Select Poetry.

Lyttelton Times, Volume VI, Issue 35, 22 March 1856, Page 5

Select Poetry.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS OF NEW ZEALAND. BY A NEW CO.IIEH. Charged with a special mission fresh from homo, And doomed for a timo on other lands to roam, A humblo hard, with greater pride thau fear, Will say, if nsUod for an opinion here : — Of places, ns of lovers' hearts, 'tis found That first impressions arc the most profound: And, in the sterling riches of the mind, New Zealand leaves Victoria far behind. Hore honesty may boast some little sway, But there the human race seems bent on prey; Truo mcrii here may rule its owner's fate, While there a man is judged by his estate. Yet, when the colonies I calmly view, To pen n. feeble but a fair review, Mon's evil qualities Til not comparo, But sketch those hearts where virtue claims a share; Although whoro truth and justice may be seen, This social fact will ever reign supreme: 'Tis now as it has been since timo began— It is the mnd, not gold, that makes the man. Advance New Zealand! Your British sons, no less Than British sires, can boast tv potent Press ! What in it in the patriot's clouded hour That chocks oppression, and imparts a power To British glory? 'Tis the unfettered peu! So shall it bo with nations ns with men; And, when the Russian despot's made to feel A weapon keener far than IJriiUh steel, Knowledge and faith will deal the surest blow To enlighten serfs, and lay their tyrant low. And, oh, may Hoaven the future race endow, And plant the fruit of knowledge on the brow; Then social strife and foreign wars will cease, And all the world woar harmony mul pouco! D. P. (We taltotho above extract from the *' Nelsou lixaiuinor,")