Aunt Margaret Visits Thames

Manawatu Times, Volume 62, Issue 43, 20 February 1937, Page 16 (Supplement)

Aunt Margaret Visits Thames

.DEAR COGS, I was cosily tucked away in my corner this morning when Hub suddenly demanded that I should write you a letter about my holiday, so I had to uncurl aud busy myself with paper and pencil. I wonder have you ever seen pohutukawas in bloom, not just one tree but many overhanging a rocky seashore! They are a wonderful sight with theii vivid red blooms making a striking contrast against the deep green of the leaves. The day I visited Thames the weather was not very kind and the sea was turbulent, waves breaking against the rocks and sending their spray high into the air. However, in spite of this there was brightness on every side. Along the magnificent up the Coromandel Peninsular were these ceautiful pohutukawas silhouetted against a foaming sea and on the other side, on hills towering above, were gorgeous blooms of every hue. They were in amazing abundance, hydrangeas in every shade of pink and in each sheltered little valley were early fruit trees laden with fruit, while grapevines were growing wild on every tree and fence. I would surely like to be there when the grapes ripen, Cogs. Along the route were many little bays inviting one to have a dip, but, alas, Mr. Weatherman did not encourage the acceptance oi this invitation. Cottages were nestled close against the hills and curiously enough they seemed to be very much alike* brown and green being the predominating colour schemes. In writing of Thames, however, its old associations with the gold-mining days should not be forgotten and mention should be made of the fishing fleet. I think I was more interested in the fishing fleet. Each day these little craft, mostly launches, set out for a day’s fishing and later return to the mainland with their catch, which they take to huge depots, situated very near the wharf. Your friend, AUNT MARGARET.