ORIGINAL VERSE.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXXVI, Issue 14, 7 April 1906, Page 24

ORIGINAL VERSE.

rillZE ODE ON THE NEW ZEALAND JNTI:R N A 1 IO NAL EX II IB ITI <> N. THE ARGUMENT. The ode opens with a chorus of welcome to the old lands, with their glamour of history, from tin* new land, whose chief history is the lives of the pioneers, now passing away. New Zealand, uncolonised and uncultivated, is pictured lying In myssterious Southern Seas, remote from all civilisation. In imagination the first immigrant ships ar** seen slowly stealing through unfrequented seas to the new home. Then is suggested the change that has taken place in a mans life time; lei tile plains cultivated, and flocks reared on abundant pastures; th* 1 land has become one of health and prosperity, of peace without fear of war. That wnich was once so distant, is now brought nearer by means of ocean liners and deep s**a cables; the Fortum* Isles, again discovered by man. are hailed, but with a tempered joy, as we remember that the pioneers now sleep their last sleep. A glance of regret is cast towards the Maori, who must be fought <re the perfect peac l was attained, but who now, with his white fellow-colonist, < njoys that peace. Again attention is drawn to the progress of less than a century. Tin* stress of colonisation over, wr begin to find leisure for the cultivation of tl'< line arts; and this thought inspires us with the superb beauty of the land we have won: its scenery, its invigorating climate: its f utility, which enables a young colony to maintain a high place in the markets of the world. Beauty is not inimical to utility: and the hope is expressed that rather than become the arena for goldsweating combines. New Zealand, whilst nourishing commercially, will be the resting place, the recreation ground of nations; a haven of rest ami peace for which it is by Nature so peculiarly adapted. The world shall know of it! New Zealand opens her gates to the world: invites a display of the resources of nations, and side by side with them displays her own. The ode closes with a paean of triumph that New’ Zealand is no longer tin* unknown, the unvalued, ami with praise to God for protection in the past, ami prayer for aid in days to come. THE ODE. Hail! Hail! from i>Tes of the uttermost Homing from continents hoary, Grey with the passing of years, History giving a glory, A glamour made tender with tears. Hail! Hail! th** land with its future to be, Now Zealand, cries Welcome! Ah! ’mid our joy, the pilgrims are passing We front their labour find leisure, We from their hands have our home; (Mingled is sorrow and pleasure. See! ‘mid the perilous foam A bountiful wilderness lay. Where pilgrims found welcome, HaiH Hail! from the uttermost sea! The land with its future to be, New Zealand, cries Welcome’ Long, long she lay, in isolated splendour, Seas her defences, distances her shield: Morn glorious rose, and even closed In tender, Lorn lay this Eden fair, once lost, again See! timorous ships, the white winged ships of ocean. Venture from northward, through unfurEyes eager gaze, hearts thrill with deep emotion, , Art tin* vast sea lays bare, gives up, its mysteries. Now, wonder, now! the life of one man passing. Might see the changes, gold grain snowy fleece; fine wealth on wealth within her shores amassing, Health, wealth, prosperity, and glad unthreatened peace! Lands hoar with eld!—once half a world asunder, Once girt, by oceans, dark to human ken, Neai’ now have drawn these isles of endless wonder; Hail! fruitful Fortunate Isles! Peace! bold seafaring men! * I Not unsought th*- isles were found; j Nut nnfought, the isles were won; Ere the nead with peace is crowned ; Strife must end and war be done; In their southern solitude Nature s children dwelt in feud.

Pioneers found the land. Torn by battle-loving band; Pioneers have but done What by Nature was begun: Brothers! less by this our shame; Ye were dying when we came! Tillage and shepherding gave us their guerdon. Bridged is the distance of severing seas; L’ast is the heat of the day witii its burden, Fruitful with purpose our leisure shall be; Haven of beauty! from arduous duty Gladly we turn for our solace to thee. Ere a short century lies on man’s labour, See what his hands have accomplished and done; Welcome the leisure for viol and tabor, Welcome the leisure that labour lias won; Now may we nourish the arts till they flourish. Something of beauty shall gladden the sun! Th<* lakes! the trees! the everlasting hills! The fiery regions of the earthquake god! The fastnesses, where no man shears or tills; The virgin depths of age-unshriven sod! A young 'and, new land!—virgin from whose eyes Are caught fleet glimpses of a Paradise! A land whose loveliness renews the breath, Ami stays the hand, the ruthless hand of death! The pastured hills! the broad and fertile plains. Whose produce in the world finds welcome sure! The land Hint in the world's wide market gains A place that older lands can not secure! The mines! the meads!—they rival England’s own!— Behold!—to all the world is shown L Lility and beauty may be one; That here the gold is gathered from the sun! G. Open stands Now Zealand’s gate, Hither throng the Nations: . In these halls they joyous wait With a world's creations. Far tin* clarion notes are blown. She is famed, who was unknown! Here is shown what she has done. Needs of men supplying: Here is shown what may be won, Dearth and death-defying; Through eolonia- rigour-bred. They shall lead, who once were led! Wide and wider fling the gate, Who will aid may enter; Teacher, artist, man of State, Artisan, inventor; Here a sturdy people heeds Social laws and labour's needs. Wider fling the gate, more wide! See! the Nations olden, Breasting through a silver tide Seek our borders golden! Hither comes the fleet that plies .With a wide world's merchandise! 7. Joyously! Joyously! sing triumphal strains of toil victorious; Joyously! - A Colony begun is waxed to Nation glorious! World-renownea! World-renowned: She serene shall sit in her security! Praise to God for aid in younger days, and pray lor aid through glad maturity!