LUMSDEN.

Western Star, Issue 403, 22 December 1880, Page 3

LUMSDEN.

(fbom otte own correspondent.) l am glad to inform you that the GovernTment have at last Been fit to put iu the culvert so long promised over the storm channel in !Flora road, and the work is now progressing fast. I beg to comet an'■error which appeared in •your paper on Saturday last. Your informant states that an engine set fire, to a store at lowther. I do not dispute that; but he further states that Lowther is on the Waimea line, which is a mistake, it being on the main line, about sis miles from Elbow, the terminus of the company’s line, I agree with your correspondent that the Waimea engine should have a spark catcher attached to it. On Saturday night, as far as I could see, and that is about four miles, it set fire to the grass all along the line. As the Waimea engines are allowed to run on Government rails, we have a right to demand that they do not destroy our "property. The school broke 'up on Friday, after an •examination which seemed satisfactory to all. The Rev Mr Ferguson, of Invercargill, after ■a. very able address, presented the prizes, in which he was assisted by Messrs Madden (teacher), Howells, and Brown. Tho prizetakers, as near as I can understand, were as ’follows:—4th class: William Howells, prize for efficiency and regular attendance. 3rd class : Walter Black. 2nd class : Ist, Mary Black; 2nd, John Dore. The whole of tho infanta got prizes. The presentation was a great success, and the parents were well satisfied with the progress the children had made. ■Mr Ferguson spoke highly of the efficiency of Mr Madden as a teacher, as shown by tho certificate of tho School Inspector, Mr Goycn, ami tho high percentage of passes obtained by

tbe scholars, viz., 82. Only two district, schools in Southland obtained a higher percentage. ' ' ' - : t Arrangements for tho sports on Christinas Day are now completed, and we expect a good day’s amusement.