POETRY.

Te Aroha News, Volume VII, Issue 458, 29 March 1890, Page 6

POETRY.

AUCKLAND’S JUBILEE. 1890 The Jubilee is over! But Oh! what memories rare , We may at will discover Of scenes so brightly fair: The bard with lightsome fingers May rove the lyre along. O’er many a charm that lingers To grace poetic song. Bright Avas the opening morning. Cloudless the sapphire skies. As the procession forming Gladdened astonished eyes. Banners and flags Avere flying. Blythe Avas the music sweet, As the procession hieing Moved down the crowded street. The Waiteruata’s waters Disclosed a peerless sceae, When Auckland’s lovely daughteraIn pride of place were seen ! Arrayed in choice attire, So fairy-like and sweet, To see was to admire And rapturously greet. The racing yachts were breasting The sun-kissed wavelets there; . And gallant crews contesting For honours some will bear. Whether the vision rested On 4 Maud,’ or fairy 4 Spray,’ • The prospect Avas invested With loveliness that day! Steam-launch and skiff of pleasure, The scows and steamers gay Were thronged AvithcroAvds at leisure r Each contest to survey. Bright smile and acclamation ; Each with each other vied To greet with approbation The victors far and wide. And then Avhen evening veiling The glorious face of day. With tranquil charm assailing, Brought into ampler play The scenic decorations Attractive of the street, Did those illuminations Become so fair to greet. But. ah! the crowning splendour Was Auckland's fair Domain! - Where Nature best could render . . What Art cannot attain. Thousands had here assembled, Circled in pleasing guise, While gentlest breezes trembled Under these Southern skies. Freely and well contested Seemed to be each event; Failure appeared divested Of chagrin and dissent. Gay were the peals of laughter Hailing each humorous sport Fun at the time—and after Theme for the Muse to court. See in their youthful vigour, . Athletes Avere here descried, Trained to present a figure Of strength to grace allied. Well might their skilled Professor . : ' Bo proud of this display, From greater unto the lesser Perfect in every way. Cyclists are now careering In an exciting chase; Anon, with hearty cheering Is seen the Chinese race; And next, to enhance the meeting. Come those from England’s shore— Our gallant tars—competing Injoyous tug-of-AVar, Then came the culmination— The famous native dance. Li3t to their exultation As wildly they all advance. Strange is the sight, and stranger To think of those of yore Who faced the real danger And fought in the Maori War. Is not the scene imposing— Where ’neath the stately trees Beauty and youth reposing,' Tranced in luxurious ease. Branches and boughs revealing Sheen of the setting sun. Shadows around .iuet stealing And twinkling of stars begun ? Cynics may carp protesting And rail at the Jubilee; But what is the sneer and jesting Contrasted with all I see ? Auckland has been victorious. And truly henceforth maybe, In spite of a voice censorious, Proud of her Jubilee! A. W. HURRT. Hobson’s Buildings, March 15,1890.