From the Kiwi’s Nest

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XVI, Issue 209, 21 August 1926, Page 12

From the Kiwi’s Nest

COMPETITIONS FOR OUR YOUNG FOLKS

THE HENS. The night was coming very fasti It reached the gate as I ran past. The pigeons had gone to the tower of the church 'And all the hens were on their perch Up in the barn, and I thought I heard A piece of a little purring word. J stopped inside, waiting and staying, To try to hear what the hens were saying. ,* - They were asking something, that was plain, Asking it over and over again. One of them moved and turned around, Her feathers made a ruffled sound, A ruffled sound, like a bushful of birds, And she said her little asking words, She pushed her- head close into her wing, But nothing answered anything. * ♦ ♦ ♦ Letter from Chief Kiwi, — DEAR KIWIS,-npO-DAY I was working amongst the jonquils and daffodils, and enjoying the scene of the violets and daphne, and I though, No wonder my Kiwis’ letters are telling of gardens and springtime, for there is so much joy in the outside world. Even the rain showers seem frolicsome and delight in catching one without an umbrella. In a week or twq, when we lose the winter chill in the air. which at present seems loth to leave us, we shall become frolicsome too, and only the spring fairies know what romantic statements will appear in the Kiwi essays. New ideas will come to you and Chief Kiwi will have an unusually interesting time amongst all the papers. The essays thi s week, though fair, are not brilliant. The prize has gone to Jean Steven for a description of a drive from Otane to Elsthorpe. She has told us of bo many beauties along the road. Dorothy Mcßobbie, too, has the gift of observation, and her long

walk to school each morning is full of pleasure, because of the beautiea she sees along the way. Hugh Norwell: In some unaccountable manner I find myself filing two sets of entries from you, Hugh. Both essays are good, so, if you would like me to, I will hold your description of “A Rainbow” for publication next week.

Elva Gigg: I think your little Mary Pickford must be a beauty, and I am sure she appreciates the special attention you give her. I am sorry that Charlie Chaplin came to such a sad end.

Mollie Hull: I was so interested to know that you had visited Kiwi Tony, and been introduced to his very intelligent pony. You and Mickie appear to nave had a jolly day with them all at Poukawa. Andrew Duncan: Quite a good little letter for Master eight years old.

Colin Martin: No wonder I missed the dragon one day, Colin, and looked for him in vain. Next time he invites you to have a day out with him, you must please send him back to his duties at the “Tribune” office. Gladys Kitt: It is such a long time since I have had a happy day in the bush, Gladys. I did not think we could boast of wild primroses and violets in New Zealand. Brightie Gray: I am glad you love books, dear. They are such wonderful friends and I hope that, as you grow older, you will be able to boast a collection of the very best. Billy Edwards: Methinks that yov too, are fond of books, Billy. Do you read lots of stories about explorers and travel?

Dorothy Steven: The ball will be over before this appears in print, Dorothy, and I am wondering so much what character you represented and whether you had a fine night. Do tell me all about it. Rosa Dixon: You certainly had the best time possible, Rosa, and now you will have next year’s ball to look forward to, and perhaps you will enjoy it even better. Mavis Johnstone: I expect you miss Creamy very much, Mavis, and she would miss you, too. I am glad you have become a Kiwi,

Norma Maulder: Of course you did not mean that swallows spend any time in New Zealand, did you, Norma?? Your essay was a little urn certain, and, Norma dear, please put all your entries—essay, riddle and joke—on separate papers. Bob Brathwaite: A well thought out essay Bob, and I agree with you that we New Zealanders are fortunate, not only in regard to the food our little country produces but for all the sunshine we have, and the glorious scenery which is ours. Jean Ebbett: You had a splendid day, Jean, and the different races must have been great fun. Violet Taylor: It was nice of you to write us a letter, Violet, so soon after your arrival i n New Zealand. I hope you will have a most enjoyable stay here, and I look forward to next week’s letter. Esther Franklin: I had been wondering what had become of you, Esther. What a jolly paper chase it was.

Max Littlejohn: Your essay needed so many corrections, Max. Always read it over, and be sure that your sentences are clear.

Elsie Kitt: Your letter seemed a replica of one that you. wrote some time ago, Elsie. Perhaps you had forgotten that yon had already told me of your holiday with your cousin. No doub’t, as yon write each week, you have difficulty in choosing a subject.

Inez Holdsworth: Your letter contained . many good ideas, Inez, but you got men and women, lambs and wild beasts in too close proximity. It would be a long task for me to enumerate the previously published jokes and riddles which reached me this week. Oh! so many. If this continues 1 shall have to import a second dragon. Edric Fritchley and Sydney Dixon omitted to state their ages. Violet Taylor, Amy Mackay, and Mavis Johnstone are given a warm welcome as new' Kiwis, and I have also received a note from Mitty Fryer, asking if she and her sister Zoe may join. Of course we shall all love to have them. Until next week— CHIEF KIWI.