Sketcher.

Southern Cross, Volume 8, Issue 31, 17 November 1900, Page 11

Sketcher.

A HOLIDAY RAMBLE, (By a Septuagenarian ). There are so many modes of conveyance now that human legs are not so much used as they ought to be, as walking and dancing keep old folks healthy and slim, I have some friends who reside near Winton, so I resolved to take a walk and see them on the Prince of Wales’ Birthday. As soon as I awoke I jumped up, lit the fire, and put the kettle on. After washing and dressing I made a glass of toddy and ate a biscuit with it, as I think there is more stay for a Scotchman in toddy than in tea. I started in light marching order from the south-east corner of Invercargill, carrying only a pair of slippers in case I got a chance of a dance. About 3 a.m. it was a calm morning, and I kept a good pace till I got to the bridge over the Makarewa. Here two roads parted, and neither of them took the direction I desired, but I kept the right hand one. After walking some distance a road struck to the left, and I travelled along it for many miles without meeting anyone. As it kept rather much to the north, I steered about south-west across paddocks till I reached a road that took me to Forest Hill Crossing. For a few miles the track wa* rough and a strong wind had risen, so -I was glad when I passed the railway station and reached the farmhouse of a friend before 9 a.m. Here I had a glass of ale, a biscuit, a rest, and a chat, and started off quite fresh across paddocks till I reached the residence of another friend. After I had a glass of toddy and a biscuit I went on to my son-in-law’s, and finished my walk of about 20 miles quite comfortably. After dinner Tom put the horse in the buggy and drove up to the racecourse. There was a good attendance there, and far more private vehicles than are seen on the Invercargill course. There is a fine belt of trees for shelter, but the wind took a mean advantage and blew a gale from the quarter where no trees were planted. We are not betting men, so after seeing three races, having chats with friends, and patronising the booth, we started homewards. After tea one of my grand-daughters played the piano and I danced with another one. We then played a few games at euchre, had some toddy and biscuits, and I went to bed, quite satisfied with my day’s outing. Next morning the weather looked threatening, so I took the train to Invercargill. When I arrived there it was raining and blowing, so after having a drink with a friend I made tracks for my ain fireside.