WELCOME, "OPAWA!"
♦ All hail, "Opawa," graceful swan, To Wairau's port we greet you ; Your advent we expected long, And glad are we to meet you. Built by the skilful workman's hand, Your frame is stout and strong ; Launched by a little fairy's wand, A charm to guard from wrong : For dangerous is the stormy deep That often you must cross, And careful watches must you keep, To save yourself from loss. Your lines are like the beauty curves Of Grecian maiden's face ; Your stem and stern portray the works Of speed, combined with grace : Your roomy decks, and cabins bright, An air of comfort bears ; Your spacious hold, and draught so light, For usefulness prepares. And here, your captain's health we toast In liquid, clear and bright ; The pluckiest salt on Zealand's coast Will mount your bridge to-night. Long may he live to hold your helm, And steer by compass true ; May troubles never him o'erwhelm, Nor wild seas o'erwhelm you. But when the tempest races on, And the sea ghosts laugh and scream, You'll find a haven safe and calm In your own native stream, — T.L.B.
Permanent link to this item
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Bibliographic details
Marlborough Express, Volume XXXII, Issue 68, 22 March 1897, Page 3
Word Count
187
WELCOME, "OPAWA!"
Marlborough Express, Volume XXXII, Issue 68, 22 March 1897, Page 3
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