THE PIONEERS OF HAMILTON.

Waikato Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 2671, 24 August 1889, Page 2

THE PIONEERS OF HAMILTON.

[ust live-and-twcnty years ago, how ouicklv time Hies en; Our pioneers, alas now few, to Hamilton did come. In troublous times their advent was, with danger Hut on they pressed and victory won, for nought they knew of lcar. In wilds unsettled, rough and rude, they boldly settled down, Their shoulders to the wheel they put and founded our fair town, And now the quarter century's passed the remnant of them meet. To fight their battles o'er again and green old memories keep. But in the fivc-and-twcnly years that since have passed away The rider of the dread pale horse has often passed this way, And borne from out the midst of friends old comrades stout and brave, Into the unknown realms of rest whose border is the grave. But they, who yet survive will keep their mem'And as they meet will conjuic up full many a byIn wliMuhu absent played their part and iobly As brave and hardy pioneers of Hamilton's fair town. And when the saplings planted now to sturdy oaks shall grow, Aud generations yet to come sit 'neatb their branches low, The old shall tell the young they've been planted Each as a lasting memento of a hardy pioneer. And may the remnant of the band be spared for years to come, And smooth the road yet left to them e're yet life's race is run; But before they pass away we'll all honour to them show, Our brave and sturdy pioneers of fivc-and-twenty years ago. W. C. Castlutok. Frankton, 22nd August, ISS3.