"My Happiest Holiday"

Taranaki Daily News, 20 December 1924, Page 6 (Supplement)

"My Happiest Holiday"

Essay open to Boys up to 15 years age

First Prize:—

R. L. Bennett, Manaia,

age 13 years 9 months

One Easter my parents and I decided to take a holiday to Wellington. My mother wished aleo to see her parents, who lived in Dannevirke, so we made up our mind® to go there fir®t and then to Wellington. I awakened early on a Thursday morning to find, much to my joy, the weather was perfect. This was the day upon which we had arranged to commence our journey. We left Hawera at 7 a.m. on a journey that was to prove very enjoyable. The scenery between Hawera and Wanganui was beautiful, large valleys covered with bush, winding streams and occasional glimpses of Mount Ruapehu, which stood out like a great sentinel on our eastern side.

We arrived at Wanganui at 9.30 a m. and enjoyed a much needed breakfast, after which we set out on the next stage of our trip. The scenery between Wanganui and Dannevirke is rather monotonous, with the exception of the Manawatu Gorge, which is. remarkably beautiful, but the road through is very narrow in places, especially where the roadmen were working. After leaving the gorge we were only a little time arriving at Dannevirke, where we stayed until Tuesday. I had a very happy time during our stay there. . I went Jlaibbit-shooting 'with my cousin, and with , the other members of our party, we had many enjoyable picnics. lam very much afraid the rabbit shooting was more fun than sport as we did not shoot a single rabbit, but we. had quite a lot of fun. The picnics were better and the bush in which we picnicked was only to be surpassed in beauty by the rivers in which we swam. On Tuesday, the morning of our departure, the weather was again perfect. We doubled our tracks to Palmerston North and then the country was entirely new. On one side the Tara-wera Mountains were visible and on the other the sea. This continued until we reached Paekakareiki, where we had our lunch before ascending the Paekakareiki Hill. We noticed that the traffic was continually increasing and we came to the conclusion that the train strike had caused this, because there were all descriptions of vehicles from great char-a-banc to small trucks, all loaded with people and baggage. We wondered if the strikers realised what inconvenience they had caused to the public. But now to get back to Paekakareiki and the long hill in front of us, which •we ascended without much difficulty. The view from the summit of the hill was wonderful, the sea was as calm as a mill pond, and the small island of Kapiti stood out like a sentinel. After the hill was left behind the run to Wellington was very pretty, with , its twisting road and small bays or coves. Wellington was very busy when we arrived, the same old town with its small houses packed tightly together and the ever hanging smoke which belches from the factory chimneys and the steamprs.

On Wednesday wo visited the places of interest in the city, including the museum, the waterfront and the zoo. The latter appealed to me most of all be-

cause I am very fond of animals of all kinds. We saw the lions and the sea-lic-ns being fed, and many other animals too numerous to mention. On Thursday “a fed letter day," the Imperial Squadron was due to arrive Wellington. My parents and I. together with the cider members of the party, were granted permission to board a .small vessel which was lying.alongside the wharf, and thus we were able to have an uninterrupted view of the harbour. Shortly after 9.30 p.in. lhe squadron appeared from behind the Heads and moved majc-stic-ally up the harbour. The ■I load came first, the Repulse second and the Adelaide last, the whole three forming a never-to-be-forgotten sight. As they came alongside the wharf, with their bands playing, they passed quite near us and we were able to see the graceful lines of these mighty warships and were surprised at the ease with which they were berthed.

Friday —Anzac Day —we were all at the wharf to see the sailers from the

squadron niare.h up to the cenotaph to take part in the Anzac service. There was a great line of men all in step and marching to the sound of the band. It thrilled me to see these men paying tribute to the glorious dead. I wa® able to get this happy holiday through the bravery of these soldiers and sailors who fought and died for our freedom. In Friday afternoon we were allowed to board H.M.S. Hood and* Repulse. I was down at the waterfront early in the afternoon to await the opening of the gates which led on to the wharf. A long queue of people was formed along the wharf, al] eager to look over

the mighty warship. The Hood was a very fine sight a.s she lay alongside the wharf, which looked very small against the enormous ship.

