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The Lumsden Station Garden

The Lumsden railway gardens presented a busy scene when local residents turned out in force to witness the presentation of the Hazlett Cup for the best kept railway garden in Southland (says the Mataura Ensign). Several members of the Southland Women's Club motored from Invercargill to be present at the function and the presentation was made by Mrs. W. T. Hazlett. Before the proceedings commenced, a formal welcome was extended to the visitors by Mr. James Campbell, on behalf of the Lumsden Town Board.

In making the presentation, Mrs. Hazlett congratulated the members of the railway staff on their successful achievement in winning the trophy during the first year of their entry. As a constant visitor to Lumsden during the past few years she had noticed that the garden plot had greatly improved the appearance of the township, and she was pleased to have the honour of presenting the trophy to the Lumsden district. She had pleasure in handing the cup to the winners, and hoped that the residents would take an interest in the area.

Mr. Curran, stationmaster at Lumsden, in accepting the trophy on behalf of the local railwaymen, thanked the speak for her remarks, and the ladies from Invercargill who had found it worth while to pay Lumsden a visit. The Lumsden township was an important tourist centre, and visitors to Queenstown and Lakes Te Anau and Manapouri spent many hours in the district.

An adjournment was then made to the Radio Hall, where afternoon tea was served. Those present were the visitors from Invercargill, members and wives of the Railway staff, and members of the Lumsden Horticultural Society. Mr. T. McCutcheon traced the history of the gardens, and referred to the work that had been done by Mr. G. W. Johnson, of the railway staff, who really had been responsible for the success of the area. Mr. G. W. Johnson also spoke, and thanked the speaker for his flattering remarks. He hoped that next year the garden would be further improved.

A very successful and enjoyable afternoon was concluded when Miss Curran presented Mrs. W. T. Hazlett with a bouquet of roses from the Lumsden residents.

Flowers and fruits are always fit presents—flowers, because they are a proud assertion that a ray of beauty outvalues all the utilities of the world.—Emerson.

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