FIRST IMPRESSIONS OF NEW ZEALAND. By a New Comer.

Otago Witness, Issue 240, 5 July 1856, Page 4

FIRST IMPRESSIONS OF NEW ZEALAND. By a New Comer.

Charged with a special mission fresh from home, | And doomed for a time on other lands to roam, A humble bard, with greater pride than fear, Will say, if asked for an opinion here :—: — Of places, as of lovers' hearts, 'tis found Ihat first impressions are the most profound : And, in the sterling riches of the mind, New Zealand leaves Victoria far behind. Here honesty may boast some little sway, But there the human race seems bent on prey ; True merit here may rule its owner's fate, While there a man is judged by his estate. Yet, when the colonies I calmly wew, To pen a feeble but a fair review, Men's evil qualities I'll not compare, But sketch those hearts where virtue claims a share • Although where truth and justice may be seen, ' This social fact will ever reign supreme : 'Tis now as it has been since time began It is the mind, not gold, that makes the man. Advance New Zealand ! Your British sons, no less Than British sires, can boast a potent Press ! What is it in the patriot's clouded hour That checks oppression and imparts a power To British glory ? 'Tis the unfettered pen ! So shall it be with nations as with men ; And, when the Russian despot's made to feel A weapon keener far than British steel, Knowledge and faith will deal the surest blow To enlighten serfs, and lay their tyrant low. And, oh, may Heaven the future race endow, And plant the fruit of knowledge on the brow ; Then social strife and foreign wars will cease. And all the world wear harmony and peace ! D. P. —Nelson Examiner.