Prize Essay

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XVI, Issue 221, 4 September 1926, Page 12

Prize Essay

JUNIORS. MY STAY AT NAPIER. Dear Chief Kiwi, —I have not written to you for a long time, because I have been away for three weeks at Napier. One Sunday I went in with Mummy and Daddy to Bister Guffie’s hospital. It is on a big hill, and has a beautiful garden, and I could see high mountains with real snow on them out of my windows. One day I looked out of my window, and on the sea I saw a big ship. At night it wjis full of lights. The sea was very rough, and the other little boats were tossing about and getting the goods off it. One morning Sister came up and/took me to the operating table, and gave me nasty stuff to smell. I don’t know what happened next, and it was rather funny to find myself back in bed. Mummy told me a long time afterwards that the doctor had taken some bone out of my ear. Mummy and Daddy gave me a beautiful little watch. Granny came to see me and brought me lovely flowers ® n d fruit. My Napier Granny and Grandpa gave me a beautiful bonk called Tales of Flanders. Uncle and Auntie Pat brought me an Annual. My little school friend sent me Funny Cuts. Three little girls came and played games and read to me. One day. when I was better. I had a tea party in the garden with Sister Blue and -Sister White, and the nurses, and we had our photos taken, and I helped them in the" garden. Daddv and my baby sister came and took me home. I was sorry to leave the hospital, but it was lovely to be home again. With love to you and the Kiwis. —Prize of 2'6 to Beth Smith, age 8 years, Poukawa.

♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ THE STORY OF A WOODEN DOLL. Dear Chief Kiwi,—l am going to pretend lam a wooden doll. lam made of wood, with black hair and dark brown eyes. I used to have bright red lips, but I wa s put in a shop window with a lot of other toys, with the hot sun shining on us, and we lost some of our colour. One day the lady who kept the shop was leaning the window out. When she came to moving me. she threw me aside, and said. “This old faded doll won’t sell now, so I will put it on the shelf.” • Every time 1 heard the bell in the shop ring I would hope someone had come to take me away, but at the close of the day I was atill on the shelf; but I began to notice that I was getting put farther and farther away from the lady's hand. One day a lot of new dolls arrived, and I thought I would have to stop in my dark corner for ever. But just then an old lady and her grand-daughter come into the shop. The old ladv said. “Now. Betty, what Bind of dollie would yon like?” The ladv of the shop heard this, and trofted off and brought back some lovely dolls, and the granny said. “Now. Betty, nick which doll you want.” But Betty said, “I don’t like those dolls. I saw a wooden doll in the window one day last week and I would like it the best if it isn’t sold.” 1 could have jumped for joy when I heard this, hut my heart sank tlie next minute, for the ladv of the shop said she thought I must have been sold. But when she saw tbe little girl wouldn't have any other, she looker! about on the shelf till she found me, all dusty. The next moment I had been dusted and made to look quite smart, when I saw two hands clapping for joy. I was then wrapper! up in tissue paper and held gently by the same little hands. But still better things happened to me when the little girl got home. She dressed me in lovely woollen clothes, and then put me in her own bed to keep her company at night So after all I was very happy, even if I am an old wooden doll. I will now close, with love to vonrself and all Kiwis. -ll’ink Certificate to Elva Gigg. age 12 years. 401 E Southampton Street, Hastings.

A DAY DURINC THE HOLIDAYS. Dear Chief Kiwi,—l would like to tell you of one day during the holidays. It was last Thursday, a very (aid, windy day, We had a party the /sight before, and mother said we migni keep the verandah screens up. As they close the whole verauadah in, it makes a lovely house. My sisters qnd I played there all day. I had a small table out and a chair, and played school at one end, and my sister; the other end. Of course, we were all teachers, and we used the stick more than 1 would like it. used in a real class. After a while we got tired of school, so we played houses. 1 got some things from inside the house and set my table for tea, and my sisters came to call. Mother made us some lemonade and cakes. We sat and talked like grown-ups do when they are out to tea. We would have asked the baby to play, but he only tears the books up and pulls the things off the table, so we put him inside. We had a good day, but oh. the cleaning up we had to do. Well, Chief Kiwi, I naust close now, thanking you for the 1/- you awarded me. With love to yourself and other Kiwis. —Pink Certificate to Amy Mackay, age 10 years, 206 Lascelles street, Hastings, ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ A HOAX.

Dear Chief Kiwi,—l am going to tell you how We deceived our little bantam hen. She was given to my little brother at the end of last summer. We could never find where she laid her eggs. I think she must have laid them under the house or in the paddocks adjoining our garden. One day last week I was walking around, when suddenly I noticed a nest with three eggs in it in a box under a tin in a disused fowlhouse. At first I thought I would take the egg s in to Mum; but then I thought if I took them out of the nest she might find another place to lay when she found those eggs gone, and we might not be able to find them again, So I hunted around and found some stones the same size and shape as a bantam’s egg. I then painted them white, so that they resembled eggs, and left them all night to dry. Next morning I rose very early and took out the real egg s and put in my faked ones. Then I came away to wait for reSults. A little later in the day I peeped in and saw her sitting on the faked eggs, so I crept quietly away, and presently I saw her coming away, so I peeped in again, and there I saw a lovely little egg. I picked it up. and it was lovely and warm. She has been laying there every day since. My little brother Duncan loves a bantam's egg for his breakfast. Don’t you think it was a good way to stop her from laying somewhere else? Thank you for the pink certificate which I received qtote safely on Friday. Love to you and all the other Kiwis. « —Blue Certificate to Freda Kemley, age 10 years. Mangateretere, Rural Delivery, Hastings. ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ A TRIP TO STAR LAND WITH THE CHIEF KIWI.

