LUMSDEN.

Otago Witness, Issue 2565, 13 May 1903, Page 31

LUMSDEN.

May 11.— We have had one or two nights of hard frost of late, but with the exception of this and a boisterous day now and again, the winter season so far has been mild and open. Considering the advanced stage of the season, it i-s mournful to have to state that harvesting operations are not yet completed. If, however, the weather continues as favourable for about two weeks as it now is, everything that is worth saving will be secured. Pasture and open country feed are holding out satisfactorily, consequently stocks of all kisd3 are looking well. Threshing.— The mills are now at high pressure, taking full advantage of the calm, dry days. I notice by newspaper reports that tne yields thia season are not bo satisfactory as might have been expected from the appearance of the crops before cutting, but so far as I can learn tho settlers of this district have no cause for complaint. They say quantity and quality are as good as the average in past seasons. Settlement.— According to land sale reports the Castlerock Estate is gradually being- disposed of. A number of sections have been taken up during the past month, and* many intending purchasers are daily visiting ancl inspecting the land, with a view o* acquiring a home in this moat conveniently situated locality. Ecclesiastical.— Attendance at the Presbyterian Church services of late has been very good, and it must be gratifying to the minister, the Rev. Mr Lymburn, and officiating friends and adherents, to see so many young people taking an interest in church work. This is noticeable in the choir membership, it being a vast improvement on former times, when a mustei- of half a dozen singers would seldom be secured. Things are different now, for from 12 to 15 members can be reckoned on at the morning and evening services. Much credit for this state of affairs is due to Miss Thomson, as conductor at he Einging practices, and leader of the choir at the church services. Other members of both snxos are greatly assisting in this work. All Saints' Anglican Clmch building in at present iindergcing extensive alterations to the rcof and ceiling, etc. ilr F. Reynolds has the work in hand, and it is personally supervised by the Rev. W. C. Wood, vicar of the church. L. M. I. S. — This society held its ordinary fortnightly meeting on Tuesday evening, sth inst., at the Masonic Hall, there being a record attendance. The president (Dt Todd) occupied the chair. A paper, entitled "Arctic Exploration, was read by Mrs Stancombe. and was attentively listened to and greatly appreciated. The paper was spiritedly criticised by several members, and very pleasing indeed is it to the promoters ar.d conductors of this institution to see young members taking a part iv such healthful criticisms., showing that the gcod work began some years ago ar.d carried on thf present time. Has -net been entirely thrown away. Mrs Stancombe was accorded a hearty vote of thanks for her valuable paper, to which she replied by thanking all present for their kir.d attention. Readings by Mrs Davips and Mr D. Frnser, nr.d sor.gs by Messrs Kcid and Key, made up the evening's programme. Draughts.— The annual meeting of the Lumsden Draughts Cub was he.d in the M-.'.«mic Hall on Saturday evening last, Oth inst., Mr ;A. Macalister (president) iv the chair. The few members v.-ho attended were very erthusi- | asuc. The balance sheet showed a credit of £1 7s in the Savings Bank. It was decided | to open the season thiss year on Monday. ISth inst., when a friendly match v. ill be played | by sides taken by the president and vice-presi-dent respectively. The election of officebearers resulted as follow. ;— Mr G. T. Joic-

son, president, assisted by several vice-presi-dents ; Mr Jos. Payne, hon. secretary and treasurer. On testing the meeting, the small membership fee of 23 Gd was decided upon. This, although a small matter in itself, should bo the meaii3 of placing a long list of members names on the club's books. It is proposed to held a handicap tourney early in tho season, and also to have friendly matches with neighbouring clubs. Therefore, it behoves nil intending members to join, pj-.d give in their names to the secretary cr any of the members at the very earliest cnijortunity, nrd to roll up to the weekly practices on Mcndcy evening at 8 p.m., and thus assist in upholding tho prestige hitherto enjoyed by the Lumsdon Draughts Club.