Through south Westland, a journey to the Haast and Mount Aspiring, New Zealand . ist; gorgesand foot-hills were cut off by a level band of cloud;nothing to be seen but grey stones near hand, anddistant purplish forest afar, under the soft, billowymist. Later it cleared, and about five oclock wewere riding down to a lovely still ford, lying blueand fair in the sunshine. Long reaches of quietwater stretched under over-hanging trees, leadingthe eye up to distant blue mountains, across whichlay the last wreaths of silvery cloud. Beyond theford the land was cleared, and a few small settle-ments wer
Through south Westland, a journey to the Haast and Mount Aspiring, New Zealand . ist; gorgesand foot-hills were cut off by a level band of cloud;nothing to be seen but grey stones near hand, anddistant purplish forest afar, under the soft, billowymist. Later it cleared, and about five oclock wewere riding down to a lovely still ford, lying blueand fair in the sunshine. Long reaches of quietwater stretched under over-hanging trees, leadingthe eye up to distant blue mountains, across whichlay the last wreaths of silvery 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. X CO THE FOREST WORLD. 69 was temptingly spread for the travellers. Neverin the many teas I have enjoyed have I tasted onelike that! Home-made buns and bread and butter,and delicious cream—why should we wander farther?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 everything they possessed: hats withfeathers and flowers, furs and coats—in spite of theextreme warmth of the weather. I received themsitting on my horse outside the verandah. Theyshook hands with gentle dignit
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Keywords: ., bookcentury1900, bookdecade1910, bookpublisherlondo, bookyear1911
