COMING FROM US

Auckland Star, Volume LXV, Issue 267, 10 November 1934, Page 2 (Supplement)

COMING FROM US

49, Wilson Street, Hawera. Dear Wendy, — I do love your new column, and all the interesting things it holds, letters and poems and tilings about books, and your own lovely letters—though they're shorter than they used to be. How I wish the Budget was twice as large as it is! It's eo much bigger than other club pages, but however big it were made I'm sure we'd still wish it were "just a bit bigger." Because we can't have too much Budget! Isn't it funny, Wendy, everyone says "I feel rather sad at the change, although I'm glad, too"—and that is just how I feel! 1 suppose it's because there's always something dear about old things and old ways, however much better new ones may be. Oh, I d"o think Phyllis Hughes' idea of a reunion page for old members is a splendid one, Wendy. Please ask Peter Pan to have- one soon. It would be such fun to welcome back people like Alfred Ansley and Kathleen Neely and Phyllis Crowley and—and all the others who used to make our Budget so splendid. Sometimes I look back over old Budgets ■with a feeling of regret, and wish we had lots of old members back—althotigh the days when they wrote were the days when I was still trying to write a story that would be good enough to be in the Budget—my stories never were good enough, for a long time. Still, I "tried, tried, and tried again"—and what a thrilling day it was when I at last succeeded!

Wendy, aren't little children funny? I was talking to the little girl next door one day, and I asked her her name; she said it" was "Valda —Valda Jacqueline." "That's a pretty name," said I; but she didn't agree. "I wish it was Lisabel," she told me with a little pout. Then I asked her if she liked school. No, she didn't. Nor reading? No. Nor playing with dolls? Yes —but not very much. What did she like, then Making mud-pies. . . "And I've got two spoons," she told me triumphantly. "And some tins . . ." Perhaps she will be a good cook. Do you like cooking, Wendy? I can make beautiful puddings—as a rule. Sometimes they go wrong, though. Once I took out a boiled pudding that looked bo nice on top, but when I turned it out on a plate it just went squaeh, most woefully! I'm not very good at cakes, but then I don't make them very often. I've tried econes several times, but they've always been diemal failures. I suppose I shall just have to "try, try, and try again." I think I shn.ll have to make that my watchword, or something. There's no saying more true than that success comes by trying. I suppose there are lots of Budgetites whose efforts seem to them unappreciated. My advice to them all is "try again"—advice that comes through experience.. fioodness —advice and experience! It mnkoj ime think of an old, grey-haired lady sLaking her finger and gravely Haying "Now, my child, I know the ways of the world . . ." Well, I'm not as old as that, but I do know T was trying from the time I was 11 till the time I was 14 before I succeeded in writing a story Peter Pnn thought good enough to print, and it was worth it I remain, Yours sincerely, Elsa Flavell.

31, Summer Street, Stanley Bay, N.I, Dear Wendy,— Did you like school when you were a girl ? I ain not sure whether I do or not. Mother says she wishes she was back at school. "School days were best," says she. Sometimes I try to think that too, and try to imagine what I would do without school. I think if one thinks of her work as play, and sets her heart to throw a goal and makes fun out of every hard maths, problem, one will find it much easier. Last year I had been away from school for almost half the year, and I had an amount of schooling to pick up which I was finding very hard, but this year I had caught up a-great deal more, and I was feeling much better and healthier after the Christmas holidays, so I made up my mind to do my problems as games, not hard, horrid algebra, geometry or Latin, and I have found it so much more worth while. Didn't it turn out a gorgeous Labour Day? This morning, first I thought it was going to rain, then to be fine, then to rain, and at last, after all the chopping and changing, the sun burst through the clouds and took the upper hand. We went to the Zoo. It was marvellous! First we saw the deer and llamas, with their funny long necks and quivering lips. Have you noticed how their lips quiver? Then came the tremendous prairie buffalo, rolling in the dust and kicking its hairy legs in the air. As the time was then about half-past twelve wo went into the kiosk and had lunch. Then suddenly, as we turned a corner, we were just in time to see the peacock with its tail spread. I have never seen

WENDY'S LETTERS.

TO-DAY'S WINNER. Elsa Flavell, Hawera.

anything more glorious. It strutted along, holding up its proud head and knowing that it was the most beautiful and perfect creature on earth. Reluctantly wo left this beautiful sight and passed on to see the chattering monkeye. How happy they were! Jumping in the air- for sheer delight of being alive, and nothing else to worry about. Then as we turned we saw the tremendous hippopotamus wallowing in the mud, with its great heavy head hanging under the water, as if it were ashamed to hold it up and show its huge gaping jaws. At last, as it was getting late, we just had time to feed Rajah and watch him take the food on hie iron-like trunk to his mouth. How sad wo were to leave such a marvellous scene, but on thinking we always knew we could come again. I suppose I have bored almost to having cramp with this lengthy epistle on two subjects only, but I find them both very interesting, and I hope- you will. Well, good-bye till my next letter, which I am sure you will hope to be shorter, and hoping you also had a very enjoyable week-end. I remain, Your faithful Budgetite, Yolande Swaim.

