HOARDINGS

Evening Star, Issue 20292, 28 September 1929, Page 2

HOARDINGS

(A lament for the large advertising signs Avliich mar the countryside.)

At one time a breakdown from worrying) •Resulting from much overwork. Would send me to rural parts hurrying To rest from the town’s moil and murk; And there I would stay to recuperate, Afar from all signs of stern strife, And energy once more accumulate To give me new life.

In those days, with feelings of restfulness, I’d gaze on a landscape unmarred, Immersed in a world of forgetfulness Where never the nerves became jarred. But now, in these times so competitive, These scones have no longer a charm; No more do they act as a sedative Or soothe like a balm.

Keen firms in the country to advertise Have hoardings erected galore, On which all their wares they must eulogise, A fact which I greatly deplore. For how can I make good recovery By putting trade thoughts from my head, When, through this annoying discovery, I read them instead?

Amidst all the glorious greenery, From roadsides and paddocks they rise. Disfiguring Nature’s fine sccnery Because of their contour and size. Marked out in all colours of vivid hue, They range from deep red to pea green, Or glaring in yellow or lurid blue, From far can be seen.

It may be I’m over-fastidious And spot all these “ads” from afar, But making the landscape most hideous These hoardings most certainly are. It’s no use good people assuring mo By saying “It could be much worse ” The land no more beckons alluringly Because of this curse.

Ah! Gone are those scenes of tranquillity (Pray pardon me if I repeat), But I must admit the futility Of finding an unspoiled retreat. So when my frayed nerves next necessitate A change of surroundings for me, These posters to dodge, I’ll not hesitate . By going to sea! J.R.