COMPETITION

Dominion, Volume 23, Issue 51, 23 November 1929, Page 28

COMPETITION

* • ♦ A large pile of entries were sent for the story competition “When Spring Met Summer.” Many were exceptionally well done, but the entry sent by Doris Court, Woodville (aged 13 years), has been placed first. The next best came from Peggy Jackson, Levin (aged 11 years) ; Marjorie Millar, New Plymouth (aged 13 years); “Sunbeam,” Havelock North (aged 13 years) ; and “Riverlad,” Waipukurau (aged 12 years). "WHEN SPRING MET SUMMER.” Spring had gathered her arms full of her dying buttercups and’ daisies and was returning to her secluded home, leaving a fresh green earth behind. She gave one last loving look at the lambs dotted over the meadows — one last glance at the birds twittering in the hedges —and hurried on her way. She had barely left before she met Summer, whose arms were laden with bright flowers and sunshine, and the two lingered awhile before going on their way. “Oh, Summer!” cried Spring, “isn’t the world beautiful? See the lambs, and the happy children! Do they not like us and greet the first flowers joyously? I’m so happy, but so tired!” “Well, Spring,” said Summer, “I can take your place now. I am so full of sunshine and happiness that I could float up and up to'those fleecy white clouds and sing for joy. I can scarcely wait till I get to my work to make Summer one long period of sunbeams !” “Summer, dear, do take care of my little lambs and birds! Do not let them grow big too soon? They are so lovely! And do not forget the flowers! Please do not wither them too quickly with your warmth!” “No, no, Spring!” replied the sunshiny one, “I shall take care. Oh! but lam longing to warm the sea; to sunkiss the small, joyous bathers that spend long happy hours in the. water. Why, Spring, I am full of joy to be back again!” “But I, Summer, am so weary from my labour of making the world happy after desolate Winter that I shall appreciate a rest. Ob, that Winter, with his hoary breath and grizzled beard! I do wish he would not do his work so completely. So good-bye, Summer. Good luck to you and your work!” “Good-bye, good-bye, Spring!” And the Earth echoed the cry, “Good-bye, good-bye. Spring!” —Doris Court, Woodville (aged 13 years).