VISITORS’ IMPRESSIONS

Waikato Times, Volume 194, Issue 22243, 12 January 1944, Page 2

VISITORS’ IMPRESSIONS

VIEWS OF PUKEKURA PARK Humour, cautious praise, unqualified admiration and evidence of interprovincial rivalry are reflected in the impressions of visitors to Pukekura Park, New Plymouth, which are recorded in a book kept in the fernery for the purpose. Those loyal to the attractions of their own home town have left the following notes:—“Excellent for one who has never been to Christchurch,” “Not a patch on Timaru,” “Equal to beautiful Palmerston North,” “Nearly as good as Auckland.” These record a feeling that is more than met by such remarks as “Nature’s Wonderland,” “I have never seen a more beautiful park in New Zealand,” “Came from Auckland to see it—well satisfied.” By contrast there is the entry: “Thanks for the orchids. They’re dear at the florists.” That may be so, but to leave such an admission must be further evidence of a queer sense of pride. “Words fail,” said another caller, but whether the reference was to the lemarks above is not made clear. Allied servicemen have shown a great interest in the gardens and the ferns, and one frankly stated that he had never seen anything like it. “I think you have something we haven’t got.” Another recalled a similarity to the parks at Minneapolis. From a man whose home is in Chattanooga came the entry “A whopper,” and another party of Americans confined themselves to “Swell, very nice.” Servicemen’s Comments Among the soldiers, sailors and airmen who have spent a quiet interlude at the park in recent months there has been a considerable number of members of the 2nd New Zealand Expeditionary Force home from the Middle East. Colloquial Arabic appears frequently, and as if in apology, some have added the English equivalent—always tending to the superlative. More bluntly one recorded that there was no place like New Zealand, and as a member of the Army Nursing Service she might be expected to know. An officer was emphatic that the gardens surpassed anything in the Middle East. The thoughts of many writers * turn to love. That may be an indication of the number of young married couples who visit the park in the days of their honeymoon. Whatever the solution is one can understand the bridal couple who wrote, “New Plymouth is a nice place for a honeymoon,” and a second who left on record “An exquisite place to visit on a honeymoon.” Apt lines of doggerel abound, and as if in rebuke to the expression “I have not seen so many ferns in one place” follows the quotation: “The Glory of the Garden abideth not in words.” “Mine yes have beheld the Glory,” writes an admirer, but for brevity and quality this tribute stands out: “Simply beautiful.” » STOCK SALES TOMORROW The Farmers’ Co-operative Auctioneering Company Limited draw attention to their stock sale to be held at Waihou tomorrow, at which fixture they will offer 200 head of cattle, 2000 fat and store sheep and 250 lat, store and weaner pigs. At their Tirau stock sale on the same date 100 head of cattle and 100 b/t store lambs will be submitted.