Essay Competition

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XX, Issue 162, 28 June 1930, Page 15

Essay Competition

ARAPUNI Dear Chief Kiwi, — During tho school holidays last January, wo went touring for a fortnight, and among other places, we visited Arapuni. It is a very interesting place. Tho power house and engineering works are too complicated lor me to understand, but 1 liked the lovely waterfall and wonderful ciaiu and bridge. The sunken forest is a very Uncommon sight. Wo took snaps of it, and all tho other places of interest. This evening’s “Tribune” reports that tho spillway has been cracked, and other places leaking, owing to an earth 'fault. The huge concrete works looked so strong. It must have have taken great force to cause a break. 1 hope it will not be destroyed. Among the old cable drums lying in the yard 1 noticed a curious sight. Bees ,had made their hives in them. Wo could see them flying in and out of tho hollow ends. Well, Chief Kiwi, I shall close now with love to you and all the other Kiwis. —Prize of 2/6 to Bettie Wilson, ago 11 years, 505 Cornwall road, Hastings. * * * * NGARUAWHIA REGATTA Dear Chief Kiwi, —While I was on auuuuy, X happened to stay at lianailou, so took, luu opportunity ox attend rug tne lumous regatta nerd unnuajy at .Ngaruuwuniu, a very pretty little town ut the junction ux tne Waikato and wuipu rivers. Ilio uuy was ideal lor the occasion, and too river lianas presented a uuvqx-to-oe-x'orgot-ten scene. On entering the grounds 1 lii'ot walked turougn the long line of side-snows, being very amused at tne extorts ox the snowmen to attract customers. From here tho puth lea to tho river bank, where thousands of . spectators were watching the varicus water sports. At tho time ol n.y arrival, a party .if Arawa Maoris from Kotoruu, arrayed in their beautiful native costumes, were performing some lino hukas ami puis on a punt mooted in the river. Dater there were cutboard motor races followed by sculling and Maori canoe races. Tne best part of the day was the canoe hurdle race, nearly every caupo overturning and’ depositing their occupants into tho water, causing roars of laughter from the spectators. After having afternoon tea under tho cool willows lining the banks of tho river 1 sot out tor my aunties place, where X was staying, tired but very pleased with my outing. X'ink certificate to William Howard, aged 13 years, 310 Eastbourne street, 1 lasting!. ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ A TRIP FROM GISBORNE TO ROTORUA Dear Chief Kiwi,—Leaving Gisborne, wo went nine miles before we saw anything of special interest. This was a Maori pa at Wairengahika which was attacked many times curing the Muori-l’akeha wars. At Waihoku wo had to wait for a train to pass, as wo had to use tho same bridge. Wo had to ford many of tho nice cyrstal-liko creeks and streams, and pass under two viaducts. Between Gisborne and Opotiki wo crossed the Motu Rango, and as the path is very undefined and narrow it took two hours to accomplish this tusk. It is not a trip to bo desired again. At one point a very picturesque view of White Island, nestled in the Bay of Plenty, is obtained. The scenery of the ranges is very beautiful, the fresh green frouds of the pungas and aikous brightening the sombre green of tho bush. All that is seen for twentyfour miles is native bush and little, clear, waterfalls gushing between. We were not sorry to leave tho ranges and run along the two miles flat to Opokiti. Opotiki is a very historic place,'it once being a great Hauhau place. There is a spring close by which is said to bo haunted by Tauiwha. On tho pulpit of the Volkner Church there are still nlood stains where To Kooti placed Rev. Volkner’s head. —Pink certificate to Una Loach, aged 13 years. Box 332, Hastings. * * * * A DAY AT KAIRAKU BEACH Dear Chief Kiwi.—i hope, in my long absence from tho Kiwi page, that you have not forgotten me. Ono day during the Easter holidays, wo decided to go to Kairahau Beach, which is nine miles out of Elsthorpe. We left at about 10 a.m. so that wo would arrive there fairly early. There were ten of us went out, so wo had to take two ears. The other car left before ours, but it had to go to town, so we had a start after all. It was quite fun watching out of the back of the car to seo if we could sight the other car coming. At last, when we were well up in the hills, we caw tho bonnet and engine peep round a corner. The road out to Krirahau was good all the way, the ai/*nmu leaves a sd willows adding to f * beauty. When we reacheu our destination, we went for a bathe in the sea. The bottom was rough and stony but a little further on it was sandy. We did not stay in long because it was very coll. Before dinner we had a ’little time to get warm. Well, I will close now with love to all. —Pink certificate to Trixie Eves, ago 11 years, Havelock North, 1 “ (To be continued.)

