LUMSDEN.

Otago Witness, Issue 2520, 2 July 1902, Page 39

LUMSDEN.

June 30. — Two days before the projected Coronation Day, it rained heavily, threatening to mar the intended celebrations, but on the c»ay of the great event tho weather was beautifully fine, and has remained so since, with very hard frost the past two nights, followed by sunshiny days.

Coronation Day. — On Wednesday, the 25th, the news of the King's illness £>nd his daaigerous condition came upon us like a thunderclap, and it was received with the most sincere and profound sorrow. It took some little time before we could realise the truth of the inesssge. Thursday's programme included a combined religious service, which was held in the Presbyterian Church at 10.30 a.m., the Rev. G. Lymbuin, Mr Reynolds, and Mr Patterson taking part. A large congregation was present, representing all denominations, and aU joined heartily ia the singing of hymns cheson by the committee a3 appropriate for the occasion. Mr Lymburn having read several telegrams fiom the Acting-Premier, Sir J. G. Ward, acquainting us of how matters stood up to that time, a reaoluti<.i» was »' -J <- 1 ~. ~d submitted io the meeting to the effect that a message be sent, throu^u the Actniy-±'reniier, of condolence and Bincare sympathy with the Royal Family in thpir great affiliction, and that Almighty God might speedily hasten his Majesty's complete recovery. All present stood up to the motion in silence. Under ihs distressing circumstances there was no demonstration, the celebration being very mildly carried cut, a gloom ard sense of sorrow pervading throughout the district. The school children assembled at ths school at 12.30 p.m., and from there marched through the main streets, lnarslTvlled by Dt Todd and the head teacher (Mr W. H. dark), to the Public Hall, where a l.c-unteous luncheon waa provided by the genial doctor (who, I may mention hers, had all arrangements completed, at his own expense, for the providing of lunch for all present if the great function had come off. with a free invitation to all the old-age pensioners of the district). Quantities of kondwiches, caks, etc., having been demolished, a very pleasing ceremony took place — viz., the presentation of tie r"w penny by Mr R. Brown to all the school children in the district, and a r umber of exnupils a':EO received a coin. A hearty vote -if thank" itnd prolonged cheering by the juvel lies was acedded Mr Brown for his consistent and continued mindfuhiess of the young fry of our district, more especially those atterdmg our public school. Several other votes of thanks having been called for and responded to, a verse each of "Rule Britannia" and "God save the King" was sung, and the largo party dispersed to their homes. Before leaving the hall the doctor extended his invitation to all the adult members present to come up in the evening and spend an hour or two with him, and, needless to say, his generosity was taken full advantage of. Seme music, songs, and various silent games were indulged in, the party breaking up shortly before 10 p.m. with the u=ual musical item, all expressing their appreciation of Dr Todd's kind and happy entertainment.

Meetings — An enthusiastic and representative meeting was held in the Public Hall on Saturday evening for the purcce of taking steps to give a welcome and befitt ng reception to a returned trcoper, Arthur F Martin, of the Seventh New Zealand Contingent. A strong rornniitte" was appointed to carry out thf details, and the members will, I fee-1 confident, leave nothing undone tlut will tend to make tho affair worthy of the occivon. Mr Martin is expected down from Dunedm this afternoon, and will be cntertaineel this evening. The members of tho Oddfellows' Lodge are taking action to mark their appreciation of their brother officer's heroic deeds in South Africa, the nature of which may be particularist-d later on.

Concert and Ball. — A Caledonian Concert and Hall is being arranged for on or about Ihe 18th of July. I fee) confident that the officers of the society, m whose hands the matter is left, will do everything in their power to make the gathering a emcees. I am informed that they would gladly receive the a»si'-tance of all and sundry who may feel disposed to grace the occasion with their patronage. Tins is a rare, opportunity for Caledonians to make a display of the national garb and costume of their ancestor". ".Lean gu div ri chu do shinnsereachd.'