LUMSDEN.

Otago Witness, Issue 3415, 29 August 1919, Page 27

LUMSDEN.

August 25.—There was a large gathering at Lumsden School last Wednesday afternoon, tho occasion being the unveiling of a roll of honour presented to the school by Mr John T. Martin, an ex-pupil of the School, but now resident in Wellington. The roll, which is a magnificent specimen of artistic skill, has a centre shield of polished kauri inset into a fibrous plaster cast depicting Britannia with left arm "outstretched along the top of the shield holding in her hand a laurel wreath. Inscribed on the shield in golden letters are the names of 80 ex-pupib of the school, 19 of whom laid down their lives in defence of right and liberty. The roll is & record of which any school might be proud, including, as it daas, tho names of men who have won high honour in arms and arts, notably those of Lieutenant J. Macpherson, D.C.M., Lieutenant-colonel J. A. M'Kenzie, 0.M.G., Surgeon-major A. A. Martin, Majors M'Kenzie, Wellstead, M'Ctirdy, Gunner K. G. Fraser, M.A., Chaplain- H. Clark, 8.A., and others. Mr Thos. Martin, sen., father of the donor, unveiled the roll, and in asking the school to receive the gift on behalf of his son. reminded the boys that as they were confronted with problems in their daily work, he trusted that the roll of honour.. before their eyes might be an incentive to them to strive their utmost to overcome all difficulties, and emulate in some measure the noble men whose names were inscribed thereon. Other speakers were the Revs. Messrs Fisher and Button, and Messrs G. F. Johnson and S. E. Griffiths, after which Mr It. N. Wilson thanked Mr Martin on behalf of the school, and after singing the hymn, " Now the labourer's task is o'er," the proceedings terminated with three ringing cheers for Mr John T. Martin. Weather.—Tho weather has been very wet for several days past, and consequently the roads leading into the town are in a bad state, and the stoppage of trains, necessitating waggon traffic for goods, makes tho position worse. Several motor oars have, come to prief lately trying to negotiate the roads (?), and if the member for the riding would personally inspect and improve the condtions travellers would appreciate his notion. New Post Office.—l understand that a tender has been let for the erection of our new post office, and that the building will be oroe°eded with forthwith. The Electrification Scheme.—The canvassers for support to the Southland electrification scheme mot with great success in the Five Rivers district, as although consumers were asked to guarantee each only £ls per year for three years, the average in the district was £34 per farmer. Tin's must be very cheering to the promoters of the scheme, and indicates the keenness with ■which its advent is awaited.

Changes.—Mr D. Maclood, yho has been in business here for about six years, has

purchased a farm-in the Oreti district, and Mr J. Menzies, a returned soldier, has acquired a billiard saloon. May good luck follow them both.—Messrs W. Brotherston and Sons have purchased the old-established blacksmithing business carried on for many years by D. Fraser and Son.