GOD SPEED THE PLOUGH

New Zealand Times, Volume XLVI, Issue 10634, 6 July 1920, Page 3

GOD SPEED THE PLOUGH

ONE HUNDRED YEARS AGO. One hundred years ago, ori May 3rd. a plough was put to New Zealand foil for the first time. An account of the event was written by Rev. J. Butler rtr the Church Missionary Society s report for 1820. “This morning, he wrote on May 3rd, 1820, “I put the agricultural plough into New Zealand soil for the first time, and felt much pleasure-in holding it after the bullocks. This day I trust will be remembered; and the anniversary kept by ages yet unborn." Turn back Time’s pregnant page With noble grace ;rhe Nation of the South wears on her A dazzling laurel wreath, the pride of race. , .. , Did deathless deed or sacrifice endow This Queen so fair? Turn back Times . pago and trace Her matchless epic-march behind the Plough! The virgin fertile land, remote, sea-girt, Wore Nature’s emerald garb—a lustrous cloak . •, As lying yet asleep, as yet inert; Till from her dreams unto her Fate awoke, , And. modest as a maiden, proud, alert, Gave greeting to the Dawn which o«r her broke. With buoyant hope the valiant pioneer Went forth to win the promise that she gave; ; Where rugged bushland. frowning and austere. Meets watered plain, where palm and tussock waive. He won 'the gift—a prize without compeer— And pledged his homage to her as her ■„ slave. The forest glade, the ridge, the valley fair Give for the fruit and to man's command must bow; The barque of Nationhood the offerings hoar To lands afar. And floating at the prow The flag of High Empire and courage rare Is gut a silent symbol o the Plough. Peaceful conqueror of the wealth-lined soil! Potent provider of the Nation’s store! Victorious instrument of those who toil! Mainstay of the world in peace in war! Richest potentiate and those who moil Pay homage to the Plough—the Servitor! “God Speed the Plough!" A century ago The mission of the Plough in our fair land Had its course set, and thence straight forth did flow The wealth from springs responsive to (he share. God speed it on! The years servo but to show The triumph of the Plough that prompt; the prayer. —Gordon E. S. McMmn, Bendigo V’ictooa. >