CORRESPONDENCE.

Auckland Star, Volume XXVII, Issue 279, 24 November 1896, Page 2

CORRESPONDENCE.

THE FORTHCOMING FLORAL

FETE AT ELLERSLIE,

(To the Editor)

Sir, —Give me birdß, shells, flowers—these three ; for, if nOb classified in the treasures of bhe universe, they musb certainly be ranked with the gema of creabion.

The sumptuous plumage of the bird, in wfeich every feather i§ a work of art; the liquid notes and warbling melodies which in matins and vespers rise bo heaven ; bhe flights thro' mid air and graceful evolution on the wing presenb a series of eights and sounds which inspire the sou! with rapture. Wandering on tbe beach we enber a world of conchology, in which every shell in the robes of its exquisite beauty suggests tho departure of a tenant having left bebiad a palace of majesty—tho marvellous creations of an Almighty Architect. Bub the plumage, song, and flight of the bird, the delicate pencilling and majestic moulding of bhe shell, are amazingly outvied by the number, variety, and excellence of those specimens which Flora enumerates in ber unique census. Are nob flowers like, the eastern morn " When with ber summer robe sho decks the earth, Anddrops on every leaf a liquid pearll" The perfecb enapa, matchless colour, graceful setting, sweeb perfume of the flower charms and intoxicates. Then there is the language and association. Children pub on wreaths, and become heroes, princes, mooarchs. The bride adorne with orange-blossoms, and is transmuted to a queen. Rainbow-feinted flowers are intertwined in bhe rejoicings of those who rejoice, and wreaths and garlands are in evidence when we "weep with those.who weep," while tbe last memento of friendship and affection we tender to the departed is a presentation of flowers thab bloom and fade. The grouping of flowers may be regarded as a fine arb, and the gorgeous spectacles which may be produced by taste and design aro " things of beauty " if not "joys for ever." lb was a happy thought when bhe ladies of the Benevolent Society determined to pr_B3 so powerful an auxiliary into right rv>yal porvice of love and mercy. Last year's floral procession at Pobber'a Paddock ' was highly creditable to all who book parb in the carnival. The projected function to be held ab Ellerslie on the 28th inst. promises in every way bo be a still greater success. Should the weather prove propitious, thousands wM assemble to gaze oa he magnificent spectacle. AsHuredly, all classes in the community should turn oub to help ia this altruistic work. Are we not exhorted to •' Do noble deeds, not dream them all day lostr, And so mako life, deah and that vast forever One grand, sweet song!" —I am, etc., John Abbott. Parnell, November 17th, 1896.