Dear Chief Kiwi,—One moonlight night I went to bed early. My bedroom blind was up. so I lay gazing at the stars. All of a sudden I heard a noise by my bed. I turned to see what it was. There was the Chief Kiwi and the Kiwis. The Chief Kiwi said, “Hurry up, Rosa Dixon. If you want to come to Star Land with us, hurry up and get dressed.” Of course, it took me only a moment to get my clothes on, so we all hurried out of the door. When we reached the gate, we saw a huge bus waiting for us. The Chief Kiwi twld us to get in. which we did with much haste. The driver was a queer-looking fellow, dressed in a suit of brown. When we were all seated he came and shut down all the sides for fear we might tumble out. All at once the bus rocked and swayed about. Joan Martin peeped out of a crack in the side of the bus. She said we were in* the air, not on the earth. Again there was a hump. This time the Chief Kiwi got out. and we got out. too. We were in Star Land. Little fairies ran to meet us. The Chief Kiwi took us to supper

in a dining hall. Fairies danced before us, and we were sorry when we had to leave them. Then we went inside a big star and were shown how the stars work. Then we went for a ride on a falling star, and it was so lovely that we all had another ride. Then we went and saw the King and Queen of Star Land. Little stars hung everywhere, making a pretty sight. At last all the stars went out, only leaving the morning star. I will close now. Your loving Kiwi. —Blue Certificate to Rosa Dixon, age 9 years, 103 Barden street, Hastings. ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ A NIGHT AT THE PICTURES. Dear Chief Kiwi,—l am sorry you have been missing my essays lately. I thought you had such a lot of Kiwis you would not notice if you did lose one or two. This week lam going to tell you about the pictures. On Tuesday night I went to see Mary Pickford. Did you go, Chief Kiwi? How I laughed when I saw her fighting tbe boys: but I don’t think she really hurt them. Wasn’t it nice of all the poor little slum boys waiting for her when she came out of the hospital. I expect there are many true little hearts if they are pool-. I wish they were out here and all of them your little Kiwis, don’t you? You would have a big family. Thanking you for the certificate. With best wishes to all the little Kiwis. , „ , —Red Certificate to Glyn Bale, age 9 years, Havelock North. * * * *

OUR FLOWER BARDEN. Dear Chief Kiwi,—l am going to tell you about our flower garden. In it we have daffodils, jonquils, narcissi.. freesias, hyacinths, and anemones. We have also some baby stock plants, and some of our freesia plants are out, but it is a bit early yet. Then there are the carnations. We have quite a large number of these. JVe have a pink hydrangea plant which is showing many signs of spring with its new green leaves. The next is the arum lily, which is blooming now. We have three boxes in which we plant the seeds, and when they come up we plant them in the garden. We also have two blue pea plants. One is an Ajjgenline pea and the other is the everlasting pea. We keep lime around the plants to keep the snails and slugs from eating them. We have three begonia plants, two in the garden and one in a pot. Well, I must close now, as I have told you all about our flowers. Next week I will tell you about our vegetable garden. With love to you and your band. —Red Certificate to Mollie Hull, age 10 years, Box 76, Hastings.

A DAY ON THE NAPIER BEACH. Dear Chief Kiwi,—This week I am going to tell you about a day we had on tbe Napier beach. When we awoke in the morning we were delighted to find that we had a fine day for our outing. We dressed anil cut our lunches, and then we went to catch the ten o’clock bu s for Napier. At last we arrived’ at Napier, and we walked up to tbe beach. We went on the swings, on the roundabout, nnd on tbe ocean wave. There were some trolleys on the beach/and I think I enjoyed that most of all. My sister and I went on the swinging boat, and we went high in the air. We then went for a bathe in the surf, which we enjoyed very much. We would go right out behind the waves and they would carry us in again. One of the waves went right over the top of my head, and 1 wondered when I was coming up again. When I did I saw that my sisters were shaking with laughter. and I could not help but laugh too. although I was frightened. But still that did not stop me from bathing. We till';: got dressed and went and bad some lunch. We played on the beach for the afternoon until it was time to go and catch the bus. We arrived home tired but very happy. This is all this time. With love to other Kiwis and yoursell". —Red Certificate to Gladys Kitt, age 10 years, Murdoch road. Hastings,.

