LUMSDEN.

Otago Witness, Issue 2856, 9 December 1908, Page 39

LUMSDEN.

December 7. — The hot and dry weather and scorching winds experienced now * for several weeks are taking a very serious aspect. There is much scarcity of water for domestic purposes, and if we don't get rain very soon it will be a gloomy outlook for our field crops and orchards. Tourists. — A very busy season 16 anticipated as a goodly number of tourists are already on the move westward. The To Anau coaches are invariably well loaded each trip with passengers and luggage. Holi' -l ay-making. — Dr M'llroy is at present having a much-needed and well-earned rest and holiday. Dr Nelson, as locum tenens, is having a fairly busy time, there being a good deal of sickness about at present. Scarlatina k leaving us .very reluctantly. It breaks out now and again, and is at present ir>' one. house at least ; but the epidemic appears to be of a mild form. News has been received that William, tha son of Mr Geo. Marshall, of Lintley, is seriously ill with typhoid fever. He is stationed at Pieton as fireman in the Eailway Department. The parents having been sent for, left by the first express for Christchurch on Saturday morning-.

Masonic. — A meeting of more tihan ordinary importance was held here on the 25th ult., when the anniversaray banquet was given by the local lodge -members. A large number of visiting brethren were present. The craft appears to be gaining- in popularity, judging from the well-attended meetings held in -Lamed en. Obituary. — It is with regret I report the death of a great favourite and a very popular -young woman, in the person of Mrs Charles Small (nee Harris). She died at Athol yesterday week, after a lingering illness, borne most cheerfully to the verylast. The funeral took place at Athol (where the parents reside). - There was a •very "'arge attendance, many of the friends of the family from Lumsden and the surrounding districts being present to pay their last respects to the departed. A procession of Oddfellows followed the remains to the grave. Mr Adams held a funeral service- in the house, and the Anglican clergyman from Queenstown at the graveside. Much sympathy is felt for Mr Small and the deceased's family

Season's Greetings. — I desire to conclude with tli© compliments of the season to each and all of the readers of Otag-o Witness.