LUMSDEN

Otago Witness, Issue 2649, 21 December 1904, Page 39

LUMSDEN

December 19. — The bitterness and cold of tha past week is beyond the recollection of th? eaihcst settlers here, and yesterday (Sunday) was so boisterous and stormy as to be more like a midwinter*! day than a December one.

School Matters. — The break-up for the Christmas holidays took place on Friday last, when a large number of parents and friends were present. It was the most pleasing and successful function of the krnd yet held here. Mr Small v'chairman of committee) addressed the young folk in a- few short and complimentary remarks, and congratulated the teaching staff upon the high standard of efficiency to which the Lumsden school has attained in their hands, and I can say withou+ fear of contradiction that its status is second to none in the Southland district. A large number of valuable books as prizes were allotted, every child attending pohool receiving either a prize or a, gift. The cash collected for this purpose amounted to £3 13s. the leading business people of the town contributins most handsomely to the prize fund, the amount being only 30s short of that distributed in the largest school in Southland. The more advanced pupils, under Mr Clark, treated the visitors to several vocal items in a creditable manner, and the wee mites, Jed by Miss Thomson, went through a few action songs, to the igrea.t enjoyment of i-hose present The inevitable bag of lollies, provided by the committee, was handed to each child at the door on being dismissed for their well-earned five weeks' rest.

Death. — Mr S. Stanford, whom I have mentioned in previous notes as being seriously ill, died on Saturday shortly before midnight. Deceased was one of the earliest settlers in this district, if not in Southland. He suffered very much during- liib recent illness. His iron constittition enabled 'him. tc fight hard with Nature's laws in the final act. The funeral takes place at the Liimsden cemetery on Tuesday. The sincera sympathy of the whole town is with Mrs Stanford and the many relatives of deceased m their sad bereavement.