The Pioneer and the Pension.

Hokitika Guardian, 19 August 1922, Page 1

The Pioneer and the Pension.

As 1 gazed on life’s’ drama, with its years swift by flying, 1 Saw a class of people that Were rapidly dying, Time had Worked out, and banished from fields where none were old. And gone was the pioneer whd was mining for gold. In the Capital City, brhving the elements for many a year, Stands the monument of a bold pioneer Unheeded by some, but cherished by thousands yet, Erected in memory, “lest we forget.” But fairer far, a monument of law, in existence still, “The old age pension” as they go down life’s rough hill. And the old pitiheer sitting by bis fife side, Calls to memory a lUimahc statesman, now, alas, across the Great Divide At first an abundance of shallow ground* ' In which highly payable gold Was found, Then, mining ventured Witll higher aims And prosperity was lost in deeper claims Rheumatism, a debt at the milling store, And years of wages’ work paying of! tho old score, Some bush toil, labouring at high tension, And then, thank God. “the old age pension.” Artii tiie pioneer whose step was getting feeble and old Had Found something that was better than silver, or better than gold, He had come to The Light, that is clearer than day, Arid noiv he was waiting, just waiting to fee called away. , _ B. BE BARKER. Ross, Aiigiist 17th.