A TRIP TO WELINGTON. Dear Chief Kiwi,—l am going to tell you about my trip to Wellington. What wonderful things trains are, for by means of them we are able to travel long distances from one place to another. An interesting train journey 1 went a long time ago was from Hastings to Wellington. We left the sunburnt hills surrounding Hastings, and noticed that gradually the pastures grew greener and greener. One could not help noticing how much fresher the arir was as we entered the Manawatu Gorge. The scenerv in the Gorge was beautiful. Wonderful native bush rose in high grandeur on the hills. After all, there is nothing so beautiful as natural scenery which has been unaltered by the hand of mankind. After leaving Palmerston North the train darted in and out of numerous tunnels, and after that kept near the coastline until we arrived in Wellington. At Wellington was a scene of bustle. Many people had come to meet their friends. We were glad to stretch our cramped limbs and go to bed. Love to yourself and other Kiwis. —Red Certificate to Nellie Moreton age 9 years. 903 Ellison road. Hastings. ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ MY TWO PETS.

Dear Chief Kiwi,—This week 1 am going to write about my two pets, a dog tuid a cat. The dog’s name is Rennie, and the cat is Billie. Ono day. what do you think happened? Billie wanted something to eat, and Rennie would not let him have anything. She even went up to him and took a piece of meat out of his mouth.. Wasn’t she a naughty dog? Mother has given her a plate now to have her food on, so she is uite happy. qßennie likes to get into the clothes basket to sleep, and Billie lores to sleep on mv bed. Sometimes 1 dress Billie up in my dolly’s clothes. 1 must close now. Good-bye. With love to all the other Kiwis. —Red Certificate to Hillare Garland, age 9 years, Lumsden road, Hastings. ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ A WALK ROUND WELLINGTON WHARVES.

Dear Chief Kiwi,—This week 1 am going to tell you about a walk round Wellington wharves. One sunny morning 1 walked from Clyde Quay to Lambton Quay. There were all kinds of vessels, such as coal boats, ocean liners, merchant ships and ferry boats. The ferry boats were painted white, and looked very pretty in the sunshine. I saw cranes of a tremendous size, which could lift very heavy weights. As I walked along I passed heaps of goods piled up ready to be put on board the ships by the cranes which were engaged in loading and unloading. I saw the Tamahine steam out and a ferry boat for Lyall Bay. On one boat 1 saw a crane working, which swung round with a motor-car on it, and in a minute the car was on the wharf. Soon I came to Clyde Quay, where n French warship was anchored. I saw the guns and heard the sailors speaking. It sounded very funny, but, of course, I could not understand them. At the end of the quay a number of yachts and little boats were moored. It was a very interesting walk. -Red Certificate to Max Green, age 8 years. Church Lane, Waipukurau. ♦ * ♦ * A DAY AT NAPIER BEACH. Dear Chief Kiwi,—This week I would like to tell you about a day at Napier beach. While the holidays are on we have to take a few outings One of the nicest is a trip to Napier. We all get ready very early to catch the bus. We enjoy going by them best, but there is nothing much to look at until we pass Clive Grange. Then the bridges are exciting to cross. Then there are the lambs, and we have a good look at the Napier Boys' High School. When we arrive at Napier we walk through Clive Square and admire the flowers and the Mothers’ Rest. Then we make for the beach, walking through the busiest streets to see the shops. We take lunch wth us .and must have a little before we start to play. Its’ rather cold vet to take off our shoes and stockings. We play on the swings and see-saw s until we are tired. Then we have some more to eat and make ready for home. Sometimes we visit a friend on the way, but all come home very happy. Thanking you for my certificate. With love to al! Kiwis. _ -Red Certificate to Brightie Gray, age 8 years, 804 Gordon road, Hastings. ♦♦ ♦ ♦ MY PETS.

Dear Chief Kiwi. —I have not writ, ten to you for ever such a long time. But now the school holidays are here I have more time. This time lam going to tell you about mv pets. I have four little calves, and thennames are Babv Black-eyes. Mary, Pearl, and Tinv. When Dad goes to feed them, they jump and run about, and think it jolly fun. I have a grey cat called Gummy. If anyone leaves the door the tiniest little bit open she will come in and get all she can. Well. Chief Kiwi, T will close now. with best wishes. - Red Certificate to Florence McRobbie. age 7 years, Box 86, Havelock North.

