AN AUCKLAND SCARE.

Observer, Volume 7, Issue 237, 28 March 1885, Page 9

AN AUCKLAND SCARE.

(Written for the Observer.)

By W. K. Wills,

0 ! a sudden burst of glory overspread the sleeping towifc For the sun, in Autumn sjjlendour, his fair beams glinted down There was not a dog to growl, nor a tippler in the .street ; All were asleep and dreaming, save the bobby on his beat !

When, hark ! that sound !— what fearful

things can happen in an hour ? Earthquake and hurricane — the cyclone's deadly power ! So people thought, as pell mell they rushed into the street. "What is it, Eobert? Tell us!— Brave Robert on the beat ? "

But never a word he murmured — never a sound gave he,

But in a fit of frenzy he danced demoniacally. '"Tis here!" they cried; "'tis here!"

they cried. Whatever could it be ? None knew, but many thought, 'twas a comet on the spree.

That sound was heard so far and wide — right unto Otahuhu ! Where bucolic poets, by the score, their inspiration drew. One of the chosen saddled horse, and to Auckland came, straightway, And to the frightened citizens and bobby thus did say :

"Be not afraid, good people, that sound should not alarm ! "'Twill not hurt you, my little dears, nor do the Russians harm ! "'Tis no comet, nor an earthquake, nor anything — d'ye see ? But the blazing-, in its glory, of the One* Gun Battery ! "