THE YELLOW HAMMER Dear Chief Kiwi,—l must apologise for not writing to you before, but still I know you won’t mind, The yellow-hammer is a pretty birds, and is seen more frequently in winter. It is about the size of a sparrow, and its feathers are yellowish-brown in cob our. One year, when my father was sowing fresh grass seed on our lawn, as scon as he had finished sowing the seed the yellow-hammers camo in numbers and began to devour the seeds. After a few hours we found nothing could be done to stop them, so dad bought some wheat which bad been thoroughly soaked in poison and that killed most of them. Its r.Cst is made of dried grass and lined with horse hair, and stray bits of wool. It finds a suitable spot about twenty feet from the ground in tho top of some bushy tree. With love to you and the Kiwi band. —Blue certificate to Denys Heaton, age 11 years, 409 Southland road, Has tings. ♦ ♦ ♦ * A CONVERSATION BETWEEN A _ CAR AND A HORSE Dear Chief Kiwi,—Thank you very much for the 2/6 you awarded me. A horse and gig stood outside a shop when a car drew up alongside. “Good-day,” said the car, “and how are you, old Dobbin?” “Hullo,” said the horse. “Speak up,” said the car. “Dop’t you think 1 am good-looking, with my shining body?” “Yes, but you may not go so well. . Your works may break down, and you have to no taken to a garage.” “Pouf! I will never go to one of those dirty places,” said the car, “and, besides, 1 keep quite well. 'Hie horse smiled to himself. “You can only go about a mile an hour, while 1 go fifty,” said the cur very proudly. “1 will carry my master anywhere he wants to go, but your tn ister has to drive you. If he did let you go by yourself, you would ru i into a bank or do something silly. You have no brains.” The car grew very angry nt this. “You bob-tailed, funny-looking creature,” he said. “You need not thins you are better than 1.” At this the car s brakes gave away and he ran down the slope at a great pace, and into a telegraph post— Crash 1 Bang I , The horse split his sides with laughing Out tan the owner of the cat. and as he passed old Dobbin he sighed, and said, “Oh, how 1 wish 1 had a steady pacing horse like this, instead of a runaway car.” With love. —Blue Certificate to Kina Wall, age 13 years, Private tag, Waipuki.iau. ♦ * * * A TRIP TO BALL’S CLEARING Dear Chief Kiwi,—One day at 0.39 a.ui. we set forth to Ball’s Clearing. We drove along the road througn Fernhill, Rissington, Puketitiri, and past the sawmill. Jdere the logs irom tho bush near the clearing are sawn into planks. We went along a small enclosure and put the car in a cleared space. Each of us then took some tood out of tho car, and started along a rough track in the bush. After walking amongst rimu, matai and white pene trees, with occasional tree ferns, for’ about half a mile, we emerged into a natural dealing qf about 90 acres. The clearing is supposed to have once been a lake which has dried up. At one corner the clearing has been reached by tho wood cutters. After having lunch, we walked through tho bush for an hour or two. Having arrived back at the clearing, somebody produced a ball, and with the aid of some (ticks we played rounders until it was time for tea. Having had afternoon tea, we walked back to the car and set off home, having spent veary pleasant day at Ball’s Clearing. Thank you for the shilling and the certificates you awarded me. Love. —Blue Certificate to Peter Bell, age 13 years, .Box 101, Havelock North, * * * * HOW I SPENT MY HOLIDAYS Dear Chief Kiwi,—Many thanks for certificate. I enjoyed my holiday very much indeed, and it gave me much rest as well as pleasure. I began my holiday-making the same night as wc broke up, when I went to hear our New Zealand Bible Class, travelling secretary, telling us of the workings of our Bible Class Movement in New Zealand. We enjoyed a very pleasant social afterwards. On Saturday wc went for a walk, and tho next eveu r ing we were invited Out to tea, while an enjoyable evening was spent. Mon day saw me reading peacefully bylho fire. On Tuesday I went to the Cosy Theatre to see, ‘ ‘ The Three Live Ghosts.” and on the following Tuesday I saw, “The Desert Song.” The last Saturday of the holidays I went to see, “Riokita.” On Wednesday I stayed all day at a friend’s place, and the next day I went to Cornwall Park. Tho following day my friend payed a return visit to me. We had visitors on Saturday and Sunday. On Monday afternoon and evening I was invited out. I helped mother with the work, and did the messages on Wednesday, and on Thursday I went to town. I was invited out to dinner on Friday and I went to a social in the even. Nothing in particular happened until Monday, when I was sorting out my school books, cleaning my tennis shoes, bike, and school clothes. I resumed my music lessons that day. also. I regretted going back to school, but I suppose I shall become used to it soon.