LEMONS. Dear Chief Kiwi,—This week I am going to tell you about lemons. Lemons are a very useful fruit. The lemon tree does not bear fruit until it is a few years old. The leaves shoot out lovelv and green, then the flowers form, and then the fruit. The tree bears buds, flower s and fruit all the time. When the big lemons are ripe they ar? picked and packed in boxes and sent to the market. Lemons are verv good for colds, for taking the stains out of linen, and for gargling the thrgat. Mum gave me a lemon drink to gargle my throat with, an<} it did it a lot of good. Some people do not know the Worth of the lemon. Mv Aunt in Auckland sent a box of lemons down to my Grandma, and they were such big ones. The frosts affect the lemon trees here when they are young—it ruts the young shoots. But when they have got hard wood on them it only cuts the young, tendeT shoots. I think everybody should plant a lemon tree in their garden. Tluinking you for the 2/0 prize you awarded me last week. With love to the Kiwi Band. - Red Certificate to Jean Steven, age 10 years, Otane. ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ A DAY IN THE BUSH. Dear Chief Kiwi,—l am going to write and tell you about a day in the bush. We were spending the Easter holidays up at Whano with Auntie Lila and Uncle Eric. One Auntie Laila and Uncle Eric. One take us for the day into the Bush, because Uncle Eric had to go the sheepyards. After we had packed some lunch in a basket we set off. We soon arrived there, and sat down on a rock to have a rest. Then wc had lunch. After lunch we went out to play while Auntie Laila wen! to sleep under a shady tree. Wc jumped over the little gurgling streams, when Denis suddenly said. “Let’s slide down that flax bush! So we climbed to the top and slid d'own. It was getting near time to go home. So we ran back to Auntie Laila and went home. Well. Chief Kiwi, I must be closing. with much love to all. —Orange Certificate to Mitty Fryer, age 8 years. Box 277, Hastings. ♦ ♦ ♦ # SHEEP. Dear Chief Kiwi,—l am going to tell you about sheep. Sheep are small animals with verv short tails. In winter they have long fleecy coats of wool. These woollen coats protect them from the heavy rains and hailstorms. In Spring the mother sheep are seen in the green meadows with their lambs. Then in early summer they are shorn, and afterwards often killed. When the sheep have been killed, the farmers sell the bales of wool to the English factories where they make clothes. Some of the frozen meat is sent to Great Britain. . —Orange Certificate to Winnie Laws, age 9 years, 303 Miller street, Hastings. * ♦ ♦ ♦ MY MECCANO. Dear Chief Kiwi,—This is the first time 1 have written to you. lam going to tell you about my Meccano. 1 have just made a crane, which was not very successful. The first time 1 had a Meccano 1 was very excited nnd made a model that day. 1 have three sets now, and am going to make a railway with it. I must close now. .Orange Certificate to Gilbert G. Natusch, age 8 years, Behnont, Lower Hutt, Wellington. ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

SCHOOL BALL. Dear Chief Kiwi, —This week 1 am going to tell you about our fancy dress ball. Last week 1 told you about our practising for the school ball. We were afraid that it would rain, as it was raining on Wednesday night nnd part of Thursday, but when Thursday night came it was fine, so we got dressed. I went as a Red Cross Nurse. Jean went as an Anemone, and Douglas as a Nigger Boy. We arrived at the hall about halfpast seven, and there was such a crowd of children in fancy dress. Some of them I could not recognise, they looked so different. One boy went as a Black Cat, with tightfitting whiskers nnd ears and a long tail. We could not tell who he was. There were clowns and niggers, golliwogs, baskets of flowers, and I could not tell you all the different ones. They were so nice. After we bad the Grand March and a lot of dances, we had supper and a few more dances. Then we strolled home, tired but happy. Thanking you for the certificates last week. With love to the Kiwi Band and yourself. —Orange Certificate to Dorothy Steven, age 9 years, Otane. ♦ ♦ * * A BROWNIE PICNIC. Dear Chief Kiwi,—This being my first time to write to you, I decided to write about a Brownie Picnic which 1 attended. One beautiful morning when the sun shone brightly we went for a picnic at the Manawatu Gorge. We went by the train which left at ten o’clock. Soon after arriving all the Brownies went through the bush, finding out the names of all kinds of ferns and trees. Birds sang merrily, lurking and playing m the s unshine at the tops of the green trees. Later on dinner was ready. We boiled the kettle so as to have hot drinks. When dinner was finished we went to the Gorge, where we saw a car which had gone over the bunk into the river. We watched there anxiously for a while afteiwards. Then all of a sudden 1 could see four wheels of it on the -surface of the water. After a while there were a great number of men nearby, all pulling with anxiety. About an hour later the car was brought to land.' Then it was time to go home, so we packed up and walked slowly towards our friend's place. On reaching the place where we were going we were all entertained by a birthday party. After many games we finished the dav by all going home about six o’clock. Well. Chief Kiwi, I will close with best wishes. — Orange Certificate Io Joyce Walther. age 10 years, 12 Ross sire?! Woodville.

