IN MEMORY

Otago Witness, Issue 2727, 20 June 1906, Page 77

IN MEMORY

Not in the June- of roses, But in the June of snows, When the wattle gold encloses, And the keen sou'-weflter blows, New Zealand's lover sought her; And oh, his heart was fain For the face 1 of God's Own country, -But the longing was in- vain.

A ship - slow sailing southwards Upon the wintry sea Hath drawn the eyes of all the-world With tearful sympathy; The potentate, the princess, The miner, and the tar, Beneath the flashing Southern Cross, Or 'neath the Polar star,

In waking hours, or dreaming, Still watch the foamy wake That follows sheer the moving bier, While the billows 'gainst it break. The ship that brings him homeward, Her dear old chicf — once more — Alas! his feet no moje may pass The threshold of her door.

Too soon the day hath ended, The laurel wreath is won. Now he is taking rest in s^eep While people cry " Well done!" Bring home New Zealand's lover With music sad and slow ; She listens for the cheery voice In vain — her tears must flow.

Not in the June of roses, But in the June of snows, "When the wattle gold ezicloses, And the keen sou-wester blows, Bring back New Zealand's 'ovgr, Oft pledged in days of yore: With outstretched arms she claims him, And keeps him evermores

Auckland, June 1906.

— Eoslttjt.