Kiwi Opens the Mail

Dominion, Volume 24, Issue 50, 22 November 1930, Page 26

Kiwi Opens the Mail

The letters were very newsy to-day. I can imagine what an inter«tinz time they must have had talking to each other in the mailbag—wme happy, some funny, some new and shy, but never a single grumpy one. I loved reading them. —Kiwi. LETTERS FROM LEAGUE MEMBERS

“My cat 'Bunny’ brought home three little kittens the other day,” writes .“Marana.” “She put them in the fowls’ laying-box, thinking It a very oosy corner for her family. Lanky, my hen, came to lay an egg. Guess her surprise when she found Mistress ‘Bunny’ In* her nest. What do you think she did? She went Into the box - and tried to settle down beside the kittens. Poor ‘Bunny’ was very frightened, but would not leave her family. >T,»nfcy,» finding she couldn’t stay there, came out again, pulled all the straw out of the box, and made a nest outside. I was very amused.” [Poor “Lanky, to have her home stolen from under her very nose. I hope “Bunny” has not taken up her residence there permanently. I think “Flip” would be an excellent name tor your opossum.] “Every morning when I awake a chorus of music meets my writes “Mountain Maid.” “The thrush, singinc till it seems as if its heart would break; the saucy blackbird, whistling to its wife and children; the starlings calling; skylarks soaring away into the sky, singing, all the time; and hundreds of other birds pealing out their songs to the world. Our pine hedge is riddled, with the nests of blackbirds and 1 thrushes, as It has been In other yC [You seem to have a large number of garden friends, “Mountain Maid. Your letter gave me much pleasure. Now that basketball is over for this year, I suppose you are playing tennis with the same enthusiasm.] “Kata” describes her visit to the Carterton Show/.’ She writes; We went early in the day, for we had our greyhounds there. They received second and third prizes The showgrounds were gay with novelty stalls, sideshows, and tents. There was one man who was twenty-one years old and weighed forty-one sjtone; you can therefore conclude that he was really hideous. There was a band of Maoris who sang, danced, and played musical instruments. They were really very clever. I enjoyed them very much. The goat race was very amusing. The little boys drove the goats [Yes, you may have “Rata for a pen-name. How lovely for your dogs to win prizes. T don’t think the dogs have a very happy time at the show, do you? I hope you have quite recovered from your illness, "Rata. ] ‘ BRIEF REPLIES “Sweet Lavender.” —I was very amused at your experiences as cook to the family. Isn’t it extraordinary how easily things burn. I hope the cakes were not too “rocky" to be eaten. Heaps of luck for your examinations. When we are a little older we may be able to have a Christmas Magazine “Sweet Lavender.” One year is a very early age to begin writing books.

“Laughing Lily.”—What a jolly time you have been having with birthday parties and dances. We l would love to have Charlie in the club. If the photo is clear enough, I shall be able to print it.

Jean Sedgwick.—Yes, you may have the pen-name “English Rose,” Jean.

Paddy Graham.—Thank you for sending your address, Paddy. I have had my thinking cap on for a long time trying to decide if you are. a girl or boy. I think you are a girl, so do write and tell me if I am right, and would kind of book you would like for a prize.

Yolande Smith.—You are a very young gardener, Yolande. I. would .'just love to see your flowers. It was very kind of you to send me that sweet piece of poetry.

“Rose Queen.!’—-I don’t think any pen-name remains a secret for long “Rose Queen,” .and yours is such a pretty one that it would be a pity to change it. I liked reading about your pet cow Polly of the “sweet and winsome f*ee.”

“Whistling Rufus.”—So your hair is not red after all. I expect I thought it because I knew another Rufus with red hair. I’m very glad you do not disturb the eggs when you go birdnesting.

Alma Falloon.—You coloured the picture very well Alma. Blue and gold, colours go beautifully together. I was sorry to hear of your brothers’ dreadful accident. Detonators and bullets are very dangerous playthings.

Rita McMaster.—Aren’t/the fireworks wonderful, Rita lam glad you enjoyed Guy Fawke’s Day fin spite of being ill. Both pen-names are taken.

“Shina.” —Thank you for sending your little sketches “Shina.” The old gentleman looks very alarmed at the sight of a bird flying away with his hat. I am sure Helen would like you to write to her. Her address is S 6, Essex Street, Masterton.

Mary Swainson.—We have one "Little Miss Mullet,” Mary. Would you like to be called “Cinderella.”

“Silver Fern.”—l was delighted with the little picture, “Silver Fern.” One' of these days you may see it in print Do you practise every day.

Norma Grange.—l am glad you liked your little badge, Norma. What a long list of pretty pen-names you thought of. I think we shall choose “Autumn Leaves.”

HU ’■ Edith Jenkins—You found heaps of newsy bits to tell me, Edith. I hope our Christmas Page will make children feel very happy. Happiness is the most important thing about Christmas, isn’t it? You may be called Lavender Rose.”

“Mignon.”—Congratulations “Mignon.” I was very glad to .hear that you had passed your music examination. It will be lovely to have fresh pieces now.

“Brown Eyes.”—Thank you very much for the Christmas story. I hope you are .successful in finding a penfriend.

Beatrice Kennett. —I am always interested in your verses Beatrice. “Lady Moon” is not as good as other work you have done. The meter is wrong* Have you ever tried tapping the lines to get the right number of feet in each?

Lilian Sage—Yes, you may be called “lolanthe,” Lilian. You are a promising versemaker.

Hera Bell.—l always look forward to letters from League members, Hera. I don’t think you are a “duffer” at all. Your writing is.very beautiful.

Letters, sketches and paintings were also received from: —Bill Benning, Joyce Harris, Rang! Collins, “Marie,” “Queen of the Ice,” Meg Cranston, Nancy Ridder, M. Auckram, Nola Davis, Maureen Minogue, Alma Falloon, Yvonne Whiteman, Reg Nottle, Marjorie Kerr, J. Brett, Ivy Auckram, Yvonne Wills, Audrey Hester, Lola Merrie.