COASTERS ABROAD

Greymouth Evening Star, 11 February 1925, Page 3

COASTERS ABROAD

MRS W. E. THOMAS’S TRAVELS. Writing to friends in Greymouth, Mrs W. E. Thomas stated: — We have just returned from a lovely motor trip through Devonshire, visiting many picturesque spots. Passing thrdugh Christchiitch (built on the rivers Avon and Stour) noted for its Priory, then Bournemouth, a very fashionable watering place, on through the New Forest, where we saw a meet of the hounds—there were about 45 dogs taking part, and six or seven huntsmen in gay uniform. It wasAi , very pretty sight to see them start off at the crack of the whip. We saw also several gipsy en’campnients' and numerous wild ponies. Then on through Dorchester, the centre of the Hardy (Country'and where that great’-master of English literature is at present directing a series of revivals of his own plays, including “Tess of the D’Urbervilles.” Then On again passing through Exeter, Teignmonth, Dawlish, -on to Torquay, where we with friends. During our stay there we had many delightful motor trips through lanes (typical Devon) narrow and sunk between high banks;' often, with hedges of hazel nuts. The country was looking beautifully rich in its autumn glory —the trees all yellows and reds and russet 'browns, in deep contrast to the green of the fields, and to the soil, which in many parts of south Devon is quite red. Strange to say, the cows there are all red, and the sheep pinkish red also. We motored through leafy lanes and sleepy Devonshire villages—many little whitewashed farmhouses with their cider apples rosy in the shining sun, and also saw large flocks of turkeys, no doubt being fattened for the Christmas season. One day we spent on the moors —knee-deep in bracken and purple heather. Pushing their rocky heads out of a sea of flaming bracken were the Tors, grim and dark against a cloudless sky. On again to Princetown, where we saw the noted prison, Dartmoor. We crossed the river Dart and went on to Buckfastleigh, where we visited the Abbey and Monastery, which are being rebuilt by the Benedictine monks. They were very kind in giving us the history of their work. Another day to New Fer res (a quaint fishing village), to Dartmouth (beautifully situated on the river Dart), through Totnes, where we saw a very fine monument erected to Wills (late Burke and 'Wills, Australian explorers), who was a native of that town. We visited Cockington Court, a palatial old building, and saw in the village the famous old forge which was the original for “The Village Blacksmith. We motored on to North. Devon i , . i ■ ± i:a4.|«

and spent the day at the quaint, little town of Clovelly. situated on tne side of a hill overlooking the sea. The main street, which is very steep and narrow, is all cobble stone steps right down to the sea. At th 3 bottom of the hill there were a number of little donkeys saddled ready to take the tired ones uphill again. One of our party j (1 won’t say who) was very pleased to 1 return via Neddy. Our next move was through Bideford and Barnstaple, on to Ilfracombe, which has a very rug- ■ ged and rocky frontage which adds greatly to its charm. The following day we started on our return journey through Taunton, returning to London after motoring about 800 miles. I must try to tell you a little about the Lord Mayor’s Show which took place on November 10. Thousands of Londoners and visitors thronged the route of the procession. Sir Alfred Bower, a vintner, jvas preceded by a pageant representing the former Lord Mayors who had been vintners between the years 1270 —1779. The horses of the mounted police, clattering H ussars, artillery bands, anti-aircraft guns, lifeboats, etc., were a sight t.>" b iicid Never have I seen such magnificent animals —they seemed 1o know their part and played it well. The robesf that flowed from the horses of the 16 | mayors and their esquires, and the |. large hats and sweeping plumes made at glorious picture. Then came the Swan \ Linnets, with'poles crowned by curious hooks, tliei" hats adorned by white feathers, which reminded us that the Vintners are the chief custodians “I the-Tliames/Swans. Then followed the

retiring Lord Mayor, followed by the incoming Mayor in his famous coach with gorgeous trappings. Another most interesting sight was tlie opening of Parliament. The routes of the procession were lined from early morning. - (I had a splendid position standing Between a. Life Guard ’and a policeman). Firstly came the members, then peers and peeresses, judges in their scarlet robes, then other celebrities—the Prince of Wales, the Lord Mavor, and lastly the Ring and Queen in the State carriage drawn by eight horses, postillions and outriders, surrounded by the King’s bodyguard—what a sight to behold ' The Queen looked magnificent. The cheering showed how they are loved by their people. The horses again played a very important part in this pageant. (One thing I am decided on, Viz: That to see the London police and the horses alone is worth coining to England lor. Excuse my entlAisiasm, but I was always rather keen on horses). Although we have been here for seven months last Sunday was the first day we could spare go and see the famous church parade in Hyde Park, which takes place every Sunday morning. Hundreds of well known social and stage celebrities are to be seen on the promenade. It is most interesting, but 1 was more fascinated watching the riders (young and old) in Rotten Row, all magnificently turned out, but my sister and 1 came to the conclusion that some of our colonial horsemen could give them

points. We were naturally very interested in the elegant costumes and luxurious fur coats worn by the ladies, also the motor cars representing hundreds, of thousands of pounds. Most of the ladies here have their hair shingled and marcel waved. I think the hairdressers'are the busiest people here, always having queues of customers awaiting their turn. I must not forget to tell you that we attended the service at the Cenotaph on Armistice Day. It was most impressive. We were in among thousands of people, and at times were carried along. The wreaths were a picture piled high round the cenotaph. The last social function we attended was the reception given to the “A 1 1 Blacks” by Sir James and Lady Allen. This was a most brilliant affair and some hundreds of New Zealanders were present. The reception was held at the Wharncliffe Rooms, Grand Central Hotel. These are a. delightful suite of rooms, especially the reception and ball rooms. We met many New Zealanders whom we knew. Some of the frocks worn were drea.ms of loveliness. On e very prb.tty feature of t l '- ballroom was the shadow-spotlight effect. The lights being lowered, coloured lights were thrown on a large globe suspended from the ceiling. This was covered with small discs of mirror glass. The effect was most dazzling ,-and weird. We have had several rather bad fogs, not seeing daylight for several days. Kindest regards to all old friends.”