MASTERTON NOTES.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1154, 15 June 1911, Page 2

MASTERTON NOTES.

(From Our Special Correspondent,) Masterton, Juno 14. The annual cuchro party and dauco in connection with tho Masterton Foresters' Lodgo was held in tho Exchange Uall last night. Despite the unfavourable weather, there was a good attendance, and the function proved very enjoyable. Tho music for tho dance was supplied by Mr. Frank M'Kcnzie.

Tho resolution of tho Stratford Couuty Council, protesting against the charge of rato and a-half made on the New Zealand rnilwnys for tho conveyance of Australian hardwoods used in the construction of bridges and culverts for local authorities, was cordially endorsed by tho Masterton County Council yesterday. Tho Whakntahi" branch of the Farmers' Union is moving in tho direction of forming a. railway league on Ihe East Coast. Up till last nißht over two hundred entries had been received for the competitions which nre to be held next month in connection with the Masterton Mtisic.il and Elocutionary Competitions Society. As the time for receiving entries has been extended until Saturday next, it is expected that tho number will bo still further increased.

■Tho memorial to Parliament, praying' for the deviation of the Kimutaka railway, was unanimously approved by tho Masterton County Council yesterday, aud tho petition van sigiuM by every meinbor. The mortality among hoggets in this district is said to ho duo to parasitio gastritis, which is caused by tho presence in tho fourth stomach of the shoop ot a very small worm known as "strongylus ostertagi." Indications of tho disease are easily noticeable, wasting and progressive anaemia being the most prominent symptoms. Mr. C. J. Reakes, M.K.C.V.S., suggests us a remedy the removal of hoggets to fresh pastures and the odministeiiiig of lysdl.' The Masterton County Council decided some months back to provide the roadmen in its employment with cottjiges to cost about JCISO. each. ... At yesterday's meeting of the council a communication was received from tho Public Works Department, suggesting that an expenditure of bttween £31) and .£4O upon huts might afford a sufficient accommodation. Several members of th* council remarked that a suggestion of this kind, coming from tho Government, was rather extraordinary. At the ordinary meeting of tho Masterton Lodge of Oddfellows ono new member was initiated. The secretary reportid the receipt of a gold modal, presented by tho district for the lodgo obtaining the greatest, number uf new members during tho year. Letters of recommendation were granted to two members who had left the district. It decided, dint lodge members take part in tho Coronation procession on Juno 22. Authority has been received by the Mastorfon County Council from the Public Works Department for llio expenditure of a grant of £223 Bs. Id. on the Alfreclton-To Nui Road.

Work is reported to bo very scarce in the Masterton district just now, numerous inquiries being received daily by local labour agencies. The only demand at present appears to be for buslifellcrs nnd scrub-cutters.

Messrs. IMnhey Bros, wrote (o the Masterton County Council yesterday, suggesting that Coronation Day bo celebrated by the planting of trees on tho south side, of tho To Ore Ore Road, and at tho approaches to the town. The council decided to defer consideration of tho proposal for a further period. A special meeting of (lie Friendly Societies' Council was held lust evening, when it was decided (hat (be various lodges affiliated with the council tako part in the Coronation procession next week.

In asking for applications for road grants for the coming year, the Publio Works Department states that it is desired, as far as possible, that such grants be expended by the local authorities. A few years back nearly the whole of tho grants were expended on co-operative labour.

There arc at present seventeen patients in the MaMerton Hospital. The initial fat stock ?alo was held at the Solway yards to-day, under tlio auspices ol the Mastertou A. nnd V. Association. It was not riuite so successful as had been expected. Owing to vendors' reserves being considered too high, buyers did not operate freely.