WHILE MUSING ON ITS VERANDAH
In December 1883, John Hargrove MARRINON , a Son of Mary's, was living at his home, in Tamavua-- a Suburb of Suva Fiji, where he had built "Emerald Villa". The Words of this Song, have been in the family , for WELL over 100 Years, but the Tune it was sung to was lost. AIR:-- 'The Preety Maid Milking The Cow '. Found in 2002 and is the Background Music to this page-- So , sing Along with John Hargrove.MIDI Tune,courtesy of
www.ireland-information.com

After many long years of roving,
In Fiji twas my lot to sit down,
As its capital Suva was Forming
I visited that place of renown.
Its suburbs in vendors were clothed.
And everything Charming to view.
I have seen nothing yet for to equal,
The scenery of Sweet Tamavua.

From its green hills you can see the broad ocean
Both near and far,far away.
The Islands ; Ovalau,Angau and Kandavu,
Like dark clouds, rise out of the Sea.
On the West, is the Island of Benga;
To the East is Lauthala's broad bay,
Suva Harbour so still and enchanting,
Just so it seems everyday.

The landscape is truly imposing.
Twould give many a mind blessed relief,
to see land in silvery frilling,
As the waters break over the Reef.
Its slopes, its hills, dales and valleys
All draped in an emerald blue hue.
You see the bountiful works of Creation
From the green hills of Sweet Tamavua.

There grow the Orange and Lemon in abundance,
There also the Strawberries and Cream.
It's a land flowing of Milk and Honey
and luxuries too numerous to name.
Its valleys lie smiling before you
and all things delightful to view.
I have seen nothing yet near so pleasing.
as my first Christmas in Sweet Tamavua..

J.H.Marrinon. December 1883. [ I Don't Think I'm tone deaf, but I'm blowed if I can make the Words fit the Tune.. Dave.]