THE MAIL. BAG

Dominion, Volume 28, Issue 58, 1 December 1934, Page 23

THE MAIL. BAG

LETTERS FROM LEAGUE MEMBERS the mailbag had closed, and all niy letters had gone away up to .Mr. I’rinter, I saw on my way. home something which belonged moi e to Germany than to New Zealand. A large black dog was harnessed to a let cart, in which sat a proud young driver. The dog's master ran in front and he followed, bounding along. It must have been a rather bumpy parage, I think. I would have given a great deal to have my camera with me then but even if I had. my bus would not have waited for me. I don t think Jll ttj harnessing Sally' the Sealyham. though. She'd object strongly.

!>.s,—Another letter from Anne to Christine. I can see mischief brew-

“Ila,” Joluisonville, writes on a summery day. “To-day is very hot, and I am sitting in the sunny conservatory writing letters. Through the glass pane in front of me I can see the blue clear sky and outlined against such an ideal background are the motionless brandies of the pines. On one'slanting branch new needles have sprung, so tenderlooking, and such a wonderful green. People say that blue and green do not go well together, yet what could hurmoniai more perfectly than the green of the pines and the blue of the sky.

There is a busy time ahead _ for “Guinevere,” Pending. , ‘‘ I have just been watching a quail which has been singing on a tree outside my bedroom window. We have a pretty piece of native bush close to our house, and we sometimes see a few of the native birds, but very seldom. We have been busy picking gooseberries for mother to make jam. We have got such a lot, but I wish they would hurry up and ripen.

“Russet Apple," Greytown: Ob, lass of sterling worth. Seriously, though. I did not expect that you would manage it. Was it very difficult? You know, a deep line on the left side, deep and dark, would have improved the layout and made the arrangement easier for you, I think. ‘‘Lionheart,” Ma-sterton. Oh, Lionheart, even if. you really were part of a lion, I doubt whether you would be able to, stand up to that terribly fearsome giraffe you drew for roe. “Tootlcberry," power Hutt: Only a short one this week? Yes. it was rather a note, but 1 loved getting it. just - the same. ‘‘Lobelia,’’ Itukanul: The, block was made, but Lady Night's face;came out as an indistinct blur; you made your lines too .thick, I think. The original is upstairs somewhere; a miracle may.find It some day. Tell Marie that Humpty, is beautiful, and we will print the verse .on the Christmas page. "Ha,” .Tolmsonvllle: Sure to; I’m off for my ’just before. So the time is passing very slowly indeed. Thank you for the poem, it's in—but you wili have seen it. i "Forest Fay,” Upper Hutt: Did the badge 1

“Madame Pompadour” feels laughter and holiday in the air: — Just a breath of country air for vou Kiwi, from far away Atea, on this rollicking, deep, wind-filled day. It’s far too good'to be inside, find I have shut the door of my “schoolroom’ with a mighty bang and. am going adventuring. “Gold Dawn,” Mangatainoka, has a vivid pen! Can’t you see the things she is describing for- you? I am writing this letter from a seat on our lawn. It is no wonder that poets write of evening, for it seems to inspire beautiful thoughts. The sky is tinted with such tender colours; the hills are clearly outlined, the serving for a background. Ou a slope of green hill, at the foot of a larger hill, which could almost be called a mountain, nestles a house surrounded by a semi-circle of pine trees. In the daytime white dots, which represent sheep, may be seen grazing among this verdant pasture. At present, however, in this indistinct light, the house seems all alone, and empty, save for a bright light cast from one of the windows.

