours of the morning.

A meeting of suttlers in the Opaki district was held at. the residence of Mr D. McLachlan last night to take into consideration the establishment of a creamery in connection with the New Zealand Farmers' Dairy Union. A resolution was carried in favour of establishing a creamery near the Opaki Railway Station. Messrs H. Jackson, jun., and D; McLachlan were appointed representatives to attend the meeting to be held at Fernridge on Wednesday night.

A well-attended meeting of the parishioners of St. Matthew's was held last evening, when the incumbent's churchwarden, Mr C. E. Bremner, presided. Mr W. B. Chennells, secretary, read the circular calling the meeting, wherein it was stated that in order to discharge the liabilities of the parish on account of stipend to the Rev W. E. Paige, M.A., who resigns charge about the end of the month, it has been found necessary, in addition to contributions made specially for the purpose, to pledge the whole of the subscriptions and pew rents up to the 30th June. The vestry had advised the Ven. Archdeacon Fancourt that, as the offertories were barely sufficient to cover ordinary expenses, there would be no funds to meet the stipend of a locum tenens before July 1.

There was also a debt of about .£6O, interest on parsonage loan, which had been accumulating for some years, whilst it would bo impossible for any clergyman to occupy the parsonage before some money was expended in necessary repairs. The question to bo decided was whether, in face of the high assessment imposed on the parish (.£250) which has never been raised by legitimate means, and in view of tho debt which at present remains to be discharged, it would not be advisable to do without the services of a resident clergyman mntil tho liabilities were discharged. Resolutions to the above effect were forwarded by the vestry to tho Bishop's Commissary, who replied expressing his surprise at the conclusions come to by the vestry, and regretting that thoy were not submitted to a meeting of parishionors before being forwarded to him. He pointed out that when the Rev W. E. Paige was appointed incumbent it was understood the parish would provide .£250 for stipend. He did not consider .£2OO per annum sufficient stipend for a clergyman, as suggested by the vestry. Mr F. G. Moore said that the correspondence which was read clearly indicated the position. In one way or another during the last ten years they had raised J2IOOO outside the offertories. He moved a resolution to the effect that in consequence of the financial position of the parish it was inadvisable to appoint a clergyman in Mr Paige's place until the existing liabilities were cleared off, and that in the meantime the services of lay readers should be secured. In reply to a question by Mr Beard, the Secretary (Mr W. B. Chennells) stated that at the end of the present month there would be a sum of £9 due on stipend and j6GO interest on loan. Mr Meredith seconded the resolution. Mr Beard considered that with an energetic clergyman they could pay .£250 a year, which was a small stipend for a place like Masterton. He would prefer to see the church closed than lay leaders appointed. He moved an amendment to the effect that the annual stipend of the incoming clergyman should be J 6250 per annum. Some further discussion then took place, in which Dr Beard, Mrs Moore and Mr Meredith took part. Mr W. H. Beetham considered they would be able to guarantee more than J 6200 a year, especially if tho outside district did its duty. Mr Beard's amendment was then put and carried. Tho Chairman said the carrying of the amendment was practically a vote of want of confidence in the vestry. The vestry would now resign, and a new one would have to be elected immediately. It was decided to bring under the notice of tho Rev Mr Paige the resignation of the incumbent's churchwarden, which would take effect at the end of the month, as in the absence of the incumbent and churchwarden no vestry could meet. It was decided to pay the full amount owing to the Rev Mr Paige, after which a hearty vote of thanks was passed to the ladies who had worked so energetically to clear off the church debt.