Love to all tho Kiwi band. —Blue certificate to Marjorie Webb, age 12 yearn, Napier road, Havelock North.

A COSY EVENING Dear Chief Kiwi,—This is the first time I have written to the. Kiwi page, and I would like to knot? if I could join. Last night, as it was bitterly cold, we withdrew into the sittingroom and sat round a comfortable blaze, while outside tho rain pattered dismally)down on the roof. While Mother read aloud out of Dickens’ “Oliver Twist,” we made ourselves busy, I knitting, and my younger brother building card castles, and my elder brother helping. Then as bedtime drew near Mother sat down at tho piano and wo stood round and had “sing-song.” At length we went to our cosy beds, and land of slumber. Love to you and other Kiwis. —Blue certificate to Betty Burnell, 700 Terrace road, Hastings. * * * * AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF A DOG Dear Chief Kiwi,—Thank you for tho certificate you awarded me last week. “I was once a little collie pup in a litter of six. Wo had a nice warm house to sleep in, with a bed of sacks and straw. When our master brought us out our dinner which was mostly of porridge and. milk, we would charge at it, and upset it all. Sometimes, we would have to go without our dinner. As time went on and we grew older we wore taken out to work on our master’s farm. Ono day a man camo round to see if my master had any show dogs to sell. “Well,” said my master, “I have a beautiful young collie out there.” ‘ * Ah, that’s just the kind I want. How much do you want for him.” “Five guineas,” was the reply. So I was taken away by my new master. He put me in the next show where I received two specials and a first prize. Ono day as I was coming home from town I fell off the lorry and broke my leg, aud so I had to be des troyed. —Red certificate to Philip Barrett, age 11 years, 905 Victoria street, Busings. * * * * SIGNS OF SUMMER Dear Chief Kiwi,Thank you for the certificate you awarded me some time ago. The days begin to lengthen out while the night shorten. The sun rises high up in tho blue heaven early in the morning, and does not set until fairly late i- the evening. All the flow ers seem tp come out and fill the air with a most beautiful scent, especially after a shower of rain. The bush is a very favourite place in the summer for campers and picnickers, and many of them delight to see the flowers coming out and the native trees flowering. The crops for the cattle begin to ripen, while the early crops are sometimes cut down. Then tho shoep have to be shorn so that they haven’t a thick heavy coat for the hot months of summer. People go for excursions in trains and ’buses to the sea side. The sea, rivers and baths are crowded with people, especially children who enjoy a cool swim on a hot day, which makes them feel fresh as a daisy. Well, Chief Kiwi, as I am near the word limit, I must close with lovo to the Kiwi band. Red certificate to Kathleen Bradley, age 14 years, 105 Barden street, Hastings. * * * * A YOUNG INVENTOR Dear Chief Kiwi—This is the first time I have written to you aud I am glad to join your happy band. One day Tom Smith saw a notice saying th'at five hundred pounds would bo given to any person who could invent a way for aeroplanes to land when the engine had stalled, so that both aeroplane and pilot could be saved. Working hard at his plans, Tom improved them until they were perfect. Tom's father wanted him to be a fanner, and many a time had tried to arouse his son’s interest in farming, but it was of no use. Ono day Tom asked his father if he could join the nearest aerodrome. At first he could not get anyone to take an interest in his plans, but one day he managed to get an experienced old engineer to have a look at them. Toni’s Idea was that two parachutes should be attached to the top of the ’plane, so that they would fold up when not in use. Tho old engineer was very much surprised when he saw the plans, and one day they showed them to the authorities. The driver was to switch off the engine and press the bf/ton which opened the parachute. One day, after climbing to a height of three thousand feet, the engine suddenly stopped. Pressing the button Turn was relieved to find the parachute open out. As he landed Tom was carried amid cheers of applause. —Red certificate to Nick Wilkins, age 11 years, 1012 Plunket street', Hastings. * * * * HUIA SUPERSTITION (Imaginary.) Dear Chief Kiwi,—rThe Huia, a dark, peacock-blue, bird with a white beak and a white bar across the tail, now extinct, obtained its name from its habit of meeting together with a number of other of its species. Among the Maoris its feather could only be worn by Rangitaras of rank No other Maori dared to wear them lest he be accursed, but one day a tall, upright warrior, greatly daring, killed a Huia, and wanting to find the effect of tho feathers on himself, plucked the bird and fastened tho feathers on. He was feeling very proud of himself when he suddenly remembered tho enormity of his offence, and as the horror dawned on him his imagination led him to s ee all manner of weird and ghastly looking spirits dancing round him. Terrified with fear, Tie clutched tho feathers, and looking fearfully round, he dug a hole with his trembling hands and hurried tho feathers from sight. The deed so hung upon him that whenever his work brought him near spot he looked round as if so many blue .devils were dancing before his eyes. This shows tho effect of this old superstition on an otherwise brave man.