The air is filled with the perfume of roses, and the scent of Christmas lilies. In the garden the marigolds no longer make a gay picture of gold and yellow, for they seem to be of velvet and plush, dark brown and crimson, colours which make you feel as if you are standing on plush carpets into which your feet sink. The lilies have just been sprayed, and their waxenwhite flowers glisten with drops of water, just as they glisten early in the morning sunlight when dewdrops hang from their tips. How different everything seems at Kiwi, when the daylight wanes. Over the tops of some pine trees the large full moon is rising. In size it is almost a harvest moon, a golden ball set in a dusky blue sky. , The stars are not twinkling properly yet, as the evening is still young. BRIEF REPLIES “Jack Frost,” Pahiatua: You will have to discard your -pen-name for the summer. I think, old chap, don't you? Best of luck for 'the sports. \ “Now Zealand T.iihs,” Wafpawa: How funny; wish you'd dreamt some more. I’d love >to have known what I did next. Send me some seed, too, will you? Hope the wrist is better for exam. time. Yes, the doll will do splendidly. Myrtle Woodley, Featherston: Not quite good enough for the page, dear, I’m afraid. Grace Woodley, Featherston: A very i clever little story, Grace. Did you write it quite alone? "Meadow Maid" and "Weeping Willow Fairy,” 'Masterton: I will put In half each. Then you can both share the honours the same week.

"Sleeping Willow," Masterton: Yes. we'll hare a great -big one, the Saturday before Christmas, so you can begin thinking of clever ideas as soon as you like. It's great nows about proficiency. When will you know? /

Ngaire Scott. Takapan : Well, someone has chosen “Sunshine Susie," so why not be "Irish Paddy" instead? Anyway, I love tdie poem about him. Ngaire Wrigley, .Masterton: Well, there are lots of houses and tennis courts and rocks and sandflies, and hills to explore. The ferry boat is great I'un to go to town on, -so I’m sure you’ll enjoy your holiday. Yes, that is her pen-name. Wasn't the drawing nice? “Toki Vagabond,'' Mangatainoka: I think it’s a splendid way of making it known, anyhow, Ducky thing you didn't get a -puncture as well as taking the wrong road, wasn't it? "Koala.” Wellington: How jolly! I tried to draw a horse the same way, but got into difficulties. Do send some more. Volmal and Joyce McConachie, laihape: A big welcome to you both, and write soon. Phyllis Hunt, Masterton: lam afraid you will 'have to look for another pen-name. Phyllis.

and certificate arrive safely ? They were posted. I "Guinevere,'* Fellding: Yes. isn't it a shame. Never mind, you will be able to read all about it. I thought the drawing would please you, and I loved the poem. Elspeth .McArthur. I’lctou: “Circe." I think. It's the most exciting, anyway. .Melvn Owen, I'ntea: Well, dear, there is a "Firelight Fairy” here already, so perhaps you would rather choose something quite different. “Princess sunbeum," .Masterton: And it is very good indeed. How goes the shear'lug? Busily as ever? "Nonnlo the Gnome," Napier: Quite simple, really. Just legs, arms, body, head, all separate, Use a black, woolly stocking and run seams up a four-inch wide piece for the body, three-inch wide for the bead, and one and a halt inches for legs and arms. Stuff each piece to the required size and length. Dinah dolls always have wide button eyes and big red mouths. Curly hair, too: a black woolly mop makes such a difference. '■.Madame Pompadour," Ekelabuna: Nice to hear from you again. Where, are you going, and why and when? ['lease tell me when you write again. Poetry: but 1 didn't, mean it. Robert Burgess, Takapuna: Me re glad to know vou. Robert. Your badge and certificate will be posted-soon, meanwhile your joke gleans chuckles here. ~ , , "Goid Dawn,” Mangatainoka: sketching without n master" it is called. If you cannot find it. 1 will lend you iny copy, so tell me soon. Where arc the dogs tins time, bud fellows? I like the story nun, "jiist Jerry.” Makara: Sweet of you, my dear, and it came on such a lucky day. but I'll tell you about that In my letter. The colours are exactly right. "Shadow Pixie,” Paraparaumn: II must be lovely now. Wish sister best .of luck foi me I’m sure the news will Jbe good. lluth Christensen, tValpitkurau: Good. Ruth. I .am glad you've Joined. M rite a Featherston : And, where is this special place of Jyours. lox Glove hollow .on a hilltop, eh? I saw lots Rowing in -the Rimutakas. but they ate so small, the ones by the railway line. I like Hu. nii'/ylp- it’s .11 new sort ot one. "Mlri,” Marlborough : Oh yes, lots. There always are. you know. I will let you all know when the <next overseas pentricnd list goes away. If someone doesnt write to you soon, I’ll put your name in the Lucie again. ’