From the Kiwi’s Nest

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XVI, Issue 96, 10 April 1926, Page 11

From the Kiwi’s Nest

COMPETITIONS FOR OUR YOUNG FOLKS

THE DAHLIA. What is a Dahlia? It’s simply autumn Devised on Summer’s magic loom of gold; A silken fabric woven fold on fold — Where God is written on each perfect hem. What is a Dahlia?—it’s a wondrous gem, < Of Monteyuma’s fabled store of old, Whose beaming facets in the dust and cold Unnoticed lay. till Floras diadem Resplendent gleamed with its most perfect flow’er— And so the Aztec splendour holds its sway In ray’s of glory that reflect again The pomp of empire from my garden bow ’er, When Dahlias hold their court in jewelled array With stately nod, low laugh, and swish of train! * * * * Letter from the Chief Kiwi, — Dear Kiwis, —And so the Aztec splendour holds its sway, in rays of glory that reflect again the pomp of empire from my garden bower, when dahlias hold their court in jewelled array. Dahlias are holding their court today, in their most wondrous manner, and as I glance through my winoow they nod and smile at me in their stately way, and I feel sad to think that though we are so distressingly in need of rain, when it comes their glory will all be over. Did you all have a happy Easter, my Kiwis? I hope you all enjoyed Idvery moment of it, and have now begun school with renewed energy. The essays this week are good, the majority of them showing thought and care, and being worthy of some recognition. I have awarded the prize to Eileen Young, who has taken for her subject the growth of a blackberry. I expect, Eileen, that >you were inspired by a taste of mother’s new blackberry jelly — Irene Shaw —You have written a good essay, Eileen. A river appeals to me tremendously, and its beauties are countless. —William Laws —They were stirring times, William, when Nelson went asailing. There is a

Song about him which says—“ Name him in the market, name him in the home, name him where the children come and go—with the full tide flowing, and tho good gale blowing, they shall hoar his voice among them as we heard it long ago.” lam glad that you are keeping his memory green.—R. Gibbs—Our kauri trees arc truly wonderful, and I do wish we had great forests of them. Will you please always sign your name not just the initials. I have a dim recollection of having before reminded you of this.—Joan Martin—Having to look forward to the winter months is rather a dismal idea, is it not, Joan? But take courage. After "all, despite nippy Jact Frost, and the cold winds and early darkness, there is much beauty to enjoy, and we can revel in the thought that the winter months will soon pass ,and spring will come to gladden our hearts. —Marion Preston Thomas*—l should think that you look forward to some day spending another holiday in cherry land, it sounded so inviting. I quite, appreciated the humour of your last sentence about the cherries. “When Vve felt like eating them we sat on the verandah and stoned some of them for jam, and stalked some for bottling.” Well done, Marion!— Thelma Symes—You appear to have quite jolly meetings, Thelma. Those accumulated pounds seem to provide you with a varied supper.—Margaret Gibb—You have related quite, an interesting journey, Margaret. Have you brought it to a conclusion, or is there another continuation for us to read:—Marjorie Morcton—The trip to Dunedin sounded most interesting and beautiful, but, though you have the gift of description, you are sadly careless, and your letter required many corrections, with, alas, no Jnargin left to hold my notes. ‘This all counted against you, but with a little more care about details, and choice of words, the prize would easily be yours.—Hazel Henman — Your essay is not quite up to your usual standard this time, clear, though it is a fairly good effort. I can’t quite imagine a bush borderer? track being deprived of feathered songsters; where had they all flown to I wonder. Many thanks for your kind welcome home. —Bett Smith.—l am glad you are going to try for the prizes, Bett. Your very nice letter is on top for the juniors, and

had it been junior prize week instead of senior, your essay would have carried the day. The care with which it is written, as well as its composition, is extremely good for a Kiwi of such tender years.—Pauline Goymour, too, has written the sweetest letter, but then, how could she help it, when she chose such an important subject. Think of it, Kiwis, a dear, fat, blue-eyed baby, wnb is the happy possesor of.a cowlick and an adoring sister. After Pauline’s letter appears in print, the wee baby will also have the adoration of all our Kiwis, including their Chief, and I hope that some day her little ladyship will be signing herself “Your Kiwi, Josephine Goymour. ” — Joan Natusch—l think I missed reading your first essay about your holiday trip, Joan, but I enjoyed this one immensely. What a beautiful time you had. No wonder that you were quite ready for school work after it was over.—Tony Robson — Another surprise certificate for you, Tony, for a happily written essay, which die! not require even one correction, and the writing is splendid. Your playhouse, and the wee sailing boats must be ideal.—Tommie Robinson .— You teertainly had a very enjoyable day at Waipukurau, but it is a long word for’ a small boy to spell. Try and get it quite correctly, Tommie, you were only one letter out.—Elva Gigg —I am glad you are so fond of little Luddy, for she must be a darling. Always be kind to her, and you will find her such a faithful friend.— Peace Preston Thomas—That was u jolly ride you had up the mountain. Peace dear, I do hope that the wild flowers which you planted lived and thrived. Granny would love to have them.—Esther Franklin.—Prince had quite an escapade, but how fortuna.c •for him that he once more found his own mat, and his very own mother. —Merylc Steel. —So glad to have yot. as a little new Kiwi, Meryle, dear Write whenever you can, and have a good try for a prize or certificates. 1 am so very proud of my youngest Kiwis this week. Those from the age of seven to ten have, each one of them ,written splendid eassays. Those Kiwis whose jokes and riddles do not appear, will understand that they have been previously pubHJhed. —CHIEF KIWI.