A DAY IN MY CARDEN. Dear Chief Kiwi,—lt is a long time since I have written to you, so I will tell you about a day in my garden. It was a nice Spring day. so I thought I would go and see my garden. When I got there I saw that many of my flowers were out. It was a sight to see them. Daffodils. violets, jonquils, freesias, daphne, and a tew pansies. My vegetables are just coming up I will tell you what I have got in, peas, carrots, parsnips, turnips, radishes, and cabbages. With best love to you and the other Kiwis, —lrene English, age 9 years, Omahu road, Hastings, ♦ ♦ * ♦ TRAVELLING NOW AND LONG AGO. Dear Chiel Kiwi, —My essay this week is going to be about the above title. Many years ago when the white people first landed in New Zealand it was very difficult to travel even a short distance on account of the roughness of the country. As most parts of New Zealand were covered with dense bush and scrub, and even large areas of swamp land had to be overcome before one could travel with safety. We are told that in the earlier adays the people in Hawkes’ Bay used to travel from Waipukurau to Napier in bullock drays, which used to take from four to five days to do the journey. That will show the difficulty of travelling in the earlier days the people in on there ha s been a steady improvement in roadmaking and railways. Nearly the whole of New Zealand is opened up. One can now travel the whole country in a few days. In the earlier days it would have taken months. In the earlier days one could not travel with safety because of the bushrangers, who would look for you in a coach, and when they saw one they dashed upon it and smashed it to piieces. The first train that was made was called Locomotive No, 1. The people were very pleased at this, and we have had trains ever since. Love to yourself and al) Kiwis. —Lois Stewart, age 10 years, Riverslea road, Hastings. ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ v HOLIDAYS. Dear Chief Kiwi, —We are now having holidays for about a fortnight, so it will be a change, because at school we do a lot of work, but now we can have a lot of fun playing all day. We had our fancy dress ball last Thursday, and there were such a lot in fancy dress, and there were prizes given to the best costume. I was a little Nigger Boy, but I did not get a prize. We danced around for about one hour and a-half, and then we were told to go into supper, and we had jflenty to eat. We nnd some more dances and then we were getting tired, so we went home, I did not get up early next morning, as we had started our holidays. —With love to all Kiwis. ' —Douglas Steven, age 8 years. Otane. ♦ * ♦ ♦ OUR PLACE Dear Chief Kiwi,—l am going to tell you about our place. Our place i 8 quite a big one. We have a nice grass bank with some trees growing on it. We have a big garden and lots of bulbs and flowers. We have plenty of toys and dolls. 1 have a garden of my own, and it has a lot of weeds in it. —Barbara Natusch, age 7 years, Belmont, Lower Hutt, Wellington. ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ OUR PETS. Dear Chief Kiwi,—This week I am going to write about our pets. We have six pets at home. There are four lambs, a pup, and a calf. We feed the lambs three times a day, but we feed the calf and pup twice each day. The lambs’ names are Betty, Billy, Flossy aud Tommy. The pup’s name is Tui and the calf’s mime is Dolly. We keep the three bigger lambs in the old coop, but we keep the smaller one in the shed. We had two lambs before, but they both died. To-night Dad brought in another lamb, so that makes five. I will now close, with love to all the Kiwis. —Mavis Johnstone, age 10 years, 'Rural Delivery, Mangateretere, Hastings. SENIORS. SPRINGTIME.

Dear Chief Kiwi,—This week I am writing about one of the pleasantest and most welcome seasons of the year —Spring! This season is easily recognised as its approach is proclaimed by every living creature. Little snow-white lambs frisk in the fields, running after their mothers, bleating all the time. Sometimes, when the mothers have not enough food, the poor lambs are very hungry, and having very little wool, they are often cold on windy nights. Between cold and hunger many of the poor little things die, thus causing great loss to the farmer who owns them. Their piteous bleating fills the hearer’s heart with compassion for the tiny, shivering bodies. Insects, birds, and plants of every kind rejoice at the return of spring after the long, cold winter. Chirping, twittering birds fly to and fro. in search of any crumbs or insects they fancy. ■Sometimes a thrush, with a handsome spotted breast, appears and, being one of our best feathered singers, charing all listeners with his tuneful song. .Perhaps a pretty goldfinch or a little yellow-hammer goes past, or a stalling or minah carrying straw for its nest. All bird-land salutes the spring with its usual happy burst of music. Nature, in all her spring glory, looks her best. Flowers growing in gardens and fields anil on banks, trees just regaining their leaves, and blossoming shrubs, all are a help in beautifying the land. Everything that belongs to Nature is beautiful and rare. Tulips, daffodils, geraniums nnd roses add a flash of colour to gardens; violets modestly hang their pretty heads and their fragrant perfume is wafted on the breeze with that of carnations. daphne, primroses and freezias. Insects awaken as Spring draws nigh, and begin again their work. Their busy lives are contented and happy, although they never “have a holiday.” The ants spend the warm days of the year in finding food for the winter, while bees, following the example, fly from flower to flower gathering honey. Spring! Oh. what joys, what delights that happy season holds! Can summer, autumn and winter i>ite equal it? It is a period of Now I must close my essay, with love to you and the Kiwis. —Pink Certificate to Dinah Rednath. age 12 years, Te Aute road, Havelock North.

