THE TIMBER SHIP

New Zealand Times, Volume LI, Issue 11785, 22 March 1924, Page 11

THE TIMBER SHIP

Over the wa7es with precious timber Oomee a white ship, sure and fleet. And our steep sun-spangled hillsides Seem to waft a welcome sweet; For tho graceful trim Hesperian— Loaded with a valued store, Looks a subject for a painter— Anchored! by our peaceful shore. As the rays of summer sunshine Light upon the gold-decked prow. In our hearts we ask the question : Where are our great forests now? Why are hillsides bare and barren, Where a forest should be seen, Stretching up in mighty grandeur Clothed in wondrous tints of green? Up and down our isle' of beauty. Dowered by Nature's lavish hand, We should have our wealth of timber— Priceless asset to a land. We dhould have our flept of vessels Steaming proudly from our shore, Laden with our surplus timber, Keapinjr in a golden store. Wealth, untold, lies all around us. But the drones go drifting on, Sipping deep of passing pleasures, Till some clear brain comes along That will work and turn to profit All the products of our land, That are lying all around us, Waiting for a master-hand. That will make on barren hillsides Groves of greenness rising fair, Growing into mighty forests. Bringing in a harvest rare. Two or three can’t work such changes, As we need on overy hand. All must help to work for progress In our well-loved Southern land. —LAURA JEAN VICTORY.