Thoughts in Harmony

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 10, Issue 15, 23 August 1946, Page 3

Thoughts in Harmony

Describing his Transjordan experiences to the Auckland Travel Club, Mr Hector Bolitho told how he used to go for walks with the Emir. Conversation was very limited as the Emir knew little English and Mr Bolitho equally little Arabic. There, after rain, the wildflowers opened out as if by magic, and during one of these walks they’ came upon a field of pink flowers, which, because of their short stems, did not wave in the breeze, but shimmered. The Emir made some comment in Arabic which his companion did not understand. Mr Bolitho remarked that the flowers- were “laughing.” The Emir then sent for an EnglishArabic dictionary, and turning to the word he used, pointed out the English equivalent. The word was “laughter.”

Banquet Cost £773 No expense was spared by the Harbour Board in office when the docks at Lyttelton were opened in 1883. Expressions of surprise were voiced by members of the existing board when the menu for that occasion, presented by Mr T. A. Cloudesley, was passed round at a meeting of the present board. The cost of the banquet was £533, in addition to which wines cost £240, and champagne then was only 10s 5d a bottle. “It looks as if we were a little late joining up,” said a member, scanning the menu. “I see they had wild duck, and it was January, too. There could not have been many Scotsmen on the board, for I see no mention of whisky.” “Perhaps we can put on another menu like that when we open more docks at Lyttelton,” remarked the chairman (Mr W. S. Mac Gibbon) with a smile.