MASTERTON.

New Zealand Times, Volume LVI, Issue 2274, 2 August 1894, Page 3

MASTERTON.

From Our Own Correspondent. Masterton, July 31,

A strange robbery occurred in town today. Miss Gillespie, an assistant in the shop of Messrs Chamberlain Bros., placed a paper-bag containing £23 on the counter. Whilst her back was turned for a moment the bag was taken. A boy who came into the shop at the time was suspected, but on being searched a few minutes afterwards no money was found on him. The matter is in the hands of the police. Constable- Stewart has proceeded to Tenui to bring in a supposed lunatic. At a meeting of the Ambulance Class on Monday night Dr Butemont gave a very interesting and instructive lecture on the subject of artificial respiration. Practical lessons were also given in the stoppage of bleedihg, and the application of splints in cases of fracture, &o.

At the close of the meeting 1 of the Wairarapa North Liberal Association on Monday evening a meeting of fruit-growers was held, and it was decided to call a meeting of all persons interested in tho fruitgrowing industry for the purpose of discussing the question of tho advisability of forming a Fruitgrowers* Association. The public is being appealed to to stibscribo the expenses incurred by Mrs H. McKay, who sustained an injury to her leg by tho collapse of a stand at tho Caledonian Society's sports on New Year's Day.

Arbour Day will not be generally observed hero. A few laurel trees will, however, be planted by the school children. The case Drake v. Fuller, a claim for the return of a horse, trap and harness illegally seized, has been settled, the goods having been returned to the rightful owner.

At a meeting of the North Wairarapa Liberal Associationheld on Monday night, the Financial Statement was discussed, with tho result that the Hon Mr Ward was congratulated on the proposals contained in tho Statement. It showed clearly to members that the Government wore determined to follow tho progressive policy as foreshadowed by tho late Hon S. Ballauce. It would, the , Association thought, have the effect, to a very great extent, of solving the land and labour questions. Some demur was made at tho proposal to put a protective duty on fruit. It was stated that protection of such a nature was not what fruitgrowers desired, and the proposal might possibly clash with the reciprocity proposals. The Second-hand Dealers Bill was adopted, as it was considered that such a measure would operate to prevent crime and facilitate tho detection thereof. Tho Gaming Act was approved in principle, as it provided for safeguards to young people from betting influences, and would put an end to the existence of “ tote ” shops. The Companies’ Accounts Audit Bill was approved, with two amendments, The first is to allow the majority to demand an audit in limited liability companies, and the second is to make a regular audit at intervals after compulsory. At a meeting of the local lodge of Good Templars on Monday evening, Mr W. Levy was elected Chief Templar for the ensuing term.

’ August 1. The fortnightly meeting of the Masterton Borough Council was held last evening, His Worship tho Mayor presiding. After the transaction of the ordinary business, a petition from 105 citizens was read, praying that Mr J. P. Robinson be reinstated as manager of the gasworks. A deputation also waited upon the Council in support of the petition. Applications for the position of manager were then opened, there being fourteen in all. It was eventually decided to refer the whole of the applications (including one from Mr Robinson, the present manager) to a committee for a recommendation. Amongst the applications were two from Wellington, two from Dunedin, and two from Wanganui. There was one each from Christchurch and Auckland. . A little over four inches of rain was recorded in Masterton during the month of July. A proposal has been made that a cricket association bo formed in the Wairarapa. The matter will probably be taken np at an early date. No trace has yet been discovered of tho money stolon from, the shop of Messrs Chamberlain Bros, on Tuesday. A member of the Masterton Borough Council, who is a Good Templar, addressed His Worship the Mayor as “ Worthy Chief” at the meeting on Tuesday night. The lapsus lirujuo: provoked roars of laughter. A man named William Clements, who has previously been iu Wellington Asylum, was brought down from Temii to-day on a charge of lunacy. Ho has been certified to as being insane by two medical officers.