Rail inspections
A reminder that Wairarapa train services are being replaced by buses this week for urgent KiwiRail inspections. Metlink said that the inspections of overhead power cables are essential during daylight hours for safety reasons, and are time-sensitive in order to avoid repeating an incident earlier in the month in which power was temporarily lost, causing commuter delays, and three trains to stop between stations. All passenger services [as well as the Hutt Valley and Melling rail lines] are closed until Friday between 9.30am and 2.30pm for this work to be done.
St Vinnies needs volunteers
St Vincent de Paul in Carterton is looking for volunteers to help out with a high level of donations they’ve recently received at the store. A spokesperson said any help would be appreciated. There is currently a lot of clothing to be sorted through and appliances that need to be tested before being put out on display. Anyone interested in volunteering should head into the shop during opening hours 9.30am-4.30pm Monday to Friday, or 10am-3pm Saturday, and let the team know.
Arts funds
Masterton District Council [MDC] currently has two rounds of arts funding open for applications. The Masterton Arts Fund covers visual arts, literature, pottery and ceramics, drama, music, dance, filmmaking, and crafts projects. It is also available for projects on the preservation, research, and recording of significant historic artifacts, history, stories, and events. Applications for round two are open until February 23. Also seeking applications is MDC’s Creative Communities Scheme, which encourages community involvement, celebrates cultural diversity, and encourages young people to participate in arts activities, and there is also a one-off Festival Fund for art-focused events, with $5321 available this funding round. Applications for both of these close on February 23. For more information, visit MDC’s website [www.mstn.govt.nz].
Car dispute
Police responded to a report of a person acting suspiciously near a car on Masterton’s Hacker St at 5.30pm on Tuesday. A police spokesperson said it turned out to be a dispute over a car parked at the address in question between tenants who had recently moved out and the landlord.
