LUMSDEN.

Otago Witness, Issue 2524, 30 July 1902, Page 31

LUMSDEN.

July 24. — We are having a spell of wir.dy weather, somewhat cold at times, but dryng up everything capita Hy The fields are getting into fine condition for early sowing.

Lecture. — The Rev. W. C. Wood delivered a lecture in the Public Hall on Morday evening last, in aid of the pronosed reading room fund. The subiect chosen by the lecturer was " Our Empire," and the talented manner in which the lecture was delivered made it a treat not scon to be forgotten. A goodly number of those holding season tickets and the public v tre present Mr G. F. Johnbon, J P.. occu-1-ied the chair.

Oddfel!ovvsaip.--At the fortnightly ordinary meeting of the local lodge a laige number of members and visiting brethren were in attendance. A heavy budget of business having been got through, and two new members initiated, the !N.G. changed the meeting to harmony for the purpose of engaging in a very pleasing ffrcmony— viz., the presentation by members of the lodge of a handsome Maltese gold cross *o Bro. Sergeant A. F. Martin, of the New Zealand .Seventh Contingent, on his return from South Africa. P.G. Bro. D. Fraser on behalf of the subscribing members and the lodge made the presentation in a few appropriate remarks. Sergeant Martin, in a neat but short speech, thanked the brethren for the handsome present just handed to him. School Examination. — The annual inspection

' of our public school was conducted by . M> Inspector iiraik on vVednesciay ana 'j.hi»rsd?j last, and I am inforineu on very good aiunoritj that, the pupiis made a very success>iu. }.a£s in all subjects, one failure only be:ng recorded. The results are equal to anj tiling under the Southland Boara — a fact that" inusi be very gratifying to the teaching staff and 13 deserving of the approval and high appreciation of the parents ana guardians of pupils attending this school, 'liie new'y-appoirited school at Ilolmesdale (Castle Rock/ is well attended, and is proving a boon to those in the immediato neigh bourhood. A visit paid to this school by the inspector and Mr Clark, oi the Lumsden School, was much apnrecicted by the pupiis and teacher. July 26. — About dusk on Friday we experienced a strong gale of wind, and heavy rain" fell by bedtime, lhis changed to snow some time during the night, and on opening our doors on Saturday morning we saw, to our astonishment, i that the surrounding hills were heavily clad in ■ a mantle of white. A hard frost set I in, and was in turn succeeded by brighs sunshine, and a beautiful sunshiny day fol- , lowed. Remarks were made on all hands that for climatic variations in so short a time this would be hard to beat. The fear at first was that should a sudden thaw set in the lower [ levels would be in danger of nocung, but 3.' am pleased to say that so far the snow is disappearing gradually, with a cold bieeze drying up everything again nicely. 1 Coronation. — Nothing is being done so far ir> connection with the celebration of the corning , event. No doubt the committee formerly ap- ' pointed to carry out details (and which is stijl I in office) will soon me called together by the I chairman to make arrangements suitable ior • the occasion. I understand that the members ■ of the Oddfellows' Lodge and kindred societies •will turn out en masse on the auspicious day to take part in the procession. Exception is being ! tak«n by a few to the date and day (Saturday)* as being unsuitable, but I for one think that the day following (Sunday) would be quite in | keeping with his Majesty's wishes and ciI pectations that the proceedings should b'a | conducted in a quiet sombre manner, and that j the function should be viewed in the sense of thankfulness and gladness and homely rejoicI ings for the King's partial recovery from hia ! serious illness. I suppose we shall have to fall in line as to day and date with tho other centres of tho colony.