THE MIDNIGHT REVEL. My Dearest Chief Kiwi, —I am telling you this week about what a good little girl saw one night. Maizie’s mother said, “Now. Maizie, you must go straight to bed. You’ve bad a long day, and I’m sure you must be tired.” She obeyed at once, but before leaving the room she went to kiss her father and mother Goodnight. When Maizie was in her cosy bed, she was startled to hear u silvery voice. She sat up and looked round. To her great amazement she saw on the head of her bed a little fairy—yes, ever so little—with silvery ‘wings and lovely golden hair, Maizie blinked and rubbed her eyes to see if she were dreaming. But, no, she really saw a little fairy. As the moonlight was streaming into the rooms, it made the fairy sparkle and glitter like a diamond Then she spoke: “My name is Golden Dream, and I have been sent by the Queer, of the Fairies to ask you if you would like to come and see her and her fairies. There is going to be a wonderful feast. Wil) you come?" “Oh, that is ever so kind of your Queen to ask me to such a grand feast, and if you really want me to come 1 should be delighted. So she slipped on her test frock and ran over to the fairy, who said: “Maizie, I remembered to bring some wings for you,’’ and she handed to Maizie the most beautiful pair of wings. Golden Dream fixed them on for her. Then, oh. it was funny, she glided through the air with Golden Dream until they came to a great number of mushrooms. These were the fairy houses. Golden Dream guided her on until they reached a cave. It was beautiful. There were bluebells, daisies, snowdrops and, oh, hundreds of different flowers outside the cave which was the Queen’s palace, and it had glittering stones on the wall. Maizie was led on until they came to a door when it was opened. Oh, Chief Kiwi, Maizie told me she had never seen such a wonderful sight. There in the middle of the room was a great feast, and what she liked best was the beautiful big cake with pink icing, and little blue, red, and yellow violets and pansies on it. When she had seen the Queen and had what she wanted to eat, it was time to go home. Don’t you think it would be lovely if every Kiwi could see the Queen of the Fairies? —Blue Certificate to Zoe Fryer, age 11 years, Box 277, Hastings. ♦♦ ♦ ♦ MY VISIT TO A HOSPITAL. Dear Chief Kiwi,—When I was ill some time ago, I had to pay a three weeks’ visit to a private hospital in Napier. Before leaving home I wondered what kind of a time I was going to have. However, I had a very happy time, except for being ill, as the doctor apd nurses were so kind and looked after me so well. Situated on the Marine Parade, the hospital catches the first beams of the morning sun. Nothing being in the way to block the scenery, it Jias a splendid view over a great expanse of ocean. After walking inside one is shown up the stairs to their room. If the patients prefer they may go up in the lift. There are three storeys with a beautiful flat roof, where patients who are well enough are allowed to sit in the sun. When on top one inhales such bracing air that one imagines he or she is in top of a mountain viewing fairyland. Before going to sleep the matron used to come and kiss me good-night, so that 1 would not miss my mother so much. 1 think it was very thoughtful of her, don’t you, Chief Kiwi? With love to you and all the Kiwi Band. _ , _ , —Blue Certificate to Harlev Bates, age 12 years, 204 Market street, Hastings. ♦ ♦ ♦ * “ A WINDY DAY.” Dear Chief Kiwi,—This week I am going to tell you about a Windy Day. “Now for a frolic, a jolly good frolic,” cried the Wind, as lie sprang out of bed. After having had his breakfast, he set out on his journey. “Ahl there are some children going to school. I’ll blow their hats off, he chuckled. With one great puff he sent their hats flying down the street. After them the children rushed, laughing joyously. Off round the corner the wind went. ‘ There s mother hanging out the clothes, ’ he cried. I’ll give one great puff and dry all her washing. Won’t she be pleased.” So. after finishing his action the Wind left mother smiling all over her face. “Oh, my! What a lovely tree of apples. I will blow them all down, so there will be plenty for the children when they come home from school.” Then off the Wind was again. Across the desert he scampered, blowing the sand in the poor weary traveller’s eyes, nearly blinding him. Suddenly he came upon a camp in which sat two travellers eating their lunch.. “I’ll blow down their tent,” he chuckled as he gave a great puff. Up jumped the travellers, clinging with al! thenmight to the end of the tent. How the Wind did laugh. Then off he was again, this time to a country place, where fruit was sold on stalls in the streets. “Ah! what luck,” laughed the Wind. So saying he sent forth a mighty puff. Over tumbled the apples, pears, oranges, lemons and gooseberries, while the poor hungry beggars rushed to pick them up. After a day of mischief the Wind returned home to his bed for a good night’s rest. I must close now. Love to yourself and other Kiwis. Blue Certificate to Eileen Jones, age 13 years, 406 Victoria street, Hastings. *♦ ♦ ♦ MY LONG RIDE

Dear Chief Kiwi,— Every week 1 greatly enjoy reading the essays on tlie Kiwi page, although it ‘ s over a year since 1 have written to you, 1 take a keen interest in reading the delightful essays horn your merry band of Kiwis. As «e are having our holidays 1 have a good opportunity to write again, hoping am not quite forgotten. My subject this week will be my long ride to school, being a distance of five and a-half miles. On leaving home in the morning my sister and 1 ride a quiet horse across the paddocks and hills, because it is eight miles to go by the road. We have fifteen gates to open on our way, and the same coming home, which i s a very mono, tonous task to repeat week mtor week 1 often wish we could induce our steed to jump the troublesome gates, and by doing so get to school much more quickly. At this time of the year when the hills are very wet and slippery, it is very difficult for our horse to keep on her feet, and it takes Us much longer to travel than in the summer time. We have

