THE CASTLE MAIL BAG.

Hawera Star, Volume XLV, 20 February 1926, Page 16

THE CASTLE MAIL BAG.

Ararata, Feb. 11

Dear Smile Queen— I suppose you think I have forgotten you, but I have not. Don’t you.think our teachers were very kind to let us liave six weeks’ holiday. lam sending in a piece of poetry called "Flo’s Letter.’’ I heard that poor Ivy Eynton passed away during our holiday/ We are having rough weather now, and it is not very nice, is it? We all went to Eltham during the school holidays, and while we were there my auntie and uncle came to see us and they are still staying with us. I am in primer four at school now. Well, I must close now, as I must go to school, with heaps of love from your loving Smile, Phyllis Woodhead. [Thanks for poem.—S.Q.]

Taikatu Rd., Auroa, Feb. 15

Dear Smile Queen, —I am going to write you a few more lines. I must tell you one of our lady teachers is going to teach the gilds to swim and the headmaster is going to teach the boys. We arc having a bazaar at our school next month. Last Sunday my uncle came to our place and when he went home four of his cows were dead, through being on a field of clover too long. My Mother went for a ride to Hawera in a car; but she did not have time to call and see you. I sold my pony because Dad said I was getting too heavy for it. My brother is going to join our Smile Castle. I remain, your loving Smile, Myrtle Symes. [I shall be quite satisfied if Ray is as good a Smile as bis sister.—S.Q.] Tailcatu IJd., Auroa, Feb. 14. Dear Smile Queen, —May I join Smile Castle? I will only write a short letter. I was ten years old on September 20 and I am in standard four. I have just come home with my brother who took me with him to play tennis; he is just learning. We are going to get a pair of geese. I am having one and my sister is to have the other. I remain, one of your Smiles, Ray Symes.

[We are pleased to welcome you Ray. You are the first new Smile for this year. Love from S.Q.]

Ararata, Feb. 16. Dear Smile Queen. —I can only write you a short letter to-day as I have not much news. I forgot to tell you that Minnie Symes, and Myrtle Symes, and Doris Woodhead are all my cousins. I am going to try and guess why it is dark at night. Our baby is learning to walk now. I have four brothers and four sisters, so I have a lot of children to play with. I am going to the circus on Thursday. Did you like the piece of poetry I sent in last week Smile Queen ? because I did. I cannot try to make a badge because I cannot sew. It would be nice to have a Gift Cupboard agaiu this year, would’nt it? Well, I must close now. With a big smile, from Phyllis Woodhead.