THE OLD TOWN PUMP.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIV, Issue 88, 15 April 1933, Page 2 (Supplement)

THE OLD TOWN PUMP.

(By Zela Carter, Hikimutu, R.R.2, Taumarunui; age 16).

"The old town pump? Yes, that is just what I am—the old town pump. I am not a thing of beauty, perhaps, in my old iron suit, but still I am a pump, with a history." The old town pump sighed rather wearily as he watched the passers-by, young and old, stepping briskly along the hard concrete path that leads to the big Alexandra Museum, directly behind him. Why didn't they stop just a' niinute and read his history. He had been there many years—long before museums in New Zealand were ever thought of; and if they would but stop—ah, well! A young lady of slender figure, fair wavy hair and clear blue eyes, came stepping along the path across the green lawn and stood in front of the old town pump, and read his history. She laid her hand on his iron head, and her dreamy blue eyes saw not the big museum and buildings of this modern ;town of to-day, but they saw back through the veil that hung between the past and the present. They saw men, women and little childrenfaces that told .of many things. • Faces yet young that told of sadness and (Sacrifice; faces grown old and lined in a great fight for liberty; and faces young and merry—youth undisturbed. But" they all came to the old town pump for the precious life-giving fluid that was the only available supply in that infant township, away back in 1846. Like phantoms —yes, pioneer phantoms they passed before a girl's dreamy, far-seeing eyes. The girl turned her head slightly, and saw again, only a few yards distant, the magnificent stone approach, with its big memor'-l stone and its many names— names < f men who. in the full glory of yontli and manhood had given of their best—their lives—all in that great cause that procured freedom ' and peace for their loved ones and those following 011. 'flie girl sadly awoke from her day dreams and saw again the beautiful modern town of Wanganui. The old town pump was pleased and happy, and if you go to Wanganui at any time you will surely see him for yourself, standing alone in front of the Alexandra Museum, with its inscription, "liutland Stockade Well, 1846" (only available water to the infant township.).