CHERRY BLOSSOM TIME.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LXI, Issue 267, 13 October 1941, Page 4

CHERRY BLOSSOM TIME.

MANY VISITORS TO ESPLANADE. A large number of people, including many irom Wellington and other parts, visited the Esplanade yesterday, both on loot and in motor-ears,-to view the lamoiii cherry blossoms, which are just about at the peak of their beauty. The vehicular traffic entered from Fitzherbert Avenue and no parking was allowed in the one-way route. The motorists co-operated well with the three permanent traffic inspectors and the live auxiliary pointsmen who were on duty and no congestion developed. Tbe crowd is expected to be at least as large next Sunday in view of the fact that the blossom, though it will reach its best about the middle of this week, should again provide a picture of floral grandeur.

Have vou seen the cherry blossoms In tiie flush of rosy dawn, Just as Mother Earth is waking In the freshness of the morn? Have vou heard the thrushes calling Through the lane of pink and white? Have you felt your soul astirring At the grandeur of the sight?

Have you seen the cherry blossoms In tiie blazing of the noon, "When the warmth of welcome sunshine Soothes you like a mother’s croon? When the' air is sweet with perfume And tbe sky’s a dome of blue. With the laden branches swaying All the happy hours through?

Have you seen the cherry blossoms In the pale moon’s fairy light. When the silence and the stillness Match the beauty of the night? When the softly falling petals Spread a carpet ’neatli the trees, And a faint and subtle perfume’s Wafted softly on the breeze?

If you’ve seen the cherry blossoms On a sweet October day. If you’ve rambled ’neatli the branches Where azaleas star the way, If vou’ve smelt the lovely perfume Floating softly on the breeze, You’ll lift your heart in gratitude To God for cherry trees. .—H. W. Jackson, 11/10/41.