ODE TO WANGANUI

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 90, Issue 118, 23 May 1946, Page 4

ODE TO WANGANUI

ANNIVERSARY OF EXHIBITION This ode, written to commemorate the opening of the Wanganui Exhibition on May 21, 1881, has, within the period of 65 years that have elapsed since its writing, become a truth rather than a mere belief. “ODE “To Commemorate the “OPENING OF THE WANGANUI EXHIBITION, “May 21, 1881. "After times that hardly pressed us Under fortune’s adverse frown, Thro’ the clouds of darkness bursting That have long enwrapped our town, See, again the day is breaking, Morning ray of light and life, Gleam of art anci gleam of learning Shining in our children's sight. “Since the first faint streak of dawning, Since the love of art had birth, Hath her name not aye gone forward ’Mid the cities of the earth, And we see her works around us, Homesteads spreading far and wide, Roads outstretching, great walls binding. Folding arms around the tide. "Then let songs, of joy re-echo, As we greet this welcome day, That by gathered treasure showeth, Still a step upon her way: She who gocth on advancing, Gaining something every year. On the scroll of time recording, Golden letters, strong and clear. "Till her children yet may rival, In their works of art and fame, That far island, North Sea bounded, Whence her thronging thousands came, Till upon the Southern Ocean, Sits our town, a Queen indeed, And the nations sing her praises, Giving her her glory's meed."