TITLED HAWKER.

Auckland Star, Volume LXII, Issue 262, 5 November 1931, Page 13

TITLED HAWKER.

CARAVAN LIFE

Caravanning should become popular in New Zealand. The wanderlust in most people inclines them to the open when summer comes, and whereas in many cases it takes expression in camping out in tents, some are being attracted to caravans, in which they can enjoy the gipsy life during the holidays. In England it is a common sight to see caraon the highways and byways of that country, and many English people select a picturesque white horse to draw their house-on-wlieels along. The caravan life is not. a. hustle and bustle one, and it would seem that the toot of a motor horn and the smell of oil destroying the fragrance of the countryside were out of place in the picture. However, ' for those who commend modern ' innovations, there are elabo-rately-fitted vehicles for their pleasure. A good idea for those who wish to see a, new country is that they should purchase a car with a trailer behind.

Some years ago an English gentleman arrived-in New Zealand with a complete horse caravan, and traversed the greater part of the North Island. Another caravan, which was observed at Manurewa, was composed of two complete rooms built' on the lines of an old gipsy van, and drawn by two sturdy draught horses. Although local inhabitants were not invited to inspect it, it seemed to the curious Peeping Thomasina, who discovered it untenanted for a brief while, a most comfortable home, as seen through; the attractive casement window curtained with rich floral silk.

• The habit is growing slowly, and it is safe to' prophesy a keen pursuit of this enticing hobby by our open-air loving New Zealanders in the not too distant future. From the Old Country comes a suggestion which might be followed in New Zealand by some of those women who are fortunate enough to have leisure and like this unconventional way of spending a holiday. "Lady Sybil Grant is preparing to leave for her customary caravan tour of Scotland, on which she is usually absent for about two months, accompanied solely by her dog," says the "Weekly Scotsman" received by the last mail. "Lady Sybil is the daughter of the late Earl of Rosebery and wife of Major-General Charles Grant. She is a poet and author of distinction, and a warm-hearted patron of ex-servicemen's charities. One of the few people of title to possess a hawker's license, Lady Sybil employs her time during her caravan excursions in selling household articles by the roadside, and devoting the proceeds to her favourite ex-servicemen's charity. She sets out on her tour with no set route arranged, but wanders according to impulse in her luxurious caravan, which is fitted with shower bath, sleeping accommodation for four people, refrigerator and completely fitted kitchen."