beautiful views from the tops of the hills, showing the plains and valleys, and the magnificent snow-capped mountains, also a picturesque luxe quite near our home . At present the little lambs frolicking about in the paddocks make the scene more beautiful. A short distance from school we pass through a pretty native bush through which a road has been formed. I will conclude now as I don’t wish to make my essay too long. With best wishes to you and your merry little band of Kiwis. —Blue Certificate to Evelyn Hares, age 12 years, Patangata. ♦ » ♦ * THE HUNT. Dear Chief Kiwi,—Have you ever been to a hunt? 1 have never been to one but what information I receive out of books and pictures always makes me long to attend a hunt. In the early days, the men go hunting in very bright red coats, while the ladies. sitting side-saddle, wear bright blue and green costumes. They start then hunt in the winters morn and they make a magnificent spectacle as they canter off over the Irost-covered ground, closely followed by numbers of sleek, well-kept hounds. In England and other countries these hunts were organised to hunt the foxes, but in New Zealand they hunt the poor little bunny. To-day the huntafoik wear more quiet clothes, and the cut is somewhat altered too, but nevertheless it does not spoil the grandeur of the bunt. The glossy horses and handsome hounds are just the same as in the early days, so the hunt is very little changed. 1 think it ia cruel to chase the bunny and let the dogs eat them. After chasing them, til) these poor unfortunate bunnies nre exhausted, the hunters catch the bunnies and throw them into the air and the hounds catch them as they fall and tear them to pieces. Is it not cruel? If these hunters were rabbits Fin sure they would object to this treatment, but they don’t seem to realise that fact. With best love to yourself and the Kiwi band, and thanks for lust week’s certificates you aw-arded me. —Blue certificate to Irene Alhiston, age 14 years, 505 Lascelles Street, Hastings. ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ A TRIP TO THE PEAK

Dear Chief Kiwi,—As this is the first time I have written to you I thught I would write about an event while in Hastings. On Saturday afternoon the Boy Scouts of Havelock and Hastings were asked to help plant trees at the Peak which, when grown to full height, would make a shady picnio ground. As there was a large number of young trees to plant many helpers were needed. In spite of the cold, dull day. many were present. In the early part of the afternoon we decided to pay a visit to the Peak. After passing the main thoroughfare of Havelock we turned down a road where the blooming wattle among the green trees made a picturesque scene. We climbed quietly up a small hill and wended our wny over the stony and narrow roadway. Although there was some scenery the ride was not very pleasant. When we reached the planting ground everybody was busy marking and breaking up small portions of ground to give the young saplings a chance to grow. From the peak a. great part of the country could be seen. Not far away tWe blue sea stretched in view. Looking down below we saw the two colleges surrounded by evergreen trees. In the distance was Hastings, which looked like a cluster of tiny dots. The mountains were hidden by a mist which completely screened them, from view. Looking down over the hilly landscape the main road shone like silver for it bad been showery. As it began to rain we left for home, how many trees had been planted. We hurried home after spending a pleasant afternoon to go to n presentation. —Red certificate to Florence Walther, age 13 years. 12 Ross street, Woodville. ♦ * ♦ ♦

A DAY WHITEBAITING Dear Chief Kiwi,—As I had nothing to do to-day I thought I wotnd tell you how we spent a day whitebaiting but, first of all. I must thank vou for the shilling you awarded me On Sunday I woke up fairly early and could not get to sleep again so as 1 lay in bed 1 began to think Then suddenly a bright idea came to me. When mother came in to tell us it was time to get up, I asked her if father would be able to take my brother and me out to the Tuki Tuki river for the day to catch whitebait. Father agreed to do this and to come back for ns at five o'clock. As soon as wc reached there we looked for 8 place to set our net which we very soon found. We settled down to watch the net, but we soon became very restless and started to run about . After a time we began to get tired so we decided to walk along Die river aud look at the other nets. Then we thought it was time to hit our net in which we found a great deal of wriggling whitebait. Not long after that we began to get hungry so we sat down to have lunch As we did not see iui.v more whitebait go into the net we did not, lift it until father came for us. but only found six in Hie net. «e returned home very tired, with best wishes to you and the Kiwis. —Red certificate to Mickie Hull, age 11 years, Box 76, Hastings. ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ WATTLE TREES. Dear Chief Kiwi,—This week my chosen subject is the ivattel. lhe wattle 1 am going to write about is the Golden wattle. 'The glory and perfume of the wattle is simply beautiful. This kind of wattle is much harder and more weather-like than the silver or black ones. It can or could be grown in sandy or poor sod. not being afraid of any kind of weather. 1 do not think there are any flowering trees which can equal the magnificent wattle. Some people think to take wattle inside brings one bad luck, but 1 do not agree with them. —Red Certificate to Iris Cameron, age 11 years, 1000 Tomoana road, Hastings. * * * * Bridget: "There's a man at the door with a parcel marked C.0.D.” Mrs. Newbride: “Tell him to take it back nt once. I ordered salmon.” —Red oertifieate to Irene English, age 9 years, Oniahu road, Hastings.