As you walked slowly along bluejackets with rifle® and fixed bayonets were stationed at intervals so as to regulate the traffic. The Hood itself took a let of looking over, for there were so many different doors, corridors and ladders that one found oneself completely bewildered. To see the men peeling sacks of potatoes and preparing different vegetables gave you an idea of the number of mouths to feed in only one day. The sailors were all very willing to show the people round and answer the many questions that were asked of them. One sailor took our party right over the ship. By this J mean all the parts that were not guarded, showing us how the different things worked end explaining the mechanism of the guns and turbines as well as he could. To me the ship resembled a town, for there were shops, churches and narrow streets filled with a throng of people going hither and thither looking at al] the things that were to be seen.

In one room. there was a model of the Hood with everything complete from wireless aerials to lifeboats. The

church was very small compared with the number of men, but as soon as you entered you were at once .struck with

the solemnity of the place after the noise and bustle outside. In another room was a shop which sold everything from an anchor to a needle. 'ln still another room the men were sprawled out in any. available, space sleeping after their night’s watch.

On Saturday the weather was fine but inclined to be windy so that we. left Wellington at 9.30 a.m. and reached Palmerston North at 3 p.m., where we s'pent the night. We were delighted with Palmerston and its pretty gardens, such as the square and the esplanade. The latter is situated on the banks of the Manawatu River and is very beautiful with its native, bush and pretty walks.

On Sunday morning we left Palmerston to start the last stage of our journey. Wfe had lunch and afternoon tea on the roadside and reached home towards evening. Our car had not given us a moment’s trouble the wholfe journey. Our holiday was all too short and as I had taken a week’s holiday from school already I set off, for that tiresome place next morning, thinking of that very happy holiday. SECOND PRIZE. (Cardo Evans, Otakeho, age 13 years.) The launch was ready, and with hearts beating high and every nerve strung to a high tension, we started off.bn perhaps our happiest holiday. The launch engines throbbed out and off we went. The day was bright and sunny—ideal for a sea-trip. An exhilerating breeze blew, giving us a good appetite. Once fairly out to sea, good headway was made and after two days of continual sailing we reached our destination—the famous Milford Sound. We janded knd prepared to camp, and in two hours’ time we were sitting round the canip fire, enjoying roayt duck, which my father had shot -when we landed. The night passed uneventfully. Rising early next morning we prepared for a day's shooting. A fine red deer presented itself. My father forbade the two men to shoot it, saying as- it was the first deer I had seen I might have the honour of shooting it. So accordingly I peered along the sights of the gun —uang it went, and the monarch of the forest fell dead. As we were in need of fresh meat the deer flesh was, a welcome addition to our larder. The head, a fine twenty-one pointer, was taken as a trophy. Two ducks fell to my father's rifle. Returning home in time for dinner, we satisfied the gnawings of hunger. The afternoon was spent in examining the phenomena of nature.

The two days at Milford Sound were over. Preparation for a shift to Dusky Sound was being made. Four hours were spent on the ocean and we landed at our rendezvous. Several flocks of wild ducks flapped away to wilder recesses undisturbed by the haunts of man. As the sun had completed only half ofhis circuit across the sky, w e had plenty of time to examine the richly endowed land around us. Unfrequented nooks where little streams dashed over foamcovered rocks sending out a veil of irredescent spray, drew my attention. 1 lay down to have a rest, but I was startled by a silvery melodious call. Again I heard the call reverberating in the stillness of the bush. I rose to investigate. Looking round I saw a glossy black bird with a white crest. I did not know the name of it. I told my father, who said it was a bellbird. As the afternoon was excessively hot, I undressed and had a swim. Dressing some minutes later 1 had tea. Tea was? over. The land or nod took possess i<n of me. 1 awoke next morning to find the rising sun being welcomed by the glorious songs of the birds. The scene® a splendid replica of the painting done by one of our great artists sent my blood running through my veins. Provided with cameras we set out stalking the wonders of nature. The path we decided upon led us through valleys of dow-spangled ferns and trees, shining and sparkling in the first ravs ot the new-born sun. A little kingfisher up to some of his favourite antics riveted my attention. I watched him tor a few minutes, till he displayed his glossy gay feathers, and with a. joyous squawk he flew away to join his com,a<les- Wild geese, gaily plumaged parrots, wild pigeons and several other were feuapped with our cameras, faking a long and arduous route home, we arrived there tired and sore from the numerous scratdies that we received from the bushes.

