LETTER FROM CHIEF KIWI.

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XVIII, Issue 297, 1 December 1928, Page 14

LETTER FROM CHIEF KIWI.

TALAR KIWIS, —Have you ever wondered how the days of the week were given their names I recently read some interesting myths explaining. Sunday and Monday, as you all know, are so called in honour of the sun and the moon, but Tuesday takes its name from an old Norse myth: When Fenris, a terrible wolf spirit, was troubling the whole earth a war god named Tyr (pronounced Tire) undertook to subdue him. The spirits of the mountain had made a chain out of all things most difficult to find —the sound of a cat’s footsfej, the roots of a mountain, the voice bi fishes. With this unbreakable chain Fenris was to be bound. But 'Fenris would allow it to be put round his neck only on condition that one of the gods should put his hand in the wolf’s mouth; Tyr was the volunteer—and Fenris was bound. But in his rage at capture he bit off the god’s hand. The Norsemen made their fourth day sacred to Woden, "or Odin, their greatest god. Living in Valhalla the heaven of heroes slain in battle he was kept in touch with earthly hap phnings by his two ravens. Round him stood maidens in helmets, spears and shields, known as Vaigifries. These were sent down to escort to Valhalla the souls of heroes. While they feasted, Woden would drink mead, without eating anything himself. Thursday takes its name from Thor, the strongest god of all. Ho had a hammer which no man could lift, a pair of iron gloves, and a belt which doubled his strength. But once the mighty hammer was hidden by Thrym, a giant, who promised to give it up only if the goddess Treya would marry him. Disguising himself as Freya, Thor went to visit the giant. Imagine the latter’s surprise when he saw the lovely goddess eat a whole ox and eight salmon at one sitting! When he was given back the hammet. Thor slew Thrym and all the othej giants. Freya, wife of Woden and mother of Thor, had the sixth day named after her, for fear she might be jealous. With Saturday we return to Greek and Roman myths. The less said about Saturn’s behaviour the better. He not only ate his own children w.J behaved altogether in a barbarous fashion, but gave his name to those terrible feasts.

the Saturnalia, which used to disgrace Home. Saturday is stiK a day for holiday making, and probably the most popular day of iJie week with all my Kiwi family. Entries lately have quite considerably dimnished, and 1 conclude that summer weather and daylight saving combined is responsible for the falling off. Essay writers are perhaps listening to the rivers song—and playing and bathing. I wonder what the river says to you as it ripples past on its way to the sea, I am sorry that essays aro not this week up to prize standard. Senior week, too! You will surely attempt to make up for this, seniors, by sending in some really good work. It would not do for my senior members to lose pretige. I have enjoyed hearing from various Kiwis of the happy Guy Fawke’s night which they spent, and of Mary O’Neill’s very jolyy holiday spent on a farm. Winnie Murray—l certainly should not part with such a possession Winnie, and should treasure it aiawys.—Frank Cheer—Our birthday greetings to you will be a little late, Trank, but you di<l not send me the date early enough. The ferrets must be interest' ing.—Chris Campbell—You chose a good subject, Chris, and many interested Kiwis will love to hear of the manner in which the stock is taken to the show.—Margaret Whyte—l do hope that the mother bird flew back in time to find out about the kind deed a little girl had done, and that she has hatched the egg.—Phyllis Loomes—What a perfectly scrumptious surprise. Is Elizabeth a grave, serious minded Kitty and Flossie a frivolous one?—Cecilia O’Neill —W* were greatly entertained by th* u Daughter of Hastings” picture Didn’t you just love the little hound puppies?—Peggy Trcw—The concert must have been splendid. You must not be disappointed if you do not get a certificate, Peggy. Just keep on try ing.

T have received a number of entries —chiefly jokes and riddles, with no age attached, some of them even without names. Some of the culprits who omitted their ages were Norma Mauld er. Bert McKay, and Lennox Trew. Next time you write, Lennox, ask mother how to snell the big words. — Nellie Ballard—Your essay was not quite good enough to be sent in for publication, Nellie, and read, the rule® carefully, dear. You broke one of them by’writing joke and riddle on page. My warm thanks for silver paper to Marie Pobins Doris Harner, Sybil Lowp, Joan Wyatt, Eric Honey, and G. Thorpe fOtane). My best love to you all. —CHIEF KIWI.