Through South Westland : A journey to the Haast and Mount Aspiring New Zealand . ^ cloud. Beyond theford the land was cleared, and a few small settle-ments were dotted about. Truly a peaceful,lovely spot. I believe that it is the only quietford in South Westland—and we splashed throughcarelessly ; and as I rode up to a wide, low house, Iwondered why on earth we had arranged to go ninemiles farther, when here was such a haven for theweary ! The horses were led away, and I was taken intoa charming bedroom hung with white, all spotlessand inviting ; from this to a cheery parlour, wheregay flowers
Through South Westland : A journey to the Haast and Mount Aspiring New Zealand . ^ cloud. Beyond theford the land was cleared, and a few small settle-ments were dotted about. Truly a peaceful,lovely spot. I believe that it is the only quietford in South Westland—and we splashed throughcarelessly ; and as I rode up to a wide, low house, Iwondered why on earth we had arranged to go ninemiles farther, when here was such a haven for theweary ! The horses were led away, and I was taken intoa charming bedroom hung with white, all spotlessand inviting ; from this to a cheery parlour, wheregay flowers bloomed in the window, and a tea-tray. THE FOREST WORLD. 69 was temptingly spread for the travellers. Neverin the many teas I have enjoyed have I tasted onelike that! Home-made bmis and bread and butter,and delicious cream—why should we wanderfarther ? But Transomes plans, like the laws of theMedes and Persians, altered not, and he was soonurging me not to linger, as the worst part of thedays journey was before us. I think our kind hostswere as disappointed as I was, for I found I wasreally the first lady tourist to reach this point,and therefore, an object of interest. The Maoriladies of a small pah here, it seemed, wanted to seeme, and I had to wait a little till they had donnedtheir best; and when they appeared they hadput on everythmg they possessed: hats withfeathers and flowers, furs and coats—m spite of theextreme warmth of the weather. I received themsitting on my horse outside the verandah. Theyshook hands with gentle dignity, and in their softvoices said they hoped I liked their country. Iassured them I was c
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Keywords: ., bookcentury1900, bookdecade1900, bookidthroughsouth, bookyear1900
