THE SMILE CASTLE

Hawera Star, Volume XLVII, 23 June 1928, Page 20

THE SMILE CASTLE

THE CASTLE PLEDGE. I nroxnise to smile every time I can, and to chase all the frowns into the dark cave, where the Smile Giant will kill them with his Magic Sword Happiness.

Friday last was a memorable day in Hawera being, the occasion of the visit of the Governor-General. Many Smiles no doubt were present at the splendid reception accorded both the Governor-General and Lady Alice on then fi rs i visit to the town. Sir Charles Fergusson is a stately eldeily man full of fun and very fond of children, and he took a great interest in the boys and girls lined up to greet him. He was very complimentary in his remarks concerning the school orchestra and his nice homely talks to the children put him on good terms with everyone. The little story he told them concerning the way Japanese parents , bring up their children as regards serving out the food at meal times should have made an impression on the minds of those who heard it. Instead of always serving the rice to the children before mother took her share, as is so often done in English families, the Japanese reversed the order of things. Father and mother received their portion first, then came the youngest children according to age, the eldest boy and girl coming last. Children in New .Zealand are often inclined to foiget what a great deal mother has to do in the household. Her work sometimes engages her attention long after the children are fast asleep in their beds. I hope you will lemember this little story the Governor-General told the boys and girls and try not to give your mother more worry than you possibly can and do all within your power to help hei. Years ago in the Old Country there was a day set apart (Mid Lent Sunday), which was called Mothering Sunday. It was the day when people gathered to worship in the Mother Church of the district. On that day apprentice boys of the guilds, the girls out at service and the youths and maidens engaged in farm work away from home weie given a holiday to take presents to their mothers and to attend worship together in the churches. There is a movement on foot in England to have this old custom ictited and one of the best known mothers, Queen Mary, has taken much interest in it. She has given the following motto for Mothering Sunday: “Being good to your mother will make you happier than anything else in the world. I am very pleased to see so many Smiles’ letters again this week; it is splendid. With very best love to you all, —- Yours affectionately, SMILE QUEEN.