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

[section]

“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.

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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.