LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 3187, 12 May 1909, Page 4

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

It is understood that Parliament will be opened on Wednesday, June 23rd. Only five shooing licenses have so far this season been issued at the Eketahuna Post Office. The Eketahuna County Council has authorised the raising of a loan ot £2OO for the Hukanui stream bridge. Captain Hope-Juhnstone, who accompanied the Anglo-Welsh foot-* ball team on its travels in Australasia last year, has purchased a farm in the Kihikihi (Auckland) district, and intends to settle in New Zealand. The Town Clerk, last evening, submitted the following return to the Masterton Borough Council meeting in connection with the attendance of members during the year ended April 30th, 1909:—The Mayor (Mr P. L. Rollings'), possible 74, actual Coun cil 32, Committee 33; Cr Elliott, 91, 32, 49; Cr Ewington,.loo, 32,"54; Cr Haughey, 90, 32, 42; Cr Hunter, 75, 30, 33; Cr Morris, 83, 29, 38; Cr Pauling, 73, 29, 25; Cr Pragneil; 87, 32, 40; Cr Preotice, 93, 29, 33; Cr Ya'rr, 64, 32, 22.

A notice of the death of Huria Materia recently appeared in the Wairarapa Age. An account of her exploit by one of the early missionaries, written at the time, should be of interest to many. It is taken from the Rev. R. Taylor's "New Zealand, Past and Present," and is as follows:-—"An exploit occurred near Nelson which must not be forgotten. The heroine was a young Maori woman. The Delaware was wrecked upon a rock near Whakapuaka. The chief's daughter, Julia, with her husband, immediately put off their clothes and swam to a rock near the vessel, carrying a couple of ropes with them. One they made fast from the shore to the rock, and the other they threw on board the vessel, to which it was secured. The crew were thus enabled to reach the rock in safety, and thence the shore. All were saved except the chief mate, who was ill in bed, and unable to make the effort. This brave act created a great sensation in Nelson. A was immediately raised, with which two gold watches were purchased. These, with a suitable inscription, were presented to the couple by Judge Johnston."

Though the season for bowling is practically over, some Christchurch enthusiasts are arranging for bowling to take place during the winter. During the aix months that the Plunket nurse has been working in Palmerston North she has assisted over 70 mothers and paid 700 visits to homes.

A t the meeting of the Borough Council, last evening, Crs Pauling, Prentice and Ewington, were appointed to represent the Council on the Fire Board. Employees on Government cooperative works during March totalled 9,750, of whom 4,711 were employed by the Public Works Department, and 5,039 by the Roads Department. During the past year the sum of £250 has been paid off the £I,OOO loan in connection with the Town j Hall, states the annual report of the Trustees, leaving the indebtedness at £750, which will be totally extinguished in three years by annual payments 0f£250. Trophies in connection with the Tararua Rifle Club's competitions have been won as follows: —Mr M. Fisher's attendance trophy, won by Rifleman O. Olsen, with a score of 31; Mr J. Fisher's consolation trophy, won by Rifleman B. Alberthsen, with a score i»f 29. The Eketahuna County Council has decided to apply to the Government for grants for the following worksCompleting the unmetalled portion of Bowen road, estimated cost, £3no; metalling Quarry road; grant to..wards building two traffic bridges on the Mangatainoka Valley Road—one at Mr Keene's house, and the other near Mr Priest's woolshed; metalling Central Road East. The Tararua Rifle Club held the final competition for Mr Tripe's trophy on Saturday last, the following being the best scores: —Rifleman Alex. Petersen, 65; Rifleman A. O. Petersen, 57; Rifleman 0. Olsen, 55; Rifleman J. Thomasen, 54: Rifleman J. Petersen, 53. The trophy has been won by Rifleman Alex. Petersen, with a score of 131, Rifleman J. Petersen being second with a score of 114.

