LETTERS.

Evening Post, Volume CVII, Issue 96, 27 April 1929, Page 19

LETTERS.

Deai- Fairiel, —It's a long time since Christmas, but I didn't ever'tell you what fun. we had. Six happy, carefree weeks at a strange place and among strange people. ■ . Did you go anywhere, FairielT'lf you did, were you lucky enough to :go to such a place as Invercargill? 1 I was, and it was on a farm that I stayed. We arrived there on Christmas Eve, after being a whole day in the train. Aunties, uncles, and cousins were thero to meet us. It was 1 o'clock before we went to bed, and even then there were Christmas presents for us, . And what a time we had, my brother and I! Gorgeous drives through beautiful unknown country, and crossing deep rivers. Walks through fields of oats and grass and the ur ual sight of seeing the farmers haymaking, sheep being dipped, cows being milked, horses fed, all these things to do and see, and the whole day to do it in. There is one thing you will always see in Southland, Fairiel, and that is rabbits. They are there in hundreds, especially at this time of the year. They run in front of motor-ears, they peep at you when you are walking by, and, I am sory to shy, they are a. great nuisance. '. ■' .' '•■'/■ ■'' • ■: ' Then there was Inv.ercargill to see, and what a .pretty town. Such lovely wide streets and, beautiful gardens. We saw, all the notable buildings and shops, and I don't think we will forget it in a hurry. It can. be very hot. in Invercargill, too, Fairiel,' '.' 90 degrees in the shade and 94"degrees outside. .We went to several regattas while we were there. I think::they were the first ones I have seen. ' . .' • Then we went back to the faria to enjoy a few more happy weeks. J'We were shown through a dairy .factory, and it was very interesting to see how they make cheese. ■ ..,..,. Nearly -every day .we ,-went., for a drive and , saw many of Southland's beautiful towns. Everywhere .''Jwo went- I took photos, and I have some really pretty scenes. .. .... The last few days were, ail,.hustle and bustle getting things ..packed. .We were.sorry to leave, as wo were; having such a lovely time. '■;..:..■„■'.' On the way homo in "the .train: -we passed acres and acres of ripe oats .''and wheat. The train was going sixty^miles an hour on the Canterbury Plains. We could sco the Southern Alps away ; on' our loft. When we got on to the'boat wo had a good wash, as we were - covered in dust. The boat- was,.^rqeky, but wo weren't siek,-..,_and :wiien',wo woke up we were in Wellingtoru- : ' It was funny to see the hills.-, again, as we hardly saw one in Invercargill. —Tours, . .;■ . ;.,.. . "MAID MAKIAN." Northland. .... ..:.. : Dear Fairiel, —Sure, and it's ; awon : derful book you sent me! The. heroine, Miss Billy, is the sweetest "darlint" that over lived, but her father is the gruffest, roughest man that ever walked in two shoes. But here- am I forgetting to thank you! Now, if. I was a stiff girl of the- early centuries, I'd curtsy, but'as I'm not, I'd rather givo you a big hug! I love to roam around the garden wheu the heat of tho day has gone, and tho flowers look cool. The little daisies, hiding themselves under tho shadovfy hedge, look like little white nurses; tho roses that creep up the trellis work givo forth their scent; the purple flower' of tho ivy rocks to and fro. It's a fairy boll, I'm sure, and it's ringing the flowers to sleep. Three huge hugs, and many thanks, from "IBISII MA.RY." Miramav. ' "Dear Fairiel, —I don't have much time to write to the King now. It is nearly 5 o'clock when we get home fronj school, and I usually have some homework to do. "On Saturday wo went up to Palmerston Hospital and brought my pal out for a drive. It was a very hot day, so we got a big box'of ice creams and drove to tho Esplanade and ate them in tho shade of th trees. We played around for a while on the lawns, tlien wont and had afternoon tea before we brought George back to the hospital." "KOB BOY." Levin.