ORIGINAL.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume II, Issue 22, 26 January 1867, Page 2

ORIGINAL.

FEBRUARY Ist, 1867. A strange ship to these shores drew near, And hoisted forth her pennon blue, When straight uprose a gallant cheer, For all the English ensign knew. Then shot a boat upon the strand Bearing our earliest settlers here, A resolute and noble band, With hearts all ignorant of fear. With hearts all ignorant of fear, And full of high resolve and hope, Determined in their new career, With every obstacle to cope. Unwonted objects met their view, Whichever way they turned and gazed, Around them hordes of dusky hue, Above a splendid comet blazed. High honor to those Pioneers, For all the hardships they endured, No English accents met their ears, "Ivor of their lives were they assured. No luscious fruits, no English flowers, Forests of flax and fern around, And she who first fresh butter churned Sold it for just a crown a pound. Then men of noble blood and birth Shouldered the axe, and held the plough. And women toiled on floors of earth, Who erst wore diamonds on then* brow. And mudwalled whares sheltered those, The daintiest among them there, Whence English ballads sweetly rose, Carolled by hearts all free from care ! Manuka twigs their beverage shared, Boiled thistles oft their tables graced, 'Twas thus our hardy fathers fared, Content with food of simplest taste. He who the earliest apple grew, Deemed it a greater prize I ween, Than if a title to his name, Were granted by our gracious Queen. Now schools, shops, churches, wharves, an'dJiallSjt Adorn our graceful city's site, And concerts, races, clubs, and balls, Keep us alive by day and night ! Ah ! five and twenty years ago, How different were all things then ! Well may we make this gallant show, - And honor give those earliest men. Ye Synarites ! who grumble oft, Uuless with choicest dainties fed, In stately chariots borne aloft, Uucrumpled rose leaves for your bed ; Come forth and hail the Pioneers Who landed first upon this shore, With honest praise and hearty cheers ! Aye ! nine times nine! and one cheer more.' Old Geoffket,