Kiwi Opens the Mail

Dominion, Volume 25, Issue 166, 9 April 1932, Page 19

Kiwi Opens the Mail

* * • LETTERS FROM LEAGUE MEMBERS

Dear Scribes,— Nearly fifty now members were enrolled tins week, and fifty now white certificates have been dropped into a postbox. Welcome to our happy League all you newcomers,- and dou I. let it be very long before wo see your letters printed among the best in Our mail columns. —KIWI.

' “Queen of the Gurdon” describes a country lune in autumn. ‘‘lt is a long avenue-like lune,” she writes, ‘‘Hanked on both sides with stately poplars, which send cascades of brown and yellow loaves lluttering to earth with each breath of wind. Here and there busby hawthorn bushes intermingle with the poplar roots; Their bright red berries are contrasted vividly against the brilliant orange of the briar leaves and berries. At intervals a lofty weeping willow or silver elm roars itself above the smaller bushes. These willows send clouds of delicate yellow leaves to mingle with the poplar leaves. The lane is carpeted with soft, short, springy grass, which is patterned with yellow and brown leaves.” [We hear much of English lanes In May, but I’m sure they cannot compare with our golden and scarletstrewn' paths in the autumn months. I should love to walk down your lane, Janet.] “Autumn is here, spreading her golden and red wings over the trees. The autumn flowers are all blooming, and tbe animals are growing their warm winter coats. The golden leaves are fluttering down to the green grass beneath, and soon tbe trees will be bare. Our delphiniums are in flower for a second time, and look so pretty. There are only a few Iceland poppies left, but the nasturtiums are beautiful. They are climbing up a rustic trellis. Me also have more climbing over a tree Stump. They look very pretty in n vase. The chrysanthemums are in bud,

and should be in flower soon. Polly, One of the cats, has two dear little black and white kittens which are only three days old. Their home is in a cosy little tunnel under some thistles, beside a log. Their mother is very proud of them.’’ [Your garden must be a pretty sight, “Country Bumpkin.” I love delphiniums and Iceland poppies. Are you going to keep’all three kits? Clive and Roly-Poly seem to be very mischievous scamps.] Phyllis Lomas writes: “On Easter Sunday we went to Moonshine in the ear. It was such a thrilling journey—the road was so narrow aud in some parts it seemed as if it wasn’t wide enough oven for a cow to pass, leave aloue a car. It was a marvellous drive —ferns and trees grew on each side of the road, and in some parts met over the top. so we drove through a canopy of ferns. Here and there we caught a glimpse of a little rippling stream, and the song of the birds was wondraualy sweet. M’e wound right up the hill like a spiral staircase, and it seemed so high up when at last we stopped at tbe top. It's a beautiful feeling to ■be right up on top of a hill and to feel' the soft breeze caressing your face and 1- smell the country. On Easter Monday we decided to go tramping, and picked the Walnut Hills for our destination. We set briskly off with our lunch

and half the apples mother had bought, for pickles (unknown to her), and dressed in our very oldest clothes. But somehow by the time we came to Ihe foot of the bills—the top seemed so far away that we decided we wouldn't climb at all—we went to the Hutt Park and threw ourselves down under a shady' tree and slept, if you please, for a considerable time. After our rest we gathered a bit more energy and tramped home and were much ridiculed by tbe family.” [You certainly made your own fuu for the holidays, Phyllis. It is the best way to enjoy oneself, I think. Not long ago I travelled the same road as the one you describe. The browning bush and tbe winding rutted-road made a picture I shall not forget.] BRIEF REPLIES “Singing Stream.”—How stately your tall poplars must look in their new golden gowns, especially when the wind ruffles and flutters the leaves. Of course you enjoyed the sports. I should have loved to have seen the small ponies. I do not know of a Canadian pen-friend at present, but may be able to find one for you. “Phoebe Deane.”—Thank you for that long, interesting letter, Joyce. I hope your gardens are all What you hope them to be this autumn. I loved your description of evening in tbe bush. Beatrice Kennett. —‘Thank you for your verse, Beatrice. I like both pieces, but particularly “A Country Lover.’ Your verses improve every time you write. I hope you arc better, dear. I • “Fairy Nightlight.”—l was interested in your description of the ride over the Rimutakas, Muriel. Autumn must love the hill places best, mustn’t it? “Thistledown.” —I’m glad to hear that Beauty’s kitten shows promise of being as attractive as her mother. Would Silver or Flash be a suitable name? Yes, the Pets’ Page sketches were beautifully done. . Joy Neilson. —Ever so many thanks for your little story, Joy. It was written so neatly. When you grow up you will be able to have your stories printed. Would you like that? “Tres Bon.”—l’m glad you think our page grows more interesting each week. “The Pleasant Surprise” is a charming little story. Thank you, Frances. Joyce McGregor—l’m afraid the pen-name you chose is not very suitable, Joyce. Is there another which you would like? “Marama.”—Your letter and the enclosed story arrived safely, “Marama.” You will be very good at writing stories some day I am sure. M ould “Green Slippers” and “The Fern Folk” be suitable titles? Merle Langley.—Welcome to our League, Merle. Wc already have a “Silver Stream.” Is there any other pen-name you would like? “Rosebud.”—l hope you haven’t lost your badge yet, Joy. Have you had any more interesting cookery lessons? I suppose you are practising basketball in nil your free moments. Here’s a wish for many goals this season. “Chips.”—You may have this penname. Thank you for your letter, Nettie. I think the Next-door Dog deserved punishment for drinking Patch’s milk, don’t you?