LUMSDEN.

Otago Witness, Volume 15, Issue 1562, 15 October 1881, Page 13

LUMSDEN.

(PROM OVR OWN CORRESPONDENT.) October 11th. I have not much news of importance from hero if I leave out the weather, which fs most genial. Spring has made its appearance at last, and we aro being favoured with alternate sun - shining days and showers.

Unfortunately for this township there are only one or two who take any interest in the progress ol it, as we are troubled with the same complaint as moat upcountry townßhip9— viz. , petty jealousy. Consequently if one townsman suggests a thing, another thinks he is going to benefit himself, or he would not trouble about it, so he won't have anything to do with it ; and I hare it on good authority that the reason why we have no bank here is beoause it could not bo built at both ends of the township. I omitted to mention about the examination of our public school. Great indignation is manifest here at the results. There are 67 pupils on the roll, and out of these only 23 obtained the standard, which seems a small percentage. I am informed that some were good at arithmetic and reading, but failed In writing, so they will have to traverse the same course over and over again till next inspection, iimply because they must gain results. This looks like playing into the teacher's hand, and putting the State to double expense. Mr R. W. Daniolß, late proprietor of the Waimea Hotel, took his departure a few days since for fields and pastures new ; and in him the township loses a good servant, as he always took a great interest in its advancement. lam aure he takes with him the best wishes of all who know him in this district.

An accident of a serious nature occurred here on Friday last. Miss Barlow, while riding a spirited horse, was thrown heavily to the ground, breaking her arm.

Our recently-appointed Cemetery Trustees were busy a few weeks ago canvassing for subscriptions for the fence for the Cemetery reserve, and I believe a good few pounds were handed to their treasurer until such time as they should receive the promised subsidy from the County Council. Already the timber is on the ground, but I hear, nothing of the subsidy, although applied for. -The trustees will do well to erect what they can as soon as possible, as petty thieving is on the increase hero, and the timber niijiht vanish like our firowood, coal, &c. have done of late. Politics and requisitions are all the talk now. Mr C. Cowan is about to receive one of the latter. I have not heard of one for Mr H. Driver, who is likely to contest the election for this district, but we are alive to his ideas. By-the-bye, I hear that Mr P. K. M'Caughan has made his exit from ,the Colony. I wonder if he has taken the representative for Wallace with him. It is reported that he has gono Home to settle the Irish Land question probably. About this requisition business, Mr Editor. If a man signs a requisition, is he bound to vote for him ? If he promises to support the candidate, he is morally bound to do so, though of courso not legally.— Ed. O. W.]