1 wo more days of pleasure ended. My father told us that we must now return to civilisation. Loading our boat with the trophies of the hunt, we said goodbye to the happy bushland. We sailed for two days, during which time 1 spent my moments of ennui in gazing at the water. At last our voyage was over, and we landed amid the happy faces of our relations. Thus ended “My Happiest Holiday.” SPECIAL PRIZE. (Leonard Sharp, New Plymouth, age 14 years, 7 months.) The happiest and most interesting holiday 1 have ever had was in 1i921, when my mother and father took me to England to visit my grandparents and birthplace. We landed at . Southampton on a Thursday afternoon in the middle o-f autumn. After saying good-bye to the many friend® we had made on board and the hustle and bustle of the customs, we tock train to Waterloo. Just before we arrived at the station [ became very excited and as soon as the train drew alongside the platform I jumped out, thinking the train had stopped as it was running so silently. However, in less than a moment I was roughly handled, as I thought, and sev-

erely reprimanded by a burly porter. From here w.e travelled to Guildford (my birth-place). This old country town, which is the capital of Surrey, has 1 many old. and historic places, such as its old castle and well kept pleasure grounds, its clock-tower, its beautiful meadows, its navigable river, and standing far up on the hills are the stately old ruins of St. Martha’s and St. Catherine’s.

On arrival at my grand-parents’ home, I was delighted with the old house, which stood on the edge of one of the many beautiful Surrey commons. Here we had many happy time® playing cricket and other various games, but best of all 1 loved to gather blackberries, which grew in profusion all over the common.

We stayed here for several weeks and during this time we visited many other small towns and villages in Surrey, travelling chiefly by char-a-banc or bus, thus enabling file to see the beautiful English scenery decked in its autumn garb, which was quite different to anything I had seen in New Zealand. The next place of interest we visited was the quaint old city of Rochester (which was built by the Romans), with its gable-roofed buildings and narrow streets. This old’ city was written of by Dickens in several of hi® books. A short distance out of the town .is the beautiful old English home where Dickens died.

Of course, the most important, and beautiful building is the cathedral, which is the second to oldest in England, and is situated about fifty yards south of the High Street. Another important building in Rochester is Rochester Castle, where for the small sum of threepence one can inspect the interior of this old time fortress. We climbed to the top of the keep, where, on a bright, clear day cue of the most beautiful views of the surrounding country may be obtained. One cannot fail to be attracted by the beautifully laid out grounds and ivyclad ruins of tho old castle,- also by the numberless pigeon® wmeh were continually flying round the ruined walls or strutting and cooing in the various walks. A short walk along the riverbank brings you to one of the largest aeroplane factories in the south of England, which cannot fail to attract your attention.

When we visited Chatham (the adjoining town) we went to. the Chatham, dockyards, which was a wonderful place with all the cruiser®, battleships and submarines lying at anchor. Of course the most wonderful city, of all is Lomfon. Here I saw so many beautiful things that 1 will not be able to tell you all. The three meet important buildings are Westminster Abbey, St. Paul’s Cathedral and the Tower cf London. Westminster Abbey took centuries to build and herein lie many of the greatest statesmen, soldiers, sailors, and many of the old kings and queens. This abbey i® where the “Unknown -Soldier” is buried. At the main entrance of the beautiful -St. Paul's Cathedral there is a wide flight of steps, on which there are always a iarge number of pigeons waiting to be fed. Upon entering the first thing that you notice is the beautiful massive dome. The Tower of London is a dark, gloomy fortress guarding the Thame® River. The most notable tower in this building is “the Blcody lower.” It was a glorious autumn day when we went to Buckingham-Palace. and saw “the changing of the guard,” which was a brilliant spectacle with the soldiers in their gay i uniforms and the dazzling instruments of the band. Opposite the palace is a very imposing statue of white stone of the good Queen Victoria. Last but not least are the beautiful shops, in some of whidh one can spend a whole- day and then not see every department.

Almost at the end of our holiday we went to Portsmouth to see the Prince leave on his Indian tour. Huge crowds lined, the beach. It was a glorious picture when the warsbips moved elowly up the harbour, accompanied by three seaplanes. . ..

The last day before we left for New Zealand we Lad a slight fad of snow, which made a perfect ending to ottr holiday.