LUMSDEN.

Otago Witness, Issue 2603, 3 February 1904, Page 31

LUMSDEN.

January 25. — During the past week it has been very hot and diy, but taking, the season on tht^ whole it is the best we have experienced for many yeais. F\el"ds and pastures are lookjjig their very best. Slock owners, owing to the high prices ruling during the past few months, having let their store stock lun down or rather mci screetly disposed of them, have consequently largo quantities of pasture feed going to waste, so Hie remaining herds of all kinds are :n the pink of condition

Shearing.— The genral shearing throughout the district is now about finished, and I am informed that the quantity and quality of the wool ciop is better than has been the case for years, and the percentage cif lambs is much above the average.

Harvest Operations. — Grass-cutting, etc., is now about finished, and the local knight of the traction engine and threshing mill, Mr L. Walker, is quite busy lh.rc-sb.mg grass, of which there is a most abundant crop throughout thcdLstrict, and the yield and quslity are both quite up to the f?rmers' expectations. Gram harvesting on the Castle Ro^k Estate will commence m a few days. The crops are looking well, pud large yields are expected. Land Settlement. — The Castle Rock Estate is now getting rapidly settled upon. Dwellings are in course of erection all round, and large areas of land are being broken up and fenced m. It is astonishing to ■■notice how much work and improvements can be achieved in so short a time. It is not more than 12 months since the first section was taken up. Each arid all of the newcomers seem to be endowed with the undaunted spirit characteristic of the British pioneer which has made our great and glorious Empire what it now" is, and ever shall %c— a leader for good and the advancement of the nations.

Holidays.— The Christmas and New Year festivities are now a thing of the past, and if the piospeiity of Southland may be gauged by the lavishness of the programmes provided at the various centres, our lot is cast on happy lines, and en a land that is flowing with milk and honey, and a land of ease and luxury.

Picnic. — The annual picnic in connection with the Presbyterian Sunday School was held on the Recreation Grounds last Wednesday, when an exceptionally large number of children, parents, guarduans, and friends put in an appearance. Mr M'Fetrcdge (superintendent) and Mrs M'Fetridge, assisted by the teachers, were indefatigable m their " efforts to supply and attend to the wants of all present. The games and amusements usual on such occasions were indulged in by the young people, and were greatly enjoyed by the 011lcokers and those taking part. Ail present were regaled with tea and cake at intervals during the day, liberally provided by the ladies cf the congiegation. A large number of valuable prizes m money or kind were distributed among the youthful competitors, even the youngest child able to walk being supplied with a trinket. A word of praise is due to Mr Sapwell, our worthy townsman, for canvassing some of the Southland firms, who contributed handsomely to the prize fund. The Rev. MiLymburn, Mrs Lymburn, Mr Weir, our homo missionary, Mr Small, and many other members of the church were most assiduous in their endeavours to please all and sundry. The day being an 'ideal one, and the grounds conveniently situated, we all enjoyed ourselves to our hearts' content.

Totinst3— The flow of sightseers to the wonderland of the cold lakes has even now exceeded anything that wa have had in any previous season. Coaches and stearneis are being taxed to their utmost, but the coach pioprietors (Crosbie Bros.), with their up-to-date plant and competent staff are qr.ate equal to the heavy demands (sometimes at short notice) made upon them, demonstrating the prudence and forethought of this energetic firm to be prepared for any emergency. All who have made the trip to the Sounds aver that the scenery is beyond description, and n'ust be visited for its attractiveness to bo realised and appreciated.

January 30.— A few of Mr and Mrs M'Leod's friends on the Castle Reek Estate met them at their house on the eve of their departure for North Otago. A very pleasant evening was passed in song and sentiment, and the members of what may be termed a surprise party had a real good time. Many of those present expressed their high appreciation ot Mr and Mrs M'Leod's good dualities of true and reliable friendship to ail those worthy of their esteem. A novel item in the evening's amusement was a short musical composition by Mi Cameron, champion piper, entstled "M'Leod's fareweil to Castle Rock." The mirthful little ditty was received with much pleasure, and in high terms of praise to the poet and composer.