LUMSDEN

Otago Witness, Issue 2623, 22 June 1904, Page 35

LUMSDEN

June 13. — The weather of the past three weeks has been a continuation of hail, rain, and frost, which put a check to all outdoor work, and very much so to rabbit-trapping. Yet it has so far been the- best and most ox^en winter that -we have had for years past ; consequently stock of all kinds are doing, we'l.

Bazaar. — A Church of England bazaar was held in the Public Hall last week, and judging by the large quantities of valuable articles that were exhibited and sold, the function must have fully realised the expectations of the prolroters, the Rev. Mr Wcod, curate cf the parish, assisted by a large number of members of the church, who seemed to be vying with each other in their enthusiasm to make the concern a most pronounced success. I have not heard the amount of the takings, but it must hare been considerable, and the surplus will help to a large extent the object in view— viz., the Church Building Fund. I have casually heard that the Piesbvterians of the Lumsdeii parish intend to hold a sale of work in the near future.

Entertainment. — The Hall-Valentirje Combination of Entertainers paid our town a visit on Friday evening last, and the capital performances they submitted deserved a larger patronage than they received ; but no doubt the bazaar, etc., accounted for the smallness of the house. Should this talented company come our way again, on a more favourab'e occasion, I venture to say they will be met with a bumper house and an appreciative audience.

Oddfellows' Anniversary. — Great preparations are being made to make this popular function on the 24th ins', as great a, success as usual. Weather being favourable it will, I predict, be no exception to the rule.

Land Sales.— Another large block of the Castle Rock Estate ha? been sold to our enterprising townsman, Mr G-. F. Johnson. It speaks well for the wise distribution and tactful disposal of this valuable estate when a shrewd business man well acquainted with, the property buys so largely (500 acres), and also shows that one of our earliest settlers has confidence in the future prosperity of the district. Mr 'T. L. Barnhill, manager of this estate for over 30 years, and one of the earliest settlers of the district, has bought the homestead block, and the knowledge of this a few days ago was received with great pleasure by the residents of the district. Genuine pleasure is evinced thai Mr Barnhill has decided to make his home among us, after having spent so many years of his life on the estate. Although Mr Barnhill has not taken any active part in politics or public matters, yet he is always ready to bestow a helping hand on those who may need his assistance and advice. He is most liberal to church and charity institutions throughout Southland. An extensive clearing sale takes place at Castle Rock on June- 21.

Rabbits.— The Southland Trappers'^ Association ceased to receive rabbits from tlie trappers about a week ago. It is to be hoped the association will not be forced to close down permanently. The men have every confidence in Mr Thomson, the manager, and they are con&etaking things veiy quietly.

June 19. — The inclemency of the weather during the past week has been almost beyond description— raining nearly all the time. Cons»quently all the rivers aud creeks are at highwater niaik, and mud and slush are ankle deep everywhere. It is daily threatening snow, and we shall not be surprised to have a fall at any time.

Evening Classes. — Mr Clark, head teacher of onr public school, has opened a night school, and it must be moet gratifying to him and to the well-wishers of the young men of our town to_ sco so many (about 14) taking advantage of tai» opportunity of acquiiiiig an extended know ledge of the higher attainments, so necessary nowadays to befit them for almost any sphere of life that they may be engaged in. It is noticeable of late that many of our young fellows are realising their responsibilities m life, and that it is uplifting, noble, and manly to follow and do that which is good in every-day life.

Sickness.— Our townsman Mr Fraser's eldest daughter bag beea hjja, agjse fgj gojn^

time by an atiack of rheumatic fever; but I am pleased to learn that the patient has reached the turning point of the malady, and it is hoped that, under Dr Todd"s skilful and constant attention, she may make a speedy i ceo very.