An Appreciation in Verse.

Upon the conclusion of a recent tour of the North Island by a party of American tourists, who engaged for the purpose one of the Railway Department's touring cars, a member of the party, Mr. F. P. Cashman, handed to the driver of the car, Mr. J. A. Hill, the following lines which convey the impressions gathered during a brief sojourn in New Zealand.

I've met a man from Auckland, and he is wondrous wise,
He carries with him many facts in a head of normal size.
Due to his cheery presence, each hour and each day flies.
Five Yanks from o'er the ocean wish these facts to emphasize.
Nine nights and days we've travelled far, by meadow, lake and rill,
And all the while our guide and friend has been esteemed Bob Hill.
He's taken us o'er mountain crest, and to the steam pots hot—
And is there single plaint to make? We gladly say there's Not.
New Zealand is a wondrous land, with beauteous bush and skies.
We say all this, and might say more without the use of lies.
Her folks have been most kindly; we've seen, this is no guess.
I'm sure you will believe me, when I say My Word Yes!

—Five Wise Yankees.

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