HOLIDAYS AND HOLIDAYMAKERS.

Otago Witness, Issue 2389, 14 December 1899, Page 51

HOLIDAYS AND HOLIDAYMAKERS.

The time approaches when we shall all gladly put aside our daily work for the norcc, and hie us to green fields. The lotus-eaters amongst us picture peaceful landscapes shimmering in the summer heat with great trees under whose spr^Jing arms they may lie and dream, and in fancy listen to the gentle plashing of running water, that sound above all others most soothing to jaded nerves ; while to the energetic, visions of cycling tours and long rows on the river

pletely blind to the fact that she may possibly be inconveniencing other people.

One of the most vivid recollections of my childhood is of an old family friend, whose favourite hour for descent upon us was about 11 o'clock at night. His virtues were many and his faults were few, and he invariably had the, best of intentions, but in spite of all that he was a somewhat trying guest. He* had a curious faculty for breaking that he touched, and when he departed the bliiidccids were wrested from their lawful abichngplace, the door-handles refused to turn, and many another minor evil came to pass. He had also a thirst for knowledge, to gratify which, he would, witli surprising ingenuity, take to pieces one of our household gods, and he was always unable to put the pieces together again, a fact which by no means disturbed his truly wonderful equanimity.

People of this class doubtless enjoy their holidays, but it is pleasure gained at the expense of a great deal of wear and tear of the nervous systems of theii friends. Truly, the more intimately associated we become with one another the more is it necessary to observe tact and reticence of a certain kinl. One thing that many people entirely fail to recognise is that though the companionship of congenial people is one of the best tilings that life can offer, yet there are occasionally times when it is good for everyone to be quite alone — good for the mind and ,the nerves and the spirit Be very careful when making your plans that the friends in whose company you elect to pass the weeks of your holiday will find enjoyment in the same things as you do. It Is fata) to your pleasure if your friends persist in looking at everything from a totally different point of view to your own ; they may be right — they piobably are — but that does not make it any the less irritating. But with a few people on the same plane of thought as yourself, how delightful will it be in some beautiful spot amidst the picturesque bush of our beautiful New Zealand — it is not necessary to go far to find a wealth of

beauty and colour and fragrance ; or at th'fr seaside with its life-giving breezes, where in the early golden morning, you may steal away and dream for an hour in some nook," watching the big green waves dash in, with their suggestions of infinite grandeur" and beauty, and yet breathing in some mysterious way of a peace and joy that pass all understanding. And in the evening, when you find yourself in the same spot, it is a different world. The tranquil morning' sky, is a glory of rose and amber and violet; 1 the sands stretch away in gorgeous yellows and rusty browns; and the heaving bosom of the sea reflects all the wondrous colour, and lends to it an added glow and radiance. Or when the magic moonlight clasps earth anJ sea in its mystical embrace, how thtf thoughts rise beyond the changes and chances of this mortal life and form themselves into aspirations towards bringing' our lives, with their so often paltry aims: and ambitions, somewhat more in tune with the loveliness of God's world. Truly hours like these, breathe healing and balm ta the tiied spirit that has grown weary with the never-ending fret and strain of existence.

So let us all fold our tents and say farewell for a space to the busy streets, and Lkewise to the* morning papers and telephone bells and afternoon callers of civilisation, and for a few weeks hold communion with . Nature, that great healer of tired • minds and bodies ; for is it not - worth, while to lay aside, even for a short time, - the duties and responsibilities of every' day, ■ which are apt to assume such gigantic pro- . portions when flesh and spirit are overwrought? We shall come back with out;' tempers angelic, our intellects sharpened, our charity broader, and if our complexions do not share in the general improvement what does it matter? A little sunburning is a small penalty to pay for being ablo t>- laugh at the small annoyances that are bound to come to us all ; and the remembrance of the .serene beauty of earth and sea and sky will strengthen us for oui work in our small .corner of the world; and make us more ready to face bravelj whatever of good or ill fortune, of sickness or sorrow or joy, the New Year holds f" store.