LUMSDEN.

Otago Witness, Issue 2493, 25 December 1901, Page 31

LUMSDEN.

December 23.—Since last I wrote we have had "but a continuance of cold, easterly winds, accompanied by hail and cold rain showers. Owing to the lighter nature of the soil in our district so much rain a» we have had does not affect us seriously, consequently the pastures and herbage are looking fairly well; and with more warm, sunny days the crops would even yet be a fair average lot. Court Day.—The S.M-'s monthly sitting was held her* on the 16th, but for a few of our " neighbouring districts grievances being brought here for adjudication cur court days may welt 'ie adjourned for very iadefinrts periods. 1 Cricket.—The first match or^ffift season, Bal*four v. Lumsden, came off oiJ "Wednesday last, the 18th, when the-visitors-proved to be very f much superior at the trundelling.game and the handling of the willow; but I may say, in fair-, 'ness |to our. boys, that they had little or no. practice this season, and we feel confident that they will show some of their quality ere the season is out. Public School.—The break-up for the Christmas holidays took place on Friday afternoon last^ the 20th, in the presence of a large number of parents and several members of committee. The head teacher (Mr Clark) and Miss Thomson (head mistress), assisted by Miss Balneaves (pupil teacher), gave the visitors a treat by putting the pupils^in the individual classes . through various evolutions, such as saluting, the flag action, songs, recitations, etc. The Chairman of Committee" (Mr A. Small), the ißev. Mr Lymburn, and Dr Todd briefly addressed the little ones, in a few appropriate remarks, and spoke in high and felicitous terms cf the efficiency and high standing of our school staff, and that the examination records of the Lumsden School would be pretty hard to beat, etc. The little ones should feel indebted to Mr R. Brown for the very nice and valuable Christmas card he gave to be presented io each, pupil present, about 150 (an annual donation by this gentleman on such occasions), also Mr Clark and the committee for sweets; Miss Thomson lucky bags and coins; Mr Rudy and Mr Riddell, prizes for outdoor games. This ending a very enjoyable afternoon by those present. A large number of regular attendance certificates were also handed out to those pupils - entitled to them. Caledonian Society Nominations.—The largest number yet received were handed in through the secretary on Wednesday evening last, 18th. »Almost all the centres of. importance in the - South Island are represented, and, given good . vreather on the convincing ground and day— -namely, the 25th—I predict a most successful , gathering. . War News.—Patriotism hereabout is as lively and keen as it waa at the commencement of the ■South African troubles (which we fully demonstrated at that time). Now that an eighth contingent is being offered by our most loyal •of Governments, and applications are being asked for for service, aa per advertisement, our district, and more especially, vox own little

them who are so eager and anxions to fight for their King and country should be accepted. I hear that more than the required number of returned troopers, as well as partially-trained volunteers, are offering themselves, so that there it) not much chance of civilians being accepted. It it were otherwise, there are many amongst us bordering on the fifties who would gladly throw up everything to show our enemies that the colonies are not so weak a reed as our motherland is taunted with. Tourist Traffic.—Tha tourist traffic 13 now '11 full swing, and Crosbie's coaches and buggies are fully taxed in coping with the inflow of sightseers to our wonderland. -