FROM A HILL-TOP

Dominion, Volume 25, Issue 172, 16 April 1932, Page 19

FROM A HILL-TOP

The rolling richness Of the grassy slopes. That stretch in endless waves from plain to hill, All golden Shining in the summer sun. Beneath a summer sky more Shining still.

And from this crest where often I have stood Gazing upon the landscape far below, I see the Ohau river winding clear Through bush where fantails flutter to and fro.

I sec the distant sand-hills, and the sea bey on d, As clear and sparkling as a sapphire bright ; / see the long, broad lake beyond the pines Glimmer and ripple in the morning light.

1 sec the rolling paddocks far below. That softly end in mists Of purple haze, While some arc green and golden, sonic arc brown and grey, And lie and shimmer ’neath the suns warm rays.

And the long, long lines and groves of trees, liluc-tfrccn which dot the wide fields over, Cast lengthy shadows on the golden grass. And on the stretches preen with fragrant clover.

I have seen this, 100, when flaming Western skies Have lit the hills with mellower beauty than before; And when the sea is just a line of silver, J , Beyond a golden purple bordered shore. , —Original, by “VcnuS, Levin (aged 14). rirjnar.it*

"Queen of the Ga/den.”—You have described the sunset beautifully, so that I can almost see it as I read. I think the autumn sunsets are more beautiful than any others, but, perhaps that is just my imagination. V rite again soon.

"Marie.”—Your letter was a splendid long one. Marie, and very interesting. It was clever of you to notice the slip in the story. You can be a member for two more years. I think you have painted the picture very well, and very carefully, but I think paler colouis would have been more suitable for the dainty Victorian lady. Alma Murray.—lf you are as fond of passion-fruit as I am, you will be longing for yours to ripen! Thank vou for the story. I wish you had told me what the “thrilling adventure stories” were about.

“Brownie.” —You are a clever girl to be able to cook, “Brownie.” Do you like fancy-work better than sewing long scams? I do! Gardening is a splendid hobby, and I’m glad to hear that you arc so fond of it. “Marama." —Your letter was full of news. Three days is very quick for a big apron. Has Tootles caught a mouse yet? You will sec your story in the page soon.

“Snowflower."—-Thank you for the poem, dear. Some lines are verygood. but I don't like "pest.” very much. I’m afraid T’uis don’t like trams and motor cars, for they never conic to Wellington. Maurice Johnson.—Welcome to the League. Maurice. lam sending your badge and certificate. Love to Tiny.

Alison Deller.— I am glad to have you as a member, Alison. I will make sure that no one else has taken your pen-name before I give it to you. Gwen Corrie.-— You have a long bike ride to school, Gwen. Thank you for the poem, but I would rather have one of your own. “Excelsior Elf.”—The poems and story arc very good, and your letter is simply bursting with good ideas, especially the League’s Own Hotel! I wish that castle would come down from tlie air! I’ll think about the other suggestions. Our boy members do seem to be a bit lazy, I’m afraid. “St. Clair.”—Would Patch do for Kitty’s name? lam looking forward to seeing the serial story. “Heather Bell.” —Only the best written and most interesting letters are printed, dear. Keep on trying. You had an interesting holiday in Napier and Hastings.

lie: Are you fond of moving pictures, Jenny? She (hopefully): Aye, Sandy. He: Then maybe, lass, ye'll help me to get half a dozen down out of the attic.