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The New Zealand Railways Magazine, Volume 3, Issue 8 (December 1, 1928)

A Railway Excursion to Daffodil Land — A Popular Outing

page 51

A Railway Excursion to Daffodil Land
A Popular Outing

“The daffodil is our door-side queen; she pushes up the sward already, to spot with sunshine the early green.”— Bryant.

In 1903 Mr. H. Hart, at that time one of the leading daffodil growers in the Dominion, having on hand a large surplus of daffodil bulbs was struck with the idea of naturalising them in grass on his property at Wetherston's, near Lawrence, Otago (says the “Otago Daily Times”). The first planting proved entirely satisfactory, and a yearly addition was made, until the result to-day, after 25 years of patient planting, is 12 acres of what was once unsightly hillside, closely studded with bulbs numbering, approximately, 1,000,000. The collection comprises most of the varieties known to horticulturists, from the massive trumpet nearly five inches in diameter, to the miniature cycla-minius barely a quarter of an inch across, and, in addition, a plot of a quarter of an acre containing some wonderful results of Messrs. Hart Brothers’ experiments in the crossing of daffodils.

Of late years the trip to Wetherston's in the springtime has become increasingly popular with flower-lovers, many of whom make an annual pilgrimage to the daffodil fields to feast their eyes on the beautiful sight of a hillside thickly carpeted with gorgeous blooms. Unfortunately, Wetherston's is somewhat off the beaten track and, as the trip there and back cannot be done under a day (excepting by motor car) the Railway Department, in running special excursion trains during the season of daffodils for the benefit of those not fortunate enough to possess a car, has performed a very real public service. That this service is appreciated is evidenced by the fact that no fewer than 800 passengers travelled by the two special trains despatched to Lawrence recently.

Despite the weather, which was hardly favourable for such an excursion, it was a happy crowd that travelled, and, by the time Lawrence was reached, any discomfort caused by a little rain was forgotten.

Lawrence turned out en masse to greet the excursionists, who lost no time in making for Wetherston's, either on foot or by ‘bus. Several buses were running between the township and Wetherston's, the proprietors doing a thriving trade.’

Thickly starred with millions of golden blooms, the hillside at the back of Messrs. Simpson and Hart's brewery was looking at its best, and the gorgeous sight drew forth exclamations of wonderment from the visito;s, many of whom, probably, had no conception that daffodils could grow in such profusion. Some of them, in defiance of large and plainly lettered notices requesting them not to pick the blooms, helped themselves liberally.

Among the Daffodils. Some fine blooms on Mr. Hart's property at Wetherston's.

Among the Daffodils.
Some fine blooms on Mr. Hart's property at Wetherston's.

page 52

Nemesis, however, in the shape of Mr. A. Hart, was soon on their trail, and each one, on arrival at the foot of the hill was quickly deprived of his or her spoils and courteously thanked by the owner for assisting him to pick them.

In the early afternoon the crowd was augmented by the arrival of still more visitors, who arrived either by car or by bus, until, by 3 o'clock, there must have been fully 1200 people in Mr. Hart's grounds. Many of the excursionists, having viewed the daffodils, filled in time until the departure of the train by in-specting some of the sluicing claims with which the district abounds, or by making a tour of the picturesque little town of Lawrence.

The Green Island Band, which travelled with the train, took up its position on the Lawrence railway station prior to the train's departure, and kept the waiting crowds in a happy mood with a number of well-rendered selections. Promptly at 4,30 the first train, well-laden, left on the return journey to Dunedin, and half-an-hour later, the second special followed bearing its contingent of holiday-makers, tired, but thoroughly happy after their day among the daffodils.

Social Gathering at Hillside Workshops

The new social hall provided by the Railways Department continues to be the centre of many enjoyable functions, these having been brought into effect through the unceasing efforts and activity of the Hillside Workshops Social Committee. Previous efforts in this direction were eclipsed when a most enjoyable function was held in the form of a children's plain and fancy dress dance. The hall was beautifully decorated with streamers and greenery and the lighting effects were an outstanding feature. Through the generosity of the employees of the Hillside shops, free entertainment was provided for the 250 children who attended. The grand march was headed by Mr. C. J. Graham, workshops manager, and Mrs. C. J. Graham, who were accompanied by the Meehan twins, quaintly costumed as little Dutch girls. The costumes of the children who took part were greatly admired by those present, and much ingenuity and taste was displayed on the part of the parents who fashioned them. During the evening dances, games, songs, and competitions were held, every child present entering into the spirit of the entertainment, which was provided by the energetic management committee.

Pleasing to the Eye of Travellers on the South Express The well cared for station garden at Balclutha, South Island.

Pleasing to the Eye of Travellers on the South Express
The well cared for station garden at Balclutha, South Island.

page 53

Continuous as the stars that shine And twinkle on the Milky Way,
They stretch'd in never-ending line Along the margin of a bay;
Ten thousand saw I at a glance. Tossing their heads in sprightly dance.
Wordsworth.

A Glorious Spring-Time Scene in Otago.

A Glorious Spring-Time Scene in Otago.

A Million Golden Daffodils in bloom on the property of Mr. H. Hart, at Wetherston's.