MASTERTON Masterton is the ‘capital’ of the Wiararapa, and is a very progressive city and community. Increasingly the towns of the Wairarapa are commute towns for people working in Wellington. Masterton is at the limit of that commute. Masterton is a conservative town with a conservative past. With the exception of a high profile mass murder in 1992, Masterton is hardly ever in the news. The Wairarapa Line railway opened to Masterton on 1 November 1880. Local industries involve service industries for the surrounding farming community. The town is the headquarters of the annual Golden Shears sheep-shearing competition and there is museum/shop that displays sells memorabilia from this event. Originally the township was named Mellonskoff, but after pioneer Joseph Masters settled as the first Europeans on 21 May 1854. The commercial activities are all and fully covered in Masterton with some very big retail outlets. The main street remains buoyant. Masterton boasts some great gardens. The War Memorials are located in Queen Elizabeth Park. The Catholic Church is a traditional and classic building. The Museum is located near the park. The Masterton Hotel is a large establishment that continues to service guests. Masterton is a must visit, and should that coincide with the Golden Shears event, a great time is assured.