Wairarapa Jottings.

Free Lance, Volume I, Issue 23, 8 December 1900, Page 18

Wairarapa Jottings.

TO be allowed to make a change in life minus the eternal presentation is not to be expected nowadays. All places, large and small, are pretty much alike in this respect, and Masterton is no exception. However, that, by way of introduction, l' not intended to detract one iota from the sterling w orth of the latest victim, Mr. J. D. Cruickshank. Writer has no doubt whatever that Mr. Cruickshank would much rather the residents had omitted the everyday occurrence of making a presentation. But in the face of the inevitable, Mr. Cruickshank bore himself with praiseworthy composure. From frequent practice the Mayor has become a past master in felicity of expression, and his presentation speeches are perfect little gems, calculated to calm the most easily ruffled. Therefore the functon ended without giving one the impresson that the guest of the evening had been impeached for high treason, or invited to spend his Christmas at the hospital. ■fc * ■**" The Masterton Wesleyan Sunday School anniversary of last week was an unqualified success. The Sunday services, conducted by the Rev. Mr. Dukes, of Hawera, were crowded morning and evening. The singing was a treat, and the music reflected most creditably on the organist and McLeods Band, specially engaged for the occasion. The public meeting on Monday was largely attended, and the whole function speaks volumes for the promoters. Dr. Beard intends, early next year, to make a trip to the Old Country. The Doctor, who will be abroad about six months, hopes to devote some of his time to hospital work, in order to make a study of the latest developments *n the diseases of which he is a well-known and widely-appreciated specialist. The Doctor will be accompanied by Mrs. and the Misses Beard. * * * The newly-formed Masterton Chamber of Commerce hastened to make a grave mistake at the outset. At practically its first meeting it appointed a committee. All well so far. On the committee were names of gentlemen who had not been consulted, and immediately at the close of the general meeting the committee, or rather the part of the committee present, proceeded to business, among other things electing a paid secretary. As the Mayor pointed out next day, in a trenchant letter, such a proceeding was ultra vires. The question of the ability, suitability, or otherwise of the gentleman chosen has nothing to do with the procedure of the committee. The Chamber of Commerce, as a public body, is bound to be above suspicion, and it would never do to have it hinted that anyone had been pitchforked into a position. In this case the honour and interests of the citizens and the Chamber itself have been safeguarded by the opportune movement of the Mayor, and doubtless immediate steps will be taken to have the false st«" rectified.