The Wanganui Chronicle. SATURDAY, MARCH 11, 1944 THE TREASURED THING

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 88, Issue 60, 11 March 1944, Page 4

The Wanganui Chronicle. SATURDAY, MARCH 11, 1944 THE TREASURED THING

P VERY now and again in life one comes into possession of a treasured thing, each of which registers the milestones of our individual development.

The malicious mind finds in the news of some misfortune falling to another a thing to be treasured. The. malevolent, mind finds in the fictions and fancies of its own effort something equally attractive. The scandal-manufacturer is perhaps the lowest in the grade of all possessors, for such a one is even lower than the ranks of the scandal-mongers—and they are low enough in all conscience. To some the possession of security in the economic sense is the all-important thing in life. No matter how fortune deals with others the security of the individual is the only thing that is precious in the sight of these. To others, to be a hanger-on of some social hell is heaven indeed. Then there are those to whom the word “success” has as much fascination as have the eyes of a snake for a rabbit: they know it will mean their death, but they make no effort to escape. The flambuoyant ones who flaunt their possessions in the eyes of the world to bring forth the flattering word, too, have their treasured thing, even though the world may hold the possessor and the possession in derision. Rut all of these things are negative in their character. The world is full of treasured things, priceless possessions that man may have to enrich his life. It is remarkable how much beauty lies around us. The beauty of the Great Canopy is there for the possession of us all. Ray by day. hour by hour, almost minute by minute, there is going on an ever-changing action—from the dispelling mists of early morning to the purpling of the hills at evening. and at night, the wondrous glories of the stars. It. is said of men who have been denied a view of the sky that they long for it more than blind men Jong for sight. Mr. John Galsworthv. after a successful career as a novelist, devoted the remainder of his life chiefly to the protection of England’s Green Carpet. Wherever a road development or a ribbonbuilding scheme defaced the countryside. Galsworthy used Ills talents in defence of the preservation of the nation’s treasured things, and what tremendous energy was required to raise a sufficient number of voices in protest, against the desecration of the countryside even in tradition-ridden England. Small wonder that there is no protest in a new country like New Zealand against the emptying of town sewage into the Wanganui River, where little boys go bathing. Small wonder, too. that tipping of town refuse on river banks continues to the increasing .joy of the rodent population. The Wanganui River, to the people of Wanganui, is scarcely a treasured thing, .■judging by their conduct. Yet, V anganui could and should be the garden city of New Zealand. , True enough smart, people were in times past more concerned about, putting cash into their own pockets than they were in putting beauty into the community, and it. is the work of these “successful” men from which they city is now suffering. It was the. quiet workers who toiled with the late Mr. James McGregor in bringing Virginia Lake and McGregor Park to such a high level of beauty and of interest. Trees were obtained from throughout the world to be planted on the river bank on the eastern esplanade, and to-day. with the constant care bestowed upon them by the gardener, the esplanade is a place of quiet joy all the year round. There may be witnessed the procession of the seasons. There the quiet hour may be enjoyed, there peace reigns. McGregor Park is a treasured possession which would be appreciated by more people were there more seats along the path. Thon elderly people could make their way thither and warm their thinning blood in the early- afternoon sun. This to them would be a great boon in winter tinle. A citizen of Wellington wished that people should pause on their way and drink in the beauties of the city- of the hills: so he left, a sum of money which should provide comfortable seats with shaped backs on which the. legend was inscribed. “Rest, and be thankful.—J.N.” There must, be men and women here in Wanganui who hold within their hearts the memory of some delightful vista in and around the city. Would they not. be sharing their treasured thing with many if they were to donate a park bench to be erected at that beloved spot? Would it not be a gratification to the donor to know that many a weary passer-by has had his or her strength renewed by pausing where the donor had spent some happy moments?