Lorraine Remington—We liked your -contributions, Lorraine, and thanK you very much For sending them In. Trevor Blithe —So glad the prize arrived safely, Trevor. K. Nlcholls—By counting the number oi points In your possession and addlnsr threi points for every birthday celebrated sine, you've bnen a member of the , club, you will bo able to reckon up the total number of points to your credit. Lily Brogden—Warm days are with us, Lily, and swimming will soon be the ordei of* Urn day. Some brave spirits have already taken to the water. Annie McCullough—Rain nnd wind arc very miserable, Annie. We can expect better weather now, though. Phllippa Simpson—Let us hope the examination results prove satisfactory, Philllpa. I'm sure they will. Nancy Reid—A happy party, I am sure, Nancy. What a sood time you had. Earle Oliver—Afraid no pen-friends are available Just now, Earle. Badges are obtainable rrorn tins onice, price 1/. Margaret Walker—A splendid hobby, Margaret. The garden must be ono mass or bloom now. Dorothy South—Examinations sro certainly drawing- near. Dorothy, and with the proficiency waiting I can Imagine y° u are a very busy person. Betty Rambaud—With the ducklings past their baby stage, you should have no more trouble rearing: them. Vera Foil—Splendid, Indeed, that "Mae" and "Harry" did so well In the great air race. Palincrston North certainly celebrated the victory In fine style. Won't the aviators receive a grand reception when they return home? Joan White—Dear me, Joan, you were unlucky gettins? sick Just at the holiday weeK-end. Farm life Is very Interesting , . You need not be a member before enterIng- competitions. Nola Qoodison—As you will have noticed, the guides now have a column In the Wednesday "Budget." Beryl IWcShane—The two patches were received safely, Beryl. Many thanks. Audrey Bock—As you say, Audrey, the Editor's corner is very useful to youngwriters and artists.

Kathleen nicWllliams—Time nnd tide wait for no man: neither dons the mall train. The short note 13 forg-ivon. Unity Murray—One certificate was sent In error. Unity. Please destroy It. Wary Ellis—We wore all grind that Peter Pan's prophecy proved true, although them were showers In a few Isolated places. Nancye Ormo—A note has been made of the now address, and the membership certificate , will be replaced. June Hilder—l hope Una hart a happy birthday, June. We have added her namo to the birthday list. Peter Dempsey—A nice letter, Pctor. Sofry about the; birthday, but such a mistake won't happen asain. Joan Davey—lf you saved up the certlnatcs. you'll have no trouble in calculating: the number of points to your credit. Sadie ftiolnnes—A fniest of the birds— that'.'; a novel iriea, Sadie. or course I didn't grot a headache through readingyour letter, it was very Interesting , . Nancy Kear—You'll have an exciting , time rapturing- white butterflies, Nancy. They are sprightly little creatures, and very hard to catch napping , . Stella Roberton—Our wild bush In spring- is indeed a frlnrlous slg-ht, Stella. The debate Idea Is quite (food. June Carter- — IFow nice it was of you to send thp little, spray of rnorlc apple blossom. I liked it ever so much. Una Hilder—What a splendid birthday party you had, Una. nnd what a lovely lot of presents you received. Alison Archay—Such a lonfr and newsy letter, Alison. I was so pleased to receive It. Monioa Matheson—We echo your "three ftheers for summer time," .Monica. Old Mr. Sun Is certainly our friend indeed, nnd It would be cmite Impossible, to live without him, Joan Leach—Oood lucK to you, Joan, I hope the examination results arc just as you wish, IWarooret Reid —What a newsy letter, Margaret, and here Is the. answer you are awaiting; so eagerly. Ron and Emslle and J)es sound very Jolly to me. I am sure you must have many g-ood times tog-ether.

Olga Maseman—l'm glad you did write and tell me about Hie trip Into tho country, Olga. I'm sure it was a very pretty drive. Shirley Wndo—You seem to have spent quite an eventful week-end despite the showers, Shirley. Yes, thank?, we're both ([itito well, and enjoyed our holiday. Edna Garner—Gracious! You are well oft Tor pets, Edna. I'm sure you have a very busy time feeding them all. Bonnlo iWcColi—As the first event or Its kind, tho Centen-iry air race will certainly go down In history, it was all very exciting,. Joan Davey—Spring- soon merg-es into summer, Joan, and the lambs and chickens and ducks soon grow up, Just as you say. IVloira Kortegast—You should have no difficulty in finding the beauties or spring, Tor examples can be round all around us. Margaret Kedzlle—Of course you can enter Tor the competitions before you are a member or the. Peter Pan Club, though, or course, we will be very pleased to enroll you. Lorna Borland—Quite a good idea, Lorna. Gardens are looking their best Just now. Hazel Curtls'-Smith—The Northern scenery is Indeed very grand. Hazel. I agree that most people appreciate it very much. Pat Shepherd—A good resolution, Pat. Wo will expect to hear quite a lot rrom this pioneer member. Doris Uodanovioh—So glad you nice the new Rudgot, Doris. Thanks for the letter. Nola Tinsley—Three days with 'flu! I hope you're quite better now. Joan Anstis—A pretty thought, and expresses well the freshness of. the new "Budget." Edna Shields—What with the pets and the garden, .you'll have your time rully taken up now. Nancy A!drcd—We thank you Tor your letter, Nancy, and are pleased to Know that your Interests will remain with us even though you have passed the age or active membership. Eunice Macintosh—Weeds are the bugbear or a gardener's life. I'm sure the tulips were very beautiful, and know that I would have been proud or them too. Dorothy Calvoy—A most successful tour, Dorothy, and one I am sure your basketball team thoroughly enjoyed. Vivienno lucky you are to have your own swimming bath's, Vlvionne. Yes, the "Magic World" story is getting , very thrilling. Jeanne Withers—Sorry, Jeanne, but the painting: came too late for the comoeti-J Won.