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Ramblings by Rail

“Quest,” the versatile writer in the “N.Z. Sportsman,” gives his impressions of a recent excursion from Wellington to Masterton (Wairarapa) as follows:—

“Last Sunday's excursionists by rail had their enterprise rewarded. They were cheery optimists, every one of them: and their optimism struck a responsive chord in the warm heart of Mother Nature, for she stayed the fall of rain and caused the sun to shine in all its warmth and brightness. A gloomy depressing day in Wellington gave place to a perfect summer day in Masterton. Those who stayed in the city lost a glorious day in the delightful Wairarapa capital.

“These into-the-country trips by rail at low fares are a priceless boon to city folk. They are safe, comfortable. economical, restful, sociable, pleasurable. The run to Masterton last Sunday occupied about 3 1/2 hours, followed by a stay of nearly five hours in one of the most attractive, English-like towns in the Dominion. Its river, the Ruamahanga, is Anglican, too, and reminds one of dear old Father Thames near Kingston. And the pretty Queen's Park, with its deciduous trees of English origin—oaks, elms, and sycamores—looked like a slice of Surrey transplanted in this far-away southern world of ours. Everywhere one goes in the Wairarapa one feels the English spirit—that sweet, mysterious, indescribable Something that tells of the joy and glory of Empire. Both pride and pleasure are derived from the quiet contemplation of a smiling and prosperous countryside.

“Now, let us be personal. Have YOU, Mr., Mr., Master, or Miss Reader, ever railed it to Masterton for a quiet Sunday outing? Or Palmerston North? Both are comparatively short journeys, and inexpensive. If you have not, then you have missed one of the nicest little excursions, picturesque and educational, at your command. There's health for the body, repose for the mind, and joy for the soul the other side of the hills. There's nothing noisy or jarring in the outings. Everything is well-planned, well-ordered, and faithfully performed. Over the everlasting hills and beyond, you forget the cares, the worries, the petty disabilities of life; the dust of work, of business, is removed from the eyes and the cobwebs from the brain, and Monday morning finds you again at your varied tasks, brighter, better, stronger, happier and more contented.

“The railway is the safe way, the better way, to travel along Life's Milky Way.”

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