NEW ZEALAND RETURNS HOME

Southland Times, Issue 24163, 27 June 1940, Page 12

NEW ZEALAND RETURNS HOME

To The Editor Sir, —Many generations ago the early settlers voyaged to New Zealand, a land of virgin forest, great mountains, abundant rivers, fertile plains. The deep peace of the bush was disturbed by the ringing strokes of the axe. The thrilling music of birds gave way to the cries of sheep, the lowing of cattle, the barking of dogs. The loneliness of vast spaces was broken by simple homesteads. Cities sprang into being, civilization appeared, primitive nature vanished for ever.

The men and women whose simple faith, steadfast courage, and great qualities of heart shaped for us the New Zealand we know today came from England. England gave them life, and nurtured them. In the peaceful country churchyards lie the dust of countless generations of their ancestors, men who saw the grand story of our history unfold, men whose hands have left us the quiet villages, the lovely manor houses, the great cathedrals. This is our heritage. England belongs to every one of us. Now the wheel has gone full circle. The manhood of New Zealand returns to England. The blood of the young country and the old will mingle together, and enrich still further the historical soil of the land which gave our people life. We have clasped hands. England welcomes us home. She receives us into her heart.—Yours, etc., ROGER B. GIBB. June 26, 1940.