The Gardening Cup's Appeal

In order to raise funds to defray expenses in connection with the recent station gardens competition in Otago, an enthusiastic member of the Wingatui staff hit upon the novel idea of writing the following lines, which he displayed (along with the Gardening Cup won by Wingatui last year) in the ticket lobby at that station. The idea worked successfully, a satisfactory sum being placed in the collection box provided:—

Dear Friends,—

Now that I am here,
I'd like to stay another year.
I've tasted Burnside's “spicy” air—
And do not want to go back there!
I'm having here a glorious time,
In Eden's garden so sublime;
I bide my time—at your sweet will,
Your ladies’ smiles all haunt me still;
Your men, I know, are all good sorts,
They “play the game”—real dinkum sports;
And Miss New Zealand can't compare
With your wee maids for beauty rare.
'Twould break my heart to part from you—
So, let me tell you what to do:
Just make a noise inside this tin,
And help the staff first prize to win
With contributions large or small.
The cause is good.
I thank you all!
The Cup.