From the Kiwi’s Nest

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XVI, Issue 11, 24 December 1925, Page 13

From the Kiwi’s Nest

COMPETITIONS FOR OUR YOUNG FOLKS

Letter from the Chief Kiwi,— MY DEAR KIWIS, T AST WEEK my usual letter was -■“* very much shortened because of the publishing of one from Chief Kiwi No. 1 and’ this week I have been favoured with a little story which I have pleasure in publishing. It i s all about our Dragon. As you know I have kept him fairly welCin the background while I have been your editor. Nevertheless he has had some substantial feasts each week—jusi enough “previously publisheds” to keep him going in a reasonable manner and avoiding the necessitv for calling in medical assistance op of giving him a dose of Anti-Acido or Bismag. Well! This story I am speaking of goes to show that there is some good in even the vilest creature if w e only have the knowledge how to reach th e spot. That is the moral of the tale and it is true in fact. Here is the story:— The Dragon was feeling lonely. It was ’Xmas Eve. but he knew he wouldn’t be having a happy time like everyone else. The office was closed, and he was tied up in his corner with only some old newspapers to eat, and a few jokes and riddles. Sobs welled up in his throat, and a large tear rolled down his long nose. It was no ffln being the Office Dragon if this was how he was treated" at ’Xmas. Presently he saw the door open gently and the dearest, wee fairy and elf danced in. hand in hand. The fairy, whose name was ‘‘Kowhai,’’ was dressed in soft fluttering golden petals stitched together, and the elf wore a little red jerkin trimmed with white fur and a cap of

whit© fur. He was one of Father t ’Xmas’ little messengers. . “Oh, Dragon dear. Father ’Xmas ’ wants you to help him deliver the presents to all the children.” said the elf, whose name was “Happy.” He is in Fairyland getting the parcels • sorted out, and h e is so busy that : some of the children won’t get their j presents if you don’t help us. Do i come!’’ The Di agon jumped up with a joyful squeak; he was so pleased ho wouldn’t have to stay moping alone, and said he would do anything to help them. So the fain- and elf undid the chain that kept him in the corner, and Kowhai took a pair of wings out of her pocket and pinned them on the j Dragon’s shoulders. Then off they flew, for of course Kowhai and Happy ; had wings of their own. Soon they arrived in Fairyland, and 1 what a scene of hurry and scurry and I bustle greeted their eyes. Fairies . were busily engaged in tying up all i sorts of fascinating parcels, and elves J dressed like Happy were running to and fro, carrying the parcels into a i hug c cave, where Father Christmas I sat, with his usually jolly face qurte • serious. It lit into a smile though, i when he saw the Dragon. i “Ah,” he exclaimed, “the situation is saved! My aeroplane has broken j down, and I want you to carry the i presents for me.’’ So bundles of parcels were tied on | the Dragon’s back, two little elves . hopped on his tail, and Father ’Xmas | sat, on his neck, and off they started. ’ They wer e kept very busy and the ' Dragon was getting tired, but at last , all the parcels were delivered safely. Father ’Xmas patted the Dragon on

the head and said: “Well done!” and then everybody sat down to the most gorgeous supper you ever imagined. The Dragon .stayed in Fairyland all Christmas, and was thoroughly spoiled, but utterly happy, and then went back to the office quite pleased with himself and everyone in general. * * « You will admit that the foregoing is n quite suitable contribution to our columns, especially at this time. The essays this Week are few and somewhat below standard, but I ain not going to complain, for Christmas comes but once a year and after your strenous time at school following on tho long recess due to fear of tho spread of infantile paralysis you deserve a rest. Come back strong and healthy and start again. The remainder of Willie Laws’ essay is published this week. Doris Beckett must have left out something she intended to say for I cannot believe that after packing up all the nice things she mentions and taking them for a ride to tho beach, she merely indulged in some bathing and then packed up again and camo home. Had she no appetite? Elva Gigg’s riddle and "Edna Morton’s have already appeared in these columns, as have also the jokes sent in by Hilbro Garland, Keith Walker. William Shakespeare, and Marjorie Ward. Nancy Caughlev Thank you very much for the nice little Almanac you sent. I find that I have still another opportunity (which I seize) to wish you all plenty of fun. A MERRY* CHRISTMAS and a HAPPY NEW YEAR, —CHIEF KIWI.

THEN LAUGH.

Build for yourself a strong box, I*ashion each part with care; W hen it’s strong as your hand can make it, But all your troubles there. Hide there all'thought of your failures, and each hitter cup that you quaff, Lock all your heartaches within it, 4 hen sit on the lid and laugh. Tell no one else its contents, Never its secrets share; W hen you’ve dropped in your cape and

worry, Keep them for ever there. Hide them from sight so completely That the world will never dream half; Fasten the strong box securely, Then sit on the lid and laugh !