BEAUTY OF DUNEDIN.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20991, 2 April 1930, Page 10

BEAUTY OF DUNEDIN.

A VISITOR’S IMPRESSIONS. FEAST OF MAGNIFICENT SCENERY. Prior to his departure from Dunedin, the Rev. W. Allen Steyely, who has occupied the pulpit of First Church for a period extending over four Sundays, and who will leave on his return journey to Melbourne to-day, stated that he had been greatly impressed with the beauty of UunEvery visitor to a new land, he aaia. finds that his heart leaps when the ship is nearing its destination. There is an added stir on board. Everyone is invigorated by the thrill of expectancy, inc first 1 glimpse of New Zealand. Yon have heard of its beauty and charm. But the eye confirms that the ball has not been told. He approached the city after nightfall, and, as the train drew near, looking out he saw what appeared as many diamonds sparkling on black velvet. “After a refreshing sleep,” he said. - m the morning light you lift up your eyes to the hills. You can never forget the first impression of these glorious heights. Their beauty awakens memories of the land from which the early settlers came. You feel like Ruskin on his first morning among the hills after hie journey from Venice to Susa, and over the pass of Mont Cenis. ‘ I woke,’ said Ruskin, ‘ from a sound sleep, at Lans-le-bourg. in the summer morning of June. 2, 1841;. the red aiguilles on the north relieved against pale blue. I dressed in three minutes, ran down the street, and climbed the grassy slope on the south side of the valley up to the first pass, I had found my life again—all the best of it. What good of religion, love, or hope had ever been taught me, or felt' by my best nature, rekindled at once. I went down thankfully to my father and mother, and told them I was sure I should get well.' ’’ The strength and beauty of the hills were a tonic to the body and mind of Ruskin. The great hills that caught the day’s first smile and that rose in sublime procession around the city of Dunedin were, he felt sure, an inspiration to every visitor. You could not miss their charm; you lifted your eyes to them in the very heart of the city. Their beauty was aloi.. worth a visit to this city. Thanks to the hospitality of Dunedin (which was great, like the bills), Mr Stevely said he had the opportunity of enjoying some memorable drives. He still felt the delight of the trip to Mornington by way of Hawthorn avenue, to Roslyn and Maori Hill, passing M'Glashan College, and by the North-East Valley, to the top of Mount Cargill. From there he had a magnificent view of Port dialmers, the Heads, and the surrounding bays, with the memory quickened to recall the two ships that carried the first settlers to these shores, end all who followed them in later years. He returned by way of the Public Gardens, passing the University of Otago, the Logan Park, thence to Anderson’s Bay, round by Tahuna Park, Forbury Park, the Esplanade at St. Clair, in brilliant sunshine, and up Cliff’s road. From there he obtained a wonderfully comprehensive view of Dunedin and the Upper Harbour. “ It was a feast of magnificent scenery,’’ Mr Stevely said. “I had looked at a book of Dunedin views, but you must see the original of these to realise their surpassing charm. Panoramic views seem endless about Dunedin. Another page of my diary brings happy recollections of the afternoon at Whare Flat. We had a splendid view of Saddle Hill. I had heard of Mosgiel, and I was glad to see it. I cannot forget the first view of the Taieri Plain and the excellent picnic ground at Whare Flat, or the return journey by Ashburn Hall and Wakari. _ I had the opportunity' of visiting Mosgiel and its attractive mill, and the descent from the hill to the plain was one of extraordinary fascination.” For a continuation of the beauty of' ocean and mountain scenery, Mr Stevely considered the drive to Taieri Mouth, travelling by way of Green Island, Brighton, and Kuri Bush, was difficult to equal. “ I have been profoundly impressed by the educational life of this city,” Mr Stevely remarked. “It reminds me of the great centres of learning in the Homeland. It had a special reminder for me as one of the professors in the Otago University (Professor Bell) taught me at Glasgow University. I enjoyed my visit to Knox College, the University, and the Art Gallery. The City Hall is beautiful, and the public buildings and monuments reflect much credit on the city authorities. It is good to_ feel the fine spirit of citizenship and civic pride that pervades Dunedin. It is a happy sign to find citizens proud of the good things. The decorum of the young people and children in the city generally has Been gratifying, and is due, I believe, to the culture of the educational institutions of this eity. I have found the officials on the trams unusually courteous and obliging. But the greatest thing about Dunedin, and what I fee) makes Dunedin unique, is that as a city it had such a baptism of character and vision in the men and women of the early settlers. One of the memorable visits is that which I paid to the Early Settlers’ Museum. Dunedin is fortunate in not having had to wait for tradition to grow up—it started with the highest tradition, and that is telling on its life to-day. I am a churchman, and I love the church life of this city-. This is its greatest beauty and its greatest hope.”