The Scented Tree

Dominion, Volume 31, Issue 142, 12 March 1938, Page 9 (Supplement)

The Scented Tree

Long Ago The scented tree seems to have grown up with the little town of Bedfordshire. Mothers and fathers still tell their children how they played their games, dreamed their dreams, and told their secrets beside it. Strangely, no one seems to have known it by its proper name.. Always—at least ever since childish fingers years ago crushed leaves from its branches, and found them so' fragrant, it has just been the “scented tree." So with the passing years it became a favourite rendezvous. What a store it could unfold if able to speak —a storv of tojldling ’ babyhood and boisteroiu youth. There is a quiet sadness in the garden now. No childish voices or youthful figures come down the path. ‘ But if by chance you speak with the gentle white-haired lady within the cottage, her face will fairly glow

if you mention the “scented tree.” What tender memories it holds for her! She will tell you how it was beside it that her Mary did this, or John did that, and how it was a gathering place for the neighbouring children. Some day soon, she will tell you too, they will be back to view the spot where many happv childhood day? were spent.— “Kowhai Queen” (14), Waipukurau. Little Scented Tree. Little scented tree Smells very sweet: On her head sunshine, ■Rain at her feet. Thanks to the sunshine, Thanks to the rain, Little scented tree Js happy again! —Pepper Jl3), Palmerston North.