EKETAHUNA.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume IX, Issue 2804, 21 January 1888, Page 3

EKETAHUNA.

(By our own correspondent.) are all thoroughly prepared for the •sagaries of an M.H.R., as we recognise the fact that these high and mighty beings practically ignore our very existence, until they again need the formality of our votes, to place themforanother spell in WindjarameiflHall. But with stars of the second order, we are inclined to be less lenient. They are supposed to be subject to fixed laws, so when a County Councillor thinks fit to fly out his proper orbit, and start on a wildly erratic career, we think it. fit and proper to take a pull at the reins, and draw the wanderer quietly back to his proper track. The action taken by Councillor Von Reden, at the last meeting of the County Council in the matter of the Empowering Act, does not meet with the approval of those who in all fairness, should be entitled to first consideration. I mean, those who are bona fide residents, living on their own freeholds. These are the persons to be considered, and not the few in the township, who, as soon as the railway line is finished, will flit to fresh fields and pastures new. Eleven valiant bush-whackers from v Aliredton tried their luck on a tented Wfieldwith our local cricketers, and, ' notwithstanding the good play of Messr&Manning, Rogers, and French, the fsßors were beaten. Messrs Selbyind Turner shaped best for the winners, and were well supported by Messrs T. Betty, Hodges, and Beckman, An enjoyable evening at Host Tuck's ended a very pleasant day, and both teams are now anxious for another merry outing. Mr Jas. Jones intends adding a large storeroom to his already spacious building, so it seems that those longest connected with the place, are those who have the greatest faith in its future prosperity.

Sulphur or iron Deposits near Masterton, The Mineralized Springs, Hearing that Mr B. P. Perry Las some intention of ascertaining tbe nature of the deposits indicated by the so (Med sulphur springs, which flow onsss lately acquired property Sulphur Wells" a part of the WoodItods estate, and situated on the Upper Taueru road, about six miles from Masterton, a representative of this journal waited upon that gentleman yesterday and obtained the following description of these developments W nature:—The main springs are situated in streams which flow through the property, but there are also others apart from all running' water. The springs have the usual bubbling up appearance similar to that of a pot boiling, and the water .which flows up is decidely impregnated with sulphur or some mineral substance which is deposited below. The. fluid is also of quite a dark color, except when taken up and examined in a tumbler, and then it is only slightly discolored. There is a very perceptible smell on approaching the openings, and the • issue of the waters from the main spring, has caused quite a hole, down which a stick can be placed., for about ten feet. The externaMppearance of the jets is a kindofnrcddy basin, from which the fluid oozes. The water of which we _ have seen a bottled sample, lias a very uijftjeasant smell and a chemical taste. Iwtr opinion, however, the latter denied the presence of iron deposits rather than sulphurous ones. We understand that Mr Perry is desirous of, if possible, getting Mr Mackay of the Geological Department to take a trip out to the scene while he is in the Wairarapa, and so of obtaining from himan opiuionas to what deposits the nature of the springs indicate, and also if there is any commercial value in the waters or the mineral. The waters have already been found very useful as a preventive of disease in grape vines. It is quite likely that the springs might be found to he curative ones, and Mr Perry is obtaining an analysis of the waters to decide the surmise.

EOAD BOARD. A meeting of the above Board was held on the 20th inst. PresentMessrs E, Meredith (chairman) Mace, Elder, Moore, and E. E. Meredith. The minutes of the preceding meeting ■vwe read and confirmed. Correspondence was read from Gardner and Co. and MaAltt. re contrcct No. 2, County Clerk, re Government subsidy.—From Masterton Eoad Board, re the balance due to that Board.—From W. J. Eawson, with report re Mangahiu deviation. Mr Meredith moved that the resolution accepting Mr Brett's contract be rescinded. The motion was lost. On the motion of Mr Moore, seconded by Mr Elder, it was decided that the Board's advertising should be given to the Wairarapa Daily for the current the consitljmion of the memo, from the Mastenon Eoad Board, relating to the payment of £lls, should be postponed till, the next meeting of the Board. Mr Elder moved that the Board having considered Mr Eawson's

report on the two lines of road at Mangapui, is of opinion that the one mentioned in the report as the deviation be adopted, as the better lino of the two, and that Mr Rawson be requested to draw out plans and specifications for formation and metalling on that line, Mr Moore drew attention to clause G8 of the Road Board Act, 1882. The Chairman here left the chair, which was taken by Mr Elder,' who pointed out that the views of the only absent member who could vote were very plainly expressed at the last meeting'. The motion was put and carried without dissent. Resolved that Mr Moore be authorised to expend the balance of the sum placed at Mr Tatham's disposal. That Messrs Moore and Elder be authorised to sign cheques and that in the absence of the Treasurer the Chairman sign for him. Mr Moore moved that upon receipt of the specifications for the works contemplated at Mangapui, the Chairman advertise for tenders for the work, and that the next ordinary meeting of the Board be this day fortnight. Carried.