CRITIQUES.

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 194, 17 August 1929, Page 2 (Supplement)

CRITIQUES.

THE BUDGET DISCUSSED. READERS PROFFER SUGGESTIONS. Many replies were received in response to Peter Pan's appeal for criticism and suggestions regarding our Budget pages. The letter by Sheila Quinn is published below, together with extracts from one ox two others=

Headers are * invited to discuss the various points brought out in the published extracts.

This is the criticism of Helen Coates

"There are only ..four pages to the Budget which have to be full of fun and 'frolic. I think that too much space is taken in replying to the many letters of our sister and brother Budget rea'ders. The paper which appears on Saturday, if I may say so, could be improved by more competitions. Many country readers are sent the Saturday £Star" and not the Wednesday, so they'do not have a chance to compete or gain certificates. If some .space on page 3 in our corner could be found to run a competition every few weeks, it might be an improvement." I."''"-' i

"1 say—don't cut out the short story columns! '.''•-■ But for suggestions. Could we have a poetry column ? Who knows, we may have some budding poets in our midst who would be only too glad to display their talent. Or a senior-division ? The club has so many loyal supporters,, who, after becoming 18, are very reluctant to pull out."—Eden Coombes. Mount Eden, July 22. Dear Peter Pan, — In last Saturday's "Budget" I read your letter asking us to write and frankly''give our opinions of the "Budget." Taken as a whole, I think the "Young Folks' Budget" is a paper full of everything that interests young New Zealandcrs, and really there is little room for improvement. However, I am going to tell you what I think of all the features in its pages. So here goes. Well, first there are the Star Twinkles" on the outside pages. It would be an absolute calmity if _ these were changed. Ginge Meggs fascinates me, and I don't think I ever miss reading of his adventures. It is the same with Fashion Plate Fanny and Tiggy Touchwood. They are great, so please don't change them. Then we come to the inside pages, and there is such a number of items crammed in that I hardly know where to begin. Firstly, the short story competition. Well, Peter Pan, I think that section is just splendid. Apart from being interesting to readers, it encourages girls and boys, when they see their work in print. So again I must say, don't change it. And while we are on the story part I have a suggestion to make. Do you think a serial would prove interesting to "Budget" members? -A school serial, perhaps. I think all boys and girls like school stories. I know I do.

Then there is that little corner, where everyone looks, lam sure—the Call of the Club. If this is altered, Peter Pan, I know there would be an outcry from indignant club members, who have had visions of half a crown dropping from the skies.

I was rather pleased when you dropped the "Dear unto my Heart" competition, and I do hope you don't start it againv Frankly, Peter Pan, I never liked it. The entries were too alike to prove very interesting. Anyway, I much prefer the "New Corner" that has evidently' taken its place. Then there is the "Witch Doctor's" Corner. All I have to say about it is that it is too small. I am sure it would be a very good thing indeed if it were made a little larger. It is a real corner of knowledge, and I think it is specially interesting to the older readers. The Motto Competition is also good. There is something missing, I think,, in a paper that does not have a weekly motto.

"Our Mailbag" is next. It is pleasing to think that every boy or girl who writes to you gets an answer published in the "Budget." It shows that you are interested in all your members, and there would be a big gap indeed if this section were omitted.

Of the other things I will just say the same—don't change them, please. But I must specially say something about your weekly letter, and Wendy's. I always read them, and I* think it sets up a friendly feeling between the Captain, the Club Mother, and the members. . ■

And now, Peter Pan, about Penfriends. You have a system,_ I know, where members correspond with each other under pen names. I expect lots prefer this way, but don't you think some might like the other way of Writing under their real names. I know I should. You could perhaps have a corner once a month, and publish the names of boys and girls desiring correspondents. While we are on this subject, would if be possible for you to publish the names of children in other countries who want New Zealand pen friends. Canadian, American, or English, perhaps.

You have a girls' corner, Peter Pan, conducted by Tinker Bell, and it has proved very popular; also there is a corner for the Tinies, but there is no special boys' section, apart from your letter. Don't you think the boys might like a special corner, too? They themselves could suggest what they would most like published there. This idea has been in my mind for some time.

Well, Peter Pan, I think that is about everything. As you will see, I have not made many suggestions, for the simple reason that I think there is little room for improvement in your pages. So let's hope the "Budget" may continue to be the popular children's paper it has been in the past, and with very best wishes for the success of the 192930 "Budget," I remain, Your sincere friend, .;: SHEILA QUINN. "ONE GOOD TURN—." • Passing through a jungle, a traveller came upon a baby elephant that was limping. Picking up his foot, the traveller pulled out the offending thorn and passed on his way. Thirty years after the traveller was watching a circus performance when the same elephant (now in England) came in the ring to perform. At once he recognised the man, and, calmly walking over to him, hoisted him from the 1/3 seats into the 5/9 ones.