Tikumu’s letter

Press, 29 November 1977, Page 18

Tikumu’s letter

Dear Children, The November competition was most popular. 1 received an enormous number of entries. AU the stories were enjoyable and some were very scary. Many of the people you met by the bonfire were fierce. There were pirates, criminals, smugglers, warlike Indians, and ghosts. Animals also entered the stories, and Lynda Collins had a surprise encounter with Father Christmas in her delightful story. Some of you, like Mellissa Gilmour, described a funny happening well; others, like Julia Laurie and Janine Mclvor, wrote sad and haunting stories. There were a number of excellent space adventures, and the spine-chill-ing mysteries, such as those from Janice Mitchell, Kaye Trueman, and Brigid Mahy, made me shiver. Congratulations also to Richard Wain who contributed three most entertaining entries. There were vivid descriptions, too, of fantastic and horrible creatures, and Sharon O’Connell had an alarming experience when she saw a monster with

one eye, six feet, and five ears. Worse still, after she touched it she began to turn green and then fade away. I was thrilled to get very good stories from a number of schools — Amberley, Motupipi, Linwood North, Murchison, St Mark’s, Russley, and South New Brighton. I iiked your pictures, too, and have pinned them up. They are most terrifying to look at. I hope the ghastly creatures you have drawn do not become enchanted at night and leap down from the walls. ‘ Congratulations to Room 7 of Amberley School. I think the second prize in the younger age group should be shared among you; it will be sent to your teacher. I am sure she will think of a treat for your class to have at school. Although only some of you have won prizes or had your names listed, I think you should all feel pleased with your work as every story was interesting. You are making it very difficult to judge our competitions. Tikumu.