The little four-year old son of Mrs Warner, of Warea (Hawke's Bay), was recently attacked by a l'ooster. The boy was playing when the fowl flew at and wounded him on the cheek with its claws. The wound did not appear severe, but an abscess formed, necessitating medical attenton. When the abscess was lanced a hard substance was found which proved to be a claw of the bird. A fatal accident occurred near Dannevirke on Saturday night, whereby a well-known Maori, Johnny Kuiti, of Tahoraite, was killed by the train whch leaves Dannevirke tor Palmerston North at 5.35 p.m. The deceased left Dannevirke about 4 p.m., and w alkedj along the railway line on his way to his home at Tahoraite. When going down the cutting leading to the bridge over the Tamaki stream the deceased was overtaken by the train and killed. Dealing with the Masterton Trust Lands, Trust's scholarship endowments, the annual report of the Trustees states that a large number of Masterton children are now being assisted in their university education by grants given from the Trust's funds. The Trustees' feel great pleasure in being able to give such assistance towards the higher education of the jboys and girls who have done credit to the school and district. For the coming year grants have been made, one of £4O, and sixteen of £lO each, making a total of £2OO. The Committee appointed by the Masterton County Council to report on the question of establishing a superannuation fund met at the County Chambers yesterday morning. I here were present:—Crs W. J. Welch (County chairman), and C. Kebbell, J. Miller and. K. Toogood. On the motion of Cr Welch, seconded by Cr Kebbell, the following resolution was earned: —"That this Committee recommends the Council to approach the several bcal authorities in the Wairarapa snd Bush districts and invite their co-oper-ation in establishing a joint fund under the 'Local Authorities Superannuation Act, 1908."' The recommendations were adopted by the Council.

The annual report of the Trustees of the Masterton Trust Lands states, inter alia, that the gross income for the past year had been £1,380 15s 2d, an increase of £65 16s Id over that of the previous year. The credit balance at the end of the financial year was £l6B 17s lOd. The following grants have been made:—District High School (capitation), £95 lis; St. Patrick's School, £26; Fernridge School, £25; Te Ore Ore School, £10; Technical School, £100; Rifle Volunteers, £5; Masterton Band, £5; Fire Brigade, £10; Fira Police, £10; Masterton South Band, £5; sundry grants, £1 Is. The Town Hall had earned £372 16s 7d during the past year, an increase of £79 9s lOd over the receipts of the previous year.

The Aerial League of the British Empire—a branch of which has been formed in Sydney—is described as a non-political organisation, formed to secure and maintain for the British Empire the same supremacy in the air as it has enjoyed on the sea. It has been formed for the purpose of fighting against the spirit of lethargy evinced by the people of the Empire towards the grave danger of permitting other nations to steal ahead of them in the conquest of the air. In illustrating the seriousness of the problem, it points to the activity in the direction of aeronautics displayed by other great European Powers. Germany's national subscription to advance the cause of aviation has reached nearly half a million pounds; France has accumulated over .£50,000, while Russia, Austria, Italy, and the United States of America are awake to the significance of the movement, and have inaugurated public subscriptions, made Government grants, and awarded national prizes in connection with it. All England appears to have done ia to establish "one antiquated factory at Farnborough, parsimoniously worked on £13,750 per anunm." To sum up' the subjects, aims, and desires of the League, its existence is to see that Great Britain is not caught napping when aerial navigation reaches such a stage as to revolutionise methods of racKlern warfare,

Heavy rain fell all day yesterday at Carterton. There are 13 motor cars licensed in the Borough of Masterton, and 13 motor cycles. The annual election of three members of the Masterton Trust Lands Trust will take place oil Thursday, May 27th. Nominations will close with the Returning Officer (Mr A. Hathaway) at his office, Hall Street, at noon on Friday, 21st instant. The retiring Trustees are Messrs C. E. Daniell, E. G. Etun and Thos. Wagg. The Prime Minister. Sir J. Ward, told a representative of the "New Zealand Times," last night, states a Press Association telegram, that the Government had already saved £187,000 per annum through the remodelling of the Public Service. This was not in salaries alone. money having been saved in other directions than by the retirement of ; officers.

