Wendy's Mail Bag.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVII, Issue 235, 3 October 1936, Page 16 (Supplement)

Wendy's Mail Bag.

C/o Cable and Wireless, Ltd., Suva, Fiji. Dear Wendy,— I am going to tell you about some lof the interesting events which have occurred recently. The most important of these was the King's Birthday celebrations, which were held in the sports ground. At nine o'clock on the morning of June 23 the acting-Governor, Mr. Barton, walked across the field and stood beneath the flagstaff while the National Anthem was played. He then shook hands with the returned soldiers, among whom there are several Punjabi policemen. All this time the native soldiers and policemen had been standing as still as statues waiting to be inspected. The Fijian policemen are dressed in black serge coats with long sleeves and white sulus (skirts). They do not wear hats or shoes. , The Fijian soldiers are dressed in the same way, except that their coats are a bright red. This provides a striking contrast. The band is also dressed in red and white. The Indian soldiers are clad in khaki shorts and coats, puttees and sun helmets.

When the soldiers had been inspected there was a march past, headed by the band. Leading two of the divisions were two native princes, Ratu Edward Cakobau and Ratu George Cakobau (pronounced Thakambau). After that three volleys were fired as a salute, and three cheers were given for His Majesty. Then, when "God Save the King" had been played, the troops marched back through the town to the barracks. That is my description of the celebrations on the King's Birthday, and I will now continue with an account of a camp lire given by the boy scouts to farewell some New Zealand Rovers who left the next day. It was attended by most of the scouts in the district, Fijian, Indian and European, and also the guides. An item was given by each troop. The items included some very harmonious singing by the Fijians, plays, gymnastics, and one of the Indian scouts did a dance with a fire stick flaming at both ends, which was very effective, for at times the ends looked like a circle of fire, they were twirling so quickly. The camp fire ended by all those present singing "T§a Lei," a Fijian song of farewell. Then everyone left after a very happy and enjoyable evening. Well, I must close now. I remain, Your sincere Budgetite, Pamela Montague. , v • • • * 19, Tarikaka Street, Ngaio, N. 4, Wellington. Dear Wendy,— The pink of the sunrise over the hills behind my home, and the goldflecked wisps of mist bade promise of day. I was going to Otare Plant Museum, and was anticipating an enjoyable day, as I was to work in the Margaret Martin Fern Gully with the person after whom it was named.

We left home about 9 o'clock, and arrived at Wilton's Bush, as the museum is commonly known, about 10 o'clock. Leaving our belongings at the entrance we spent some time among the *rockgardens where red berries made bright carpets on ground and rock. Later we sauntered along the top path to the fern gully, where beauty played hide-and-seek in native trees and shrubs. Below us were trees of varied greens. The bright orange of the passion berry made vivid splashes of colour against the smooth, dark, glossy leaves of the vine. Near the Fern Gully flowering cherry trees were shedding their leaves, making a coloured carpet for Mother Earth. At last we reached the gully, and I was very surprised to note the damage done by the recent storm. Giant fronds of the tree-ferns had fallen and crushed many of the smaller ferns. It was well after one o'clock when we had restored some semblance of order to the place. I discovered a rare New Zealand fern and was feeling very happy as we made our way to a fireplace, there to boil our billy, lunch and rest a while. While we were gathering the wood Mrs. Martin, my companion, was passing over a bridge and someone spoke to her. It was Miss Luey Cranwell, and my pleasure reached its height when I was introduced to her. After lunch Mrs. Martin and I visited the grave of Mrs. and Dr. Cockayne. It was fitting that one who had done: so much for that museum as Dr. Cockayne should be laid to rest in the grounds. As we walked home we could see the kauri and beech plantations. It was strange to think that those slender trees would be the giants-of the museum hundreds of years after we were dead. It had been a most enjoyable day and Mrs. Martin and I determined to spend another day at Otare Museum in the very near future. Yours sincerely, Ruth Doherty.

EARLY MORNING. (Original by Mary Greig, 18, Pumell Street, Wanganui; age 13.) You're U]> at the peep of moraine, You run with the wind in your' face, And the tang of the sea air rising Sets you breathing deep for a pace You sing, and the gulls may echo, You let your joy go free, At day dawn, grey dawn, O'er the fair countrie. You tramp along in the morning, With trees on either hand. You love the trees, and the meadows And your heart is deep in the land! You think of the day that's waking, Of the hours that're going to be, When it's day dawn, grey dawn, O'er the fair countrie. • • • •

(By Betty Fuller, 11, Kofeako, Street, Taihape.) Old, old pine tree Towering up on high, Great black shadows Reaching for the sky. Silhouetted dimly Sway from side to side Great lofty branches Spreading far and wide, Ghostly in the night With an owl's twit-woo-ing In your towering height. Dear old pine tree" As the winds rush by Sways and shivers slowly And breathes forth a sigh.

Muriel Jones—lf you win a prize. Muriel, it will be sent out to you as sodn , as possible. Bobby ■ Leese—The sketches you referred were not of sufficiently high standard to be used in our pages, Bobby. I am sure that, if your work improves as it has done lately, you will be more successful next year. Margaret Smith—Whenever It is possible, the best entries are published, but on many occasions it is not practicable. The judge's comments should be of some help to readers. Jean McKeever —Wendy was pleased, to have your parcel, Jean, and sends her best thanks. You have worked well Tor the campaign. June Ueese —We are very sorry that the 17/6 was overlooked w!:eri totalling the amount of the Portland Bees' contributions. Your club has worked splendidly, June, and has given wonderful help. Pat Burbage—Glad to hear that you were pleased with the certificates, Pat, and that you had such a fine holiday. Doris Flavell—lt "would cost 2/2 to have one paper per week posted for three months, Doris. The subscription for three months for the daily paper (including postage) is 12/6. Send in your essay, and if it is of sufficiently high standard it may be published. Gwen Richards—Wendy is sorry that she did. not see you, Gwen. You may be able to see her some other time. Theo Mountfort—Sorry to hear of your brother's illness, Theo. We all hope that he is well on the way to recovery by now. The mistake in your address will not occur again. Joy Evans—You have no points reqprded Tor a book yet, Joy. Your writing is quite good for one who has just begun to learn, and I am sure that it will soon improve. Moira Warren—You must have had an exciting time working for the campaign, Moira. Thanks for your offer of help. Some patches are being sent to you. Patsy Godman—Your prize has not been Torgotten, but the sets of games are no longer on our prize list. We are trying to obtain them for you. Audrey Sutherland—Your new address has been noted. Were you pleased to have your letter with the postal no^e?