LUMSDEN.

Otago Witness, Issue 2675, 21 June 1905, Page 39

LUMSDEN.

! June 19. — After some days of ideal winter weather a return of a very severe frost and bitt&rly cold days has again set in, and a fall of snow is threatening. S.M. Court. — The monthly sitting of this court was held on Monday, the 12th, Mr W. G. Eiddell, S.M., presiding. A large amount of business was got through. lam pleased to note the confidence with which the administration of justice throughout Southland is held by litigants who have occasion to appear before Mr Eiddell, whose sound and impartial decisions always give satisfaction. Eesidential phanges. — Our town carters have had a busy time of it during the past week. Several town families are removing fo new homes, some of them having large families. This, with the intermittent winter trains' service, means gaps in our public school attendance, and unless -withdrawals are replaced by newcomers, and the trains' service is remedied so as to fit in with school hours, it will mean a serious matter indeed for the status of our public school. Lumsden M.I.S. — The fortnightly meeting of this institution took place last Tuesday, and, as per syllabiis, this gathering was a musical evening. The president (Mr H. G. Eiddell) was in the chair, and a very enjoy-

I rble evening was spent with songs, readings, and recitations. A featuie of the entertain1 ment was the appearance of new performers and visiting friends, who gave a capital exposition of their musical s.nd oratorical abilities Special mention may be permitted of vocal solos rendei'ed by a lady visitor and those of two local youno- ladies. To show the popularity of these winter entertainments, it may be mentioned that the Masonic Hall was hill, 1 standing room only being available for latecomers. The society meets again on the 27th (Tuesday), when a paper on "Peru" will be read by Mrs M'Fatridge. Anniversary. — The local Oddfellows' anniversary ball came off on Friday last with great eclat. It proved the most successful affair of its kind held for many years, the Public Hall being full to overflowing, and quite inadeqiiate for the comfort of those present. The Committee of Management did all in its power to meet the requiiements of this auspicious occosion. The only thing calculated to mar tho evening's enjoyment was the lack of adequate accommodation everywhere, and if the society means to maintain its reputation for annual entertainments the management must certainly take some steps ere another year comes round to provide soma degree of comfort, especially to those who indulge in the "light fantastic toe" part of the programme. The dresses worn by the ladies on this occasion were especially charming. I shall not attempt to describe them, as that is the province of a lady writer. At about midnight a circle of close on 50 'dd'fdlows was formed in the body of the hall, when the usual toast of welcome was tendered the visiting members of neighbouring lodges, and heartily responded to. P.G. Bro. James Martin read a short report of the lodge's doings and position, showing that its present status as a country lodge is second to none in the Southland district. The Grand Master of the Southland district (Mr Joseph Smail) was present, and performed a pleasing ceremony in presenting two brethren with the usual emblems voted by the lodge to each member on completing his term of office in the chairs. The G.M. m addressing the recipients (Bro, John Payne and Bro. Alexander Macalister) endeavoured to impress upon all nonj Oddfellows present the advisability of joining I the order, or at anyrate to lose no time in j joining a benefit society— Hie M.TJ.1.0.0.F. for preference, as, according to statistics, it is the soundest and wealthiest friendly society in the known world. The brethren having returned thanks to the lodge for the beautiful emblems handed them, and to tho G.M. for tbe many kind things he had said of them, this part of the programme was brought to a close. Eefreshments were then freely partaken of, after which damciug was resumed and was carried on with great vigour throughout. Miss Smail, of Eiversdale, contributed a vocal solo in her iisual artistic style, and was greeted with h»axty applause. Several other performers contributed items, adding much to the enjoyment of those present. Mr John Howarth, as Master of Ceremonies, was a host in himself. How he managed to manipulate the dancing in the space at his command is a mystery. Who was belle of the ball? did someone ask. Well, m my opinion she would be hard to pick, as the choice was so wide with so many beautifully dressed ladies to choose from. Death. — Mr George Perrins, an old resident here, passed away on Sunday w-e«k (11th) at the Southland Hospital. Mr Perrins was a very old man, who has been quite helpless since he sustained a paralytic stroke some years ago. The funeral took place last Wednesday at Invercargilh Much sympathy is felt for his widow, who is left with a large young family (the youngest being under 12 months), and not too well provided for.