"RETROSPECTIVE"

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 9, Issue 60, 8 April 1946, Page 8

"RETROSPECTIVE"

Today we hear the wide world's news, Expert opinions and modern views That come swifter than the speed of light, Tirelessly by day and night, To lonely outpost and busy street, Where a few are grouped or where millions meet; Distance matters not one jot, We get information piping hot — Before the sun has time to reach us, The radio is there to teach us The ins and outs of world affairs, At evensong and morning prayers. What a contrast to the bygone days, When news came slowly o'er rugged ways, By horse drawn coaches and oldtime sails, Delayed by bad roads and heavy gales, When most folk slept, in the selfsame bed, In the same old house, till they were dead, And never travelled beyond the sight _ t Of their chimney' smoke, and window bright, To guide them safely home at night; Home sweet home, was their all in all, With all they loved within easy call— Till wanderlust troubled, their offsprings' breast And the fledgelings left the dear old nest. With the same fond love, for home sweet home, When they had lost the desire to roam, They built their nests across the seas, And became the parents of families, That have just emerged from a world-wide strife To save the relics of the old home life, Without which home can never be A'haven of rest, and security.

H. SERGANT.