Musings and Meditations

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XLII, Issue 8, 24 February 1909, Page 2

Musings and Meditations

By

Dog Toby

A COUNTRY SHOW.

THERE are many ways of spending a pleasant day, but there are few more delightful than going to see a genuine country show’. Everyone in tne district has been making preparation for it weeks ahead, little else has been discussed, and great rivalry is manifested between the different settlements sending exhibits. I went to such a show recently, and shall always count it as amongst the happiest days I have ever spent. <s><s>«■ We got up early, as we had a long drive before us, and by eight o’clock we were all packed in a large wagonette and a buggy. We had a delightful drive of some ten or twelve miles through fields and along country roads that showed by their dust how impassable they would be in the winter. But this was summer, and a dry summer •at that, and except for the dust and occasional immense ruts the roads were good as country roads go. We had, of course, to get out and walk several times, but in winter we would have had to get out and push, which would nave been much worse. After a two hours’ drive we came to the outskirts of the village, and we decided to call a halt at one of the farm-houses. We were attracted by the magnificent orchard, and the owner's wife received us with true country hospitality, and suggested our picnicking in the bush that grew’ on the side of the hill on which the house was built. She sent us off laden with fruit, and we camped in an open spot under the shelter of the trees. Here we enjoyed a magnificent view of the surrounding country and the many luxuriant orchards whose fruit was' io be siieh a prominent featiire' of the’ exhibition. Then came the' drive to the grounds. Everywhere we saw traps, buggies, and saddle-horses bringing in the surrounding settlers. The hotel stables and paddocks were crowded with' steeds, and they were hung up also to every available fence, while rows of vehicles’ of all descriptions lined the roads.' The member for the district, a fanner himself, performed the opening ceremony, making a neat and appropriate speech. Then came a fine display of settlers’ turn-outs, the prize being taken by a splendid horse and gig belonging to one of the residents. The pony contest produced several entries, but there seemed little difficulty in awarding the' red ribbon, which was used to denote the winner. Ladies’ hacks and other entries followed, the merits of the different horSes and riders being freely discussed' by tne interested, spectators. But to many the great feature was the splendid display of fruit and vegetables in the exhibition tent; Those who are apt-to deery our Northern lands should see w’hat fine produce they can grow. It would oe difficult to match some of the exhibits in any part of the colony. There were also contributions of, bottled fruits and vegetables, jars of jam, honey, cookery exhibits, and some beautiful fancy needlework, all testifying to the skill and industry of the isetlers of the district. <S> <s> <s> But it is not merely in the things displayed that one finds the main interest of a country show ; it is rather in the men and women one sees assembled there. Y<iu meet the old settler, still strong and sturdy, despite his three score years; the young, line, upstanding fellows from the bush settlements, the matron who lias stood by her husband's side through all the early days of struggle, anil who lias reaped her reward in a happy homestead and independence that is none the less sweet because it has been hardly won. Ami here and there you may see the country maiden, dainty and fresh in her summer garb, shyly coy as she listens to the young settler who is telling her of the homestead he is making, and hinting the homestead is not for himself alone.

We live our lives in the busy haunts of men, the din of the city dulls our ear to the voice of God. It is well to wander forth to country fields, it is well to let our souls benumbed awake to life by contact with those in whom there is no guile. The sorrow’s crown of sorrow is remembering happier days. I recall another such day in the years tnat are long past. I recall the countryside, the village contests, the scent of meadows elover-strewn. And with it all there comes the memory of one, one whose life I hoped to link with mine, but whom God called ere sin could blight or sorrow fade, leaving to light and guide me through life’s maze the memory of what has been and never more can be.

There arc thousands of girls and women In New Zealand in the grip of Anaemia, Because their , blood has become thin and watery and dur hot summers always make the blood thin, their whole health is wrecked. They have a deathly pallor, dull eyes, fickle appetite,' dragging steps, without suengtli or vitality. If the state be neglected there are seiioiif changes that consumption inay develop. A replenished- blood supply will banish, the whole trouble. Amongst blood makers we have never heard of anything that seriously competes with Dr. Williams' Pink Pill's for Pale People. That's what they are for — .to. make new blood. They make girls and women well and happy, impart an appetite and steadily bring back the charm arid brightness of perfect, regular health. They cured Mrs Eliza A. Booth, 37, Stj Ase.ph-street, Linwood, Christehurclr, who made the following statement to a reporter: “flight 1 from girlhood I„ was- inclined to be v^eak 1 and'ihty blood was poor and thin. I did not' iiiive a bit of colour arid my lips' and giims 'were white and bloodless. I was always weak and tired arid languid, and’ had ■' 116 energy whatever. I suffered terribly Wftli 1 headaches and often bad to go to bed when they were very bad. I had no appetite at all and could hardly look at food.. I was frightfully nervous and would not stop in the house alone for the world. Often 1 had fainting fits. I was always restless at night and got little qleep. I was very depressed and low-spirited and took no interest in anything. I was ailing for two years before I started to take Dr. Williams’ Pink Pills. The third or fourth box made a big difference to me, and ten boxes completely cured me.” Insist on gritting Dr. Williams’ Pink Pills. They are sold by most chemists and storekeepers, of if not locally obtainable will be sent direct by the Dr. Williams’ Medicine Co. of Australasia, Ltd., Wellington, for 3/ per box, six boxes IC/6.