THE MAIL BAG

Dominion, Volume 29, Issue 139, 7 March 1936, Page 25

THE MAIL BAG

Dear Scribes. „ , , .., ~ „ Fewer entries this week—l suppose you were all puffed 'out with the splendid last-minute rush, in time for last week’s page—and, knowing you had sent enough for this week, you sat back and waited! Among the few entries for points these people have won them this week-.—Story ■ Senior, Amaryllis (15) and Black Panther (15); Junior'. Quicksilver (11). Paiagiaph and litter-. New Zealand Lass (14). Drawings-. Bubble Brownie, Noel Coward and Tauponui a tia. KtWI

Audrey Lawson, Cheltenham: Do come < a-vislting next time you are down. Very lew “copied” poems find their way into the page now, for there is not even room enough for all the good original ones! Apple Betty, Karorl: A cheery poem, like a song it read, and very true, too. Sparklet, Featherston: Good luck with tlie penfriend! White Bell, Wliangainoana: It. is fun splashing in the water, but Hoods can be dreadful things at times. Nonnie tlie Gnome, Napier: Your second letter arrived a day too late, but never mind, the material is still good, and, as the page was your idea, it is only right that you should have your share in It! Dairy Maid. Featherston: I expect “Cow Cocky” is full of busyness and does not like Io be worried. Will think over “Ansae Page.” but doubt ft. Gwen Mouidcy, Eketahuna: You must he unlucky, for that name is taken, too. Would you like “Judy-Anne"? Goddess of Hunting, Maxterton: The photos were beautiful, indeed—but just not suitable for the page. It must be a wonderful lake. too. Berenice Lawson, Cheltenham: Welcome Berenice —you are one of tlie very youngest members. Tauponui a Tin, Island Bay: Nobody is allowed to criticise but Kiwi—so don’t worry—and I like your work very well, as you know. Amaryllis, Brooklyn: Ideas .... the most unexpected things give you those,sometimes. What of “Clouds .... lowlying . . .” as a poem's beginning; and “Tootles anil Bing” for a kitten and pup tale? I will be away next week, but. after that come for a visit after your work' one day. New Zealand Lass. Waipawa: Quite a long while to wait for the pen-friends! And I an: glad you loved the page. Your letters always have a touch of fairy pen-work about them! Good Girl Guide, Masterton: I am glad you’ve joined, and in a month or two’s time there should be something about overseas pen-friends in the page. I am looking forward to tlie story.

Jollyboy, Hastings: I am sad that you are leaving, and the “dreaminess" has 'praps gone to. the head a little. When it clears you will be able to see things brightly and truly, and realise just how artificial and careless it must have seemed to other people. Valerie Webber, Palmerston North: No, not wasting your time at all—keep on!

Sunbeam, Aten: Yes, dressmaking can become fun —after one has passed an often disastrous experimental stage! Send as many recipes as you wish, but star points cannot be awarded for them. You have three years to go yet as a member. Lilac Lady, Eketahunn: Thank you! Do you make the riddle-rne-rees up all yourself? For I like them.

Dad’s Cobber, Carterton: I was nearly half-blown away, but not quite, I am glad to say. Mother's quotation is very true—as you must have noticed. Bluebird, Masterton: Thank you for the drawings, Nola, and I’m pleased you have come back again. Huns, Rongotai: It must be a very lovely place, and you must discover something new each time you go there, surely. The Maori relics will be treasures one day. Swiftwing, patea: You may be eighteen, and still a member! You will have to be working hard for proficiency this year. Jacqueline. Oliau: The loveliest poem ever! And has Tweedie got over his cold yet ? Noel Coward, Wellington: I will look forward to “Gulls" and the drawing series when I come back—on Monday Kith. Challis Mark, Levin: It was a good thing tlie gangster did not kill the chums right oft! Try to be a little more careful In your writing. Eunice Kelly. Wellington: I have not had time to glance over the “diary” yet, but it looks most interesting.

Audrey Croskery, Lyall Bay: Sorry, I cannot find the address you want anywhere. Are you sure she is a member? Swagger Bill, Waipawa: Well, well, it’s far better to be too busy than to have nothing to do with yourself! But I liked bearing from you again. New Zealand Lass. Waipawa: Most interesting .... you have a knack of making things sound real and close that may be very useful later on. Detective Lloyd, Wellington: I have not had time to read it yet .... but I am glad you chopped it down considerably. Delga, New Plymouth: Somebody will love the book—a little boy, I expect. Thank you.

Star Dust, Palmerston North: But the weather is so changeable—first an Icecream day, and next a hot-cocoa one! And the heaters would not be welcome all the time.

Tiffany Tess. Hastings: Did you know that, in Eastern countries they keep the merry, whistling crickets in tiny cages like we keep canaries?