MASTERTON NOTES.

Dominion, Volume 3, Issue 879, 27 July 1910, Page 9

MASTERTON NOTES.

A FAMINE IN FIREWOOD. (From Our Special Correspondent.) Masterton, July 26. The firewood famine has resulted in a bi_ run upon the local supplies of coal and coke. It is expected that the unpleasant situation which lias arisen in regard to firewood will .bo relieved in the course of a few days. Meanwhile, charity in al! its coldness, is not like soirie of this. The Masterton Parliamentary Debating Society held its weekly session last evening when there was a fairly full "House." The Gaming Amendment Bill, which provides for the abolition of the bookmaker, was vigorously discussed. An amendment that the Bill be read that day six months in order that a series of resolutions prepared by the "Opposition," dealing with the whole gambling question, might be discussed, was defeated on the voices, and the "Bill" was read a second .time. At the conclusion of the sitting "Speaker" Hornsby criticised the speeches made, and tendered members some valuable advice.

"How Hapny With Either/' It is Jikely that the ballot for members of 9 the General Committee of the Masterton A. and P. Association, which takes place at. the annual meeting on Saturday next, will be very close. Wheiu so many good, active men are offering their services, it is difficult to determine who should be elected. It is a case of "How happy could I be with cither, were 'tother dear charmer away."

No new development's have been made in regard to the coal field which is said to have been discovered in the neighbourhood of Eketahuna. For some reason or another Masterton residents are incredulous about the "find," though they would be exceedingly gratified to learn that the progressive little bush township had found something tangible. Mr. Alex Johnston, one of the.old identities of Masterton, who litis of recent years been pursuing farming operations in. tho Wnikato, is at present on a visit to his friends in this town. .He speaks glowingly of the prospects of the Wnikato, and he is also surprised at tho growth made by Masterton township since his departure. Bowlers and Oddfellows. Already local bowlers are beginning to talk of the prospects of bowling for the coming season. There is no more popular retreat' in Masterton in the summer months than the bowling green, and it is here' that all social distinctions arc avoided. It is said that there will be a large addition to the membership of the club during the coming season. The greens have been thoroughly overhauled and will be in\/•apital condition whenthe season opens. Bro. A. Wheeler, N.G., presided at the ordinary meeting of the Masterton Oddfellows' Lodge last evening. The secretary of the Heart of- Oak Lodge intimated that a meeting of tho P.G.'s Lodge would be held in Carterton on August 1G for tho purpose of (fleeting officers and, adopting rules. Four friends were proposed for admission into the lodge, and three news members were initiated, Bro. P. Smith, P.G.M., acting as initiating master. The following officers of the lodge were duly installed-.— N.G., Bro. A. E. Wheeler; V.G.. Bro. G. L. Hughes; E.S., Bro. Alex M'Leod. Bro. It. Krahagen, P.G.M., acted as installing master. After the business of the lodge was completed, a social evening was- spent, when various toasts were honoured. An Eye to Japan; In view of the tariff barrier which is being erected by Japan against British manufacturers, it may be interesting to know that some years ago a Japanese official when in'vNew Zealand, expressed surprise that the Dominion did not attempt to export its raw material to Japan. The official in question, who •visited Masterton amongst other centres, stated that in his opinion there was an excellent opening in his country for NewZealand wool and frozen meat. •"' Now that the importation of manufactured articles from Great Britain is to be practically prohibited, : farmers are asking whether it is not possible for the New Zealand Government to open up markets for the raw material in the Eastern country..- .-. - — The recent performance of "The Pirates of Penzance" by the Masterton Operatic Society was a financial, as well as a musical success. Notwithstanding that the weather-conditions were unfavourable the audience each evening overflowed the Town Hall, and the takings exceeded the most sanguine expectations.