HOW THE DRAGON SPOILT TH! FUN. Dear Chief Kiwi,—During the month of April you awarded me a red certificate. Although it is a long time back, I must not forget to thank you, go 1 w ill say “Thank you.” Well, now 1 will start my essay. One day the Chief Kiwi and all his family were very busy springcleaning the “Tribune” office, when in walked the dragon. He asked if he could do something as they were all thinking it good fun to spring clean. He wanted to join them, so they gave him a duster and some polish to clean the silver. Just ss the Chief Kiwi was filling • bucket with boiling water * sudden crash was heard outside. Bo oat rushed *ll the Kiwis; so the Chief Kiwi was left alone with the Dragon. Then the Chief began to get very anxious to know what was the matter, so he asked the Dragon to stay and look after things until his return. “Yes,” said the Dragon obediently. But when the Chiet Kiwi had disappeared, the Dragon thought, “How ray master will be pleased to see me scrubbing the floor when he conies back. So lie went over to the boiling water. Suddenly a noise which sounded like a bucket falling was beard by the Chief Kiwi, and all that the Dragon remembers is that the Chief Kiwi rushed in, then called to the Kiwis, and when they came in he was carried to a place, but he did not know where. When he awoke be found to his surprise he was not in his own snug bed, but in a strange bed in a very large room, where lots of other little folk were sitting and some sleeping in other littlo cots. Then a kind-looking lady came over to him and put fresh bands on his arms and legs. Of course, the Chief Kiwi and Kiwis often came to see him, and brought him goodies of all kinds. The Dragon Boon become a favourite with all the children, until opo bright morning someone came. Whom do you think?—the Chief Kiwi and Kiwis, and they took the Dragon home. Heaps of love to yourself and all the Kiwis. — Red Certificate to Christie Lowe, age II years, Sunny Bunk, Hastings. « ♦ ♦ ♦ MY EXPERIENCES WHEN I LEFT WAIROA. Dear Chief Kiwi,—l have decided this week to write and tell you about “My evperience when I left Wairoa.” We packed up all the furniture and rolled up the bedding, ready to leave by the boat in the morning, but when morning came the sea was too rough, and the boat could not leave. We had to undo the bedding and were compelled to sleep on the floor, and have our meals in town. Well, you can imagine the time we had, at the boat didn’t leave for a fortnight, and I had left school thnedauAYriwoDeuosk— mfw mfwyp and bad to mils my lessons all that time. Well, at last I left,‘with my brother, at 4 o’clock, in a small boat called the Tu Atu. But it was very rough on the bar and we were nearly drowned. We tosaed about outside for a long time, waiting for the Tangaroa to take us off. It was a terrible experience, as I was soaked to the skin. I hope I will not have to through it again, at I was vary tick, and’thought every minute that the boat was going down. We arrived in Napier after four and a-half hours, and my father was waiting for us. I had a nicejiot tea, and soon forgot about mv trip. I must close now. With love to you and all the other Kiwis. —Red Certificate to John Alexander, age 12 years, 806 St. Aubya street, Hastings. * * ♦ ♦ OUR CAT. Dear Chief Kiwi,—This week I have decided to write about our cat. Before we had him he belonged to a cook in Featherston canteen. When Daddy brought him horns he was very frightened, and would not venture near us. For some days ha stayed under the house, not even coming out for food. We began to fear he would die under there. Gradually he became more used to us, and now he Is quite friendly. When he catches a mouse he brings it to the window' and mews until we go out and pat him and say “Good old Jim Boy.” At Christmas we went into Napier for a week, and when w« arrived home he made a great fust, and for a long time if we were going out he would follow us quite a long way down the road. There is a little dog that lives near us that he is very frightened of. It often comes over and ha s » fight with him, and the other day he bit his tail and made it bleed. He sometimes comes in at meal-times and site up aud begs for something to eat. He is about nine years old. very large and fat. He is a very handsome fellow, grey and white, with a snow-white shirt front. He loves to roll over and be rubbed. He can also jump quite well. Everyone that comes to see us admires him very much. ... —Orange Certificate to Sybil Redpath, age 11 yoars, Te Aute road, Havelock North. «c • e OUR BUS RIDE. Dear Chief Kiwi,—Thank you foi the certificate you sent me. After school our teacher, Miss Young, took us out for a walk. We called in for another little girl. Teacher said, “You three elder ones may go on down the road and meet the bus.” We went on till we came to Whana. We asked the bus driver, Mr Painter, if we may have a ride back to school, and he said “Yes, if you like.” On the way we picked up Miss Young Snd the other children. We had a lovely time coming home, and one of tlie children acted as conductor. Teacher paid for two, aud tlie rest of us paid for ourselves. Our money consisted of stones picked up on the roadside. The driver seemed quite pleased to have so many first-class passengers. Our journey ended far too quickly. However, we settled down to school for another hour or two, then 1 went home feeling very happy after a very pleasant bus ride. 1 must close now, Chief Kiwi, with love to yourself and all the happy Kiwis. _ Orange Certificate to leggy High, age 11 years, Whana Whana, Hastings.