LUMSDEN

Otago Witness, Issue 2685, 30 August 1905, Page 35

LUMSDEN

August 28.— We have had various- samples of winter weather during the past month, yet b&autiful open spring weather so far ha? enabled th© farmers to get the ground into firstclass order for seed-sowing-, which will -be m full swing throughout th© district' withm a few days. The severs night frosts experienced of late are retarding the growth, of pasture, feed, and orchards', yet a, fairly early spring is anticipated. Agricultural.— Farmers and croppers are all ■srell on with the ploughing, and the ground is in capital order for early sowing. Pastoral.— l hear of a. few lambs being to iiand during the past fortnight. TJiis Is rather tarly for sc cold a. climate £9 ouirs, and I learn that the frosty nights will seriously affect the percentage of small flock owners. On that account sheep owners 1 are jubilant oven- the high prices ruling a,t recent sales. Not so the consumers, it being a serious matter far a large family with, a small income to supply the carnivoTOua appetite that i<s.9o common with all colonials — youth an<B adult ahla.

Gun ciub. — A. meeting of those interested in shooting was ' held in the Masonic Hall last Thursday, a goodly number being present. Dr M'llroy was in tho chair. It was decided to form a gum club, to- be called the Imnisden Gun Shooting Club. Officers were appointed as follows: — President, Dr M'llroy; vice-presidents, Messrs John Fraser and G. F. JoJrnsom; joini secietarieSi Mfc&sra Jo© Payno and J. Maloney. Membership fee 7s 6d. It is intended to make the formal op«mng in obout three or four weeks' time. A large number of members aro expected: to join the club a»ndi take part in the opening ceremony, when trophies will be competed for.

Bowls. — A strong feeling pervades our town in connection with the formation of a. bowling club. In common with other centres of importance, it is essential thait we must have bowling included in our outdoor pastimes. Although but a small inland community, we are very much up to date in these matters. I understand a. public meeting 1 is to be called sliortly for ths purpose of discussing the matter, and if the enthusiasm already shown g^ies for anything the success of the project should be assured.

Fancy Dress Ball. — It is proverbial that ■whien the ladies cf Lumsd'en take anything in hand they do it well, and I feel certain that "this occasion will be no exception to the rule. A meeting of ladies is to taba place on, Monday night, 28th, to take steps to get up a suitable entertainment for the young people. Much -enthusiasm has already been evinced in this matter, and it is sate to predict a. successful issue to the project.

Eailway Ball. — This affair, which is now an annual fixture, came off with great success on tie Bth of this -month, in the Public Ha-11. It was a brilliant affair, the only drawback being the old complaint of the smallness of the hall. Notwithstanding this, everyone enjoyed themselves heartily. Abundance of provisions were provided) by the promoters, the music (supplied) by tho Mayo Family, of Gore) waa Srst-class, and aill other arrangement 9 were most complete, and consequently a thoroughly enjoyable evening was spent by all present.

Oddfellows. — A number of the officers of ths Lurnsden Lodge visited! Dipton last Wednesday, and were met by the officers of the Southland district, for the purpose of discussing tlie desirability of opening' a brsuacli of tho Southland Manchester Unity in Dipton. The meeting was not largely attended, owing to counter- attractions and! to the meagre publicity given to the date of meeting. Many details aaid reports by the district offioers were discussed, and the many advantages and timely help accruing from the establishment nx a friendly benefit society were pointed out. The matter has been left in the hands of a member of the lodge/ to secure the signatures of those wishing to 3'oin the order, the result of canvassing to be handed in "within a month. All present were most sanguine that the meeting possessed the nviolsus of a strong and prosperous Oddfellows' lodge to be established in Dipton in the near future.

Football. — The season of 1905 js now about at an end, and the> "braves" arc now discussing thft doings of the season, which, taken all through, was ai successful one, although a few more maiiches woxild have been acceptable "It has transpired that on a. recent visit to a neighbouring town to play a friendly match with its local team the team in question had 17 men in tho field. The result was a, draw, no score on either side. Out heroes are now barracked so- much that I heard, ono

of iherm saying that they were prepared {o accept a return contest even if they have tv rbeet the same number as on the former occasion.

Sickness — Many of tho little ones throughout the district are suffering from something akin to influenza of a mild form, but under Dt M'llioy's skilful treatment and a few clays' rest the patients seem, to shake off the indisposition and are soon quit© themselves again.

Wedding Bells. — A quiet marriage ceremony wa.s psrfo-rnied in All Saints' Church on the lGth, the contracting parties being Mr J. Stewart Gregory, of Fortross, and Miss Eosy Johnson, second daughter of Mrs W. Johnson, of this town. The- brida is very popular, and a great favourite with her young companions, and the day being gloriously line the juveniles turned out in force to pay the xisua.l tribute to tho young couple by giving them, a rousing tm-kettiing and a fies distribution of rice and the orthodox missiles common on such occasions. Tho young 1 pair took their departure by the morning train, carrying with then, the good wishes of their friends for their futures happiness and prosperity. 11] c Rev. W. O. "Wood, of TYinton, nas The officiating clergyman.