The Spirit of Reform.

Kaikoura Star, Volume XIV, Issue 752, 3 July 1894, Page 6

The Spirit of Reform.

When the stout, brave hearts of manhood leap to reach a fair ideal, And the world looks up awakened, with the glances that reveal Perfect trust in one another, then, my heroes, how we’ll storm All the obstacles which long have stood between us and reform.

Fairer visions than the fancy of a poet sees to-day Will arise when high hopes struggle, and our best thoughts lead the way, And our love for every brother be the motive strong and true, Which will teach us all that man should for the rest of mankind do.

And though rough the path to freedom as a barren rock be now, And the thoughts that come within us bring but anguish to the brow, Yet ahead, just in the distance, which prophetic eyes may see, Are the scenes of man’s chief triumphs, in the days that are to be.

When our toilers learn the lessous that the time we live in teach How the power to rise up higher is placed in the grasp of each, That the strength which has been latent iu the long years of the past May be used for their own welfare in a commune that will last. It is unity of purpose—seeking out a common good— Reeognising men as brothers, and mankind a brotherhood, Who will stand beside each other iu the sunshine and the storm. Till each evil has been banished by the spirit of reform. J. O’Bbien. Wainiate, May 28, 1894.