Masterton, April 23. JIjTA painful sensation was created hero yesterday when it became known that Constable Cashion had died about six o'clock in the morning. The deceased was on duty until 2 a.m. On returning to his home he felt indisposed and had to send later on for medical aid, but grew gradually worse until half an hour before his death he informed his wife and those present that his end was near. They said that his fears were groundless, and advised him to keep up his courage. He replied that he was not frightened, but all the same he would be dead in half an hour, a prophecy which was only too truly verified. He had been ailing for some time, and being somewhat worse on Saturday night, was advised by Constable Stewart, who offered to take his place, to go home, but he stuck manfully to his post, as was his, wont. The deceased, who was greatly respected for his sturdy and independent character, and attention to duty, was about 28 years in the r Now Zealand police, prior to which be' spent some time in the Dublin Metropolitan force. He was stationed for many years on the West Coast of the South Islarfa during the stirring times of digging, where he was well-known and greatly respected. He had attained the rank of first-class constable some years ago, and was always noted for the conscientious manner in which he discharged his duties, irrespective of class or person. The deceased, who was a native of Ireland, was about 55 years of age, and leaves a widow and four children to mourn their loss. An inquest will not be necessary, as the medical certificate states that death resulted from heart disease. The deceased's life was insured for .£3OO.

Dr MacGregor, Inspector of Hospitals and Asylums, paid a Hying visit to Masterton to-day.

A magnificent lunar rainbow, fully developed, was visible from Masterton last night, caused by the refraction of the moonlight, on the storm which was sweeping over tbd West Coast ranges. It lasted for over, two hours. ; /

At the Magistrate's Court this afternoon, before Messrs T. E. Price and H. E. Eaton, Justices, a man named John Canning, alias Campbell, was charged with the larceny of a handbag containing jewellery, &c., to the value of £l9, the property of an Assyrian hawker, from the Maryborough Hotel, on the 19th inst. Antonie Fidall deposed that he left the handbag and contents in the sitting room of the hotel whilst he went to dinner. Hie Jtccused was there at the time, but when he returned he and the bag were gone. The bag was found by the local constable a day or two afterwards in the outhouse of a settler, with its sides cut open, and some of the contents scattered on the floor. The accused sold a pair of scissors, which were identified as part of the contents, to a Masterton resident on Saturday. The prisoner was committed

to take his trial at the criminal session of the Supreme Court. > . . • The Star Football Club travelled down to Carterton on Saturday to try conclusions with the local team. The game was rather one-sided, the Stars winning by 17 points (four tries and a goal) to 3 (a try). Tries were scored for the winners by Buternent, Skinner (2) and T.Welsh (2), and fcr the losers by Cadwalder. As an exposition of football tho game was not a brilliant one, the only redeeming feature being the passing of the visitors' backs.

Masterton, April 24.

Tho Town Land 3 Trustees are being approached by Captain Pownall, of the recently disbanded Voluntoer corps, with the object of inducing them to take over the Drill Hall and convert it into a public hall.

It is reported that Mr Hutchison, S.M., has been served with notice by Mr Pownall asking him to show cause why tho recent local poll, in connection with the licensing election, should not be declared void in consequence of half the electoi'3 on the roll not voting.

As Mr R. Hornblow and Miss Bessie Perry were driving into town tbis morning, from Opaki, in a trap, the horse bolted, the occupants being thrown out. Both received a severe shaking, but none of them were seriously injured.

Dr Newman, M.H.R., arrived in Masterton last night, and left this morning for Tenui on private business. Inspector Pender arrived here also last night to attend the funeral of Constable Cash ion.

Mr Ronald Owen, on behalf of the members of St. Matthew's Boys' Club, presented the Rev W. E. Paige, M.A., last night with a silver-mounted pipe, a tobacco pouch and an address. The address referred to the very great interest taken by the recipient in the welfare of the Club, and expressed the regret felt by the members at the departure of the Rev Mr Paige and Mrs Paige from Masterton.

V- The funeral of the late Constable Martin Cashion took place this afternoon, and was very, largely attended. The funeral cortege left St. Joseph's Church for the Masterton Cemetery, headed by a detachment of police - under'lnspector Pender, among those present being Sergeant O'Malley and other comrades of the deceased on the West Coast. As a mark of respect nearly all the shops had the shutters up along the route. The service at the grave was performed by the Rev Father J. McKenna, assisted by the Rev T. McKenna. There were nearly 300 persons present.