The monthly meeting of the Masterton Fire Brigade was held last evening, Superintendent Jenkins being in the chair. Leave of absence for one month was granted to Branchman Warner. The Secretary reported that the average attendance for the month of April had been as follows:—Meetings, 15; alarms, 16. The Superintendent, on behalf of the team of Firemen who visited the Auckland Demonstration, presented the Brigade with h neatly framed photo of the team. The presentation was acknowledged on behalf of the Brigade by the Deputy-Superintend-ent. A full dress parade was ordered for next meeting night, when the inspection of uniforms will be>held» The regular meeting of the Masterton Rechabite Tent was held last night, in the Dominion Hall, Bro. L. Jones, D.C.R., being in the chair. An interesting letter was read from a branch of the Order in Victoria, congratulating the Tent on the recent No-License victory, to which the secretary was directed to make a suitable reply. Two lady members were proposed and initiated, bringing the membership up to 107. Two friends were proposed for initiation at the next meeting. In consequence of the very wet night, and the consequent small attendance, it was decided to adjourn the "Mock Council Meeting" till Bth June The sum of £l3 Is 5d was paid in by members, and the meeting closed with the usual formalities.

The Town Clerk submitted a report to the Borough Council meeting last evening, in connection with the issue of permits and licenses for the year ending March 31st, 1909. He stated, inter alia: — Auctioneers.— Seven licenses have been issued. Carriages.—There are 24 carriages plying for hire in the Borough. Drivers. —There are 28 drivers plying for hire in the Borough. Expresses and lorries.—There are 20 express carts and lorries plying for hire in the Borough. Caits. There -are 16 carts plying for hire in the Borough. Buildings.—lt is to be assumed that 58 new buildings, and additions to existing buildings, have been erected; a* - any rate 58 permits have been issued, which represent on the stated valuepf the buildings, an increased property value"of £18,757, as against 110 permits valued at £66,858 in iyoß 9. clumbers.— There are 8 plumbers and journeymen practising the trad' 1 , in the Borough. Drainage. During the year 99 drainage permits have been issued. Water connec-tions.—Sixty-eight permits have bsen issued during the year. Buildings for Public Meetings.—There are 6 sucb buildings in the Borough. Hotels.— Sale of alcohol: Thers are 6 hotels in the Borough, and in addition 2 wholesale houses and two clubs. The sum of £305 has been received in fees.

Thi3 evening, in the Town Hal!, there will be given a grand popularconcert, the proceeds of which are in aid of the Choral Society. Leading local artists are talcing pnrt, and the programme will consist of si.-lo?', instrumental and vocal, recitations, duets, and quarteUfs. Mva H. J. Tapley, an accomplished professional vocalist, and Mies L. Arnold, of Wellington, a capable elocufionisr, will assist, and Mrs H. S. Claughton, Miss F. Elkins" Miss V. Edwards, and Miss K. Holloway, Mr W. Iggulden, Mr H. Inns (cello), and Mr Harry Hall will each contribute to what should prove an enjoyable entertainment. The prices of seats are Is stalls; balcony is 6d. Tickets can be obtained from members of the Swiety, or at Miss Rive's, bookseller.

Messrs Gillespie and Co. require a married couple for a gentleman's family. Mr J. V. Gordon has to hand a large and varied assortment of hot water bottles, invaluable fur tha winter season and for the sick room. Mr R. Brown, land agent, advertises particulars of a 200 acre farm of first-clii33 land, and capable of much improvement. A second shipment of new winter suitings, including the latest patterns in hifh-class tweeds, has been received by Mr T. Shields, tailor, Queen Street. Patrons are invited t<* inspect the new goods. Ladies requiring a stylish, warm and serviceable coat for the winter season should inspect the stock at Mr A. Norman's Masterton premises. The coats are made from high-class material, are in good colours and during the removal sale will be retailed at very low prices.

A very acceptable present for a lady is a neck chain and pendant. It gives a charming finish to the toilet, and always looks well. Mr Frank Dupre has an exceptionally fine selecton of these chains in his Masterton premises, made in the most approved styles, and in all weights. The assortment of pendants is also particularly good, ranging from the plain gold hearts to the more expensive kinds set with excellent gem combinations. It is expected that New Zealanders support New Zealand industries. There are numbers of industries in this Dominion where the goods manufactured have not been excelled in any part of the world; as, for instance, the Welsbach Mantles. These mar.tles are made in New Zealand, by New Zealanders, for New Zealanders, aud can be obtained from all Gas Companies and stores. It is wonderful what a difference the Welsbach Mantle makes, and what a saving of gas it effects. For Chronic Chest Complaints, WoocJs. Great Peppermint Cure, 1/6 and 2'6,