Masterton, April 25. The usual fortnightly meeting of the Borough Council was held last night. .__PresentP-Hiß Worship the Mayor, Councillors 'Feistj Hornblow, Perry, Mutrie, —-Yates, Hessey and Dixon. An offer was received from Mr Ingram to look after the morgue for £o per annum. It was decided to refer the matter to the Finance Committee. A copy of the new by-laws was laid on the table, and it was decided to call a special meeting at a future date for their confirmation. Messrs Daniell, Beard and Murray appeared as a deputation in support of a numerously signed petition asking the Council to get the opinion of a competent i engineer on the encroachment of the Waipoua River on the land at the town side, from the railway bridge to the Park. Councillor Hornblow moved that the service of Mr Brenmer be secured to report on the state of the river banks. Councillor Feist seconded the motion. Mr Beard, on behalf of the deputation, pointed out that this was a matter of very great importance to the people of Masterton. If it were neglected it might seriously injure the property of the borough, and instanced the case of Greytown, where, through the inroads of the river, some grass paddocks were denuded of the soil and turned into shingle beds. The resolution was agreed to. The tender of Mr M. Kerrins, at lOfd per yard, was accepted for the supply of road metal.

• • • • jL A quiet wedding took place this morning St. Matthew's Church, when Mr G.J. Wallace, manager of the Masterton Blacksmith and Wheelwright Manufacturing Company, was married to Miss Cooper of Masterton. The bride, who wore a pretty white muslin dress trimmed with lace, was given away by her brother, Mr H. Cooper. Miss Agnes Jacobsen, of Christchurch, was bridesmaid. Mr George Cooper, another brother of the bride, was best man. The ceremony was performed by the Rev W. E. Paige, M.A. In consequence of a report that the ceremony would not take place until the afternoon, the attendance of sight-seers was limited, but those who were present were well provided with the orthodox rice, which was scattered with right good will over the happy pair as they left the church. The wedding party jthen adjourned to the residence of the bride's mother, where the breakfast was laid.

Constable May, who recently brought over Anderson from Sydney, informs me that things looks much better in the New South Wales capital now than they did two years ago, when he was there on a similar errand. For every one out of work now' there were 50 then. This is very noticeable, too, in the number sleeping out in the parks. » On the previous occasion it was pitiful to see the number of men who frequented the parks at night, especially as the weather was miserably cold and wet. It was evident that they were there from actual necessity. Recently the weather was remarkably fine, yet the number of homeless/men was not a tithe of what it was formerly.

At the last sitting of the Bankruptcy Court here, before His Honor Judge Kettle,

an application was made to reverse a decision of the .Deputy-Official Assignee who rejected a claim for wages being made preferential by James Maguire in the estate of Joseph Barnard. Maguire is a bricklayer, and employed others to assist him in doing some work for the bankrupt. The Deputy-Official Assignee did not consider that the claim foi wages for the other men could be considered a perferential ono, and consequently raiked it with that of ordinary creditors. The Judge at tho time reserved his decision, which is now given. His Honor, after referring to the circumstances of the case, says that tho claim in his opinion should be allowed as a preferential one, and therefore the decision of the Deputy-Official Assignee would be reversed. Costs amounting to £2 12s Gd were allowed Mr Maguire.

Deer-stalking has been in full swing on the East Coast ranges for the past three or four weeks. The results obtained by sportsmen have not been up to expectation, as the animals are very wild and keep to the roughest part of the country, Complaints are rife of the unsportsmanlike action of many of the stalkers in killing young doer. Ono gentleman who was out for three or four weeks failed to secure a head, but consoled himself with bringing down several pigs and wild sheep. The latter are very numerous, and afford excellent sport. I have been informed that unless measures are taken to restrain persons from shooting the young deer the herds will be considerably diminished, if not entirely wiped out, in a few years.