Red certificate to Joan Natusch age 13 years, Havelock North.

A RIVER IN FLOOD Dear Chief Kiwi,—l ’ have not written for a long time, but I am going to start again. The wind had been chopping and changing all day, but now it was still. All day the dark, black, gloomy clouds were streaking across.the sky. Near our place lay the mighty river called the Ngaruroro. In a few minutes there was a great downpour of hail and rain. In the morning the great river had burst its banks. As we were near the river we could see everything that was going on. Large tree trunks, sticks, and many lumps of grass came floating down. Houses were under water, and roads were covered. Tivo days after, the water was back to normal, though very dirty. . . With love to the Kiwis. Red Certificate to Isabel Roil, age 12 years, Tomoana Rd., Hast‘ißgs. * * * * OUR GARDEN IN* SPRING Dear Chief Kiwi.—Drooping gracefully over the trellis' at the side of the house, is a beautiful climbing wisteria, while in the front there are many plots of beautifully coloured tulips and bulbs. Nearby in a bod trimmed with Iceland plants, are many different coloured pansies. Curling itself around the verandah post is a large rambling rose whose gal blossoms fill the air with a luxurious scent. In a sheltered corner of the garden some dwarf pink geraniums peep out amongst many dark greeny ferns and shrubs. Well I will close now. Chief Kiwi, with lovo to you and all the Kiwi band. —Red Certificate to Joy Warren, age 11 years, 814 Ellison Rd., Hastings. * ♦ *. * A DAY AT TANGOIO Dear Chief Kiwi, —I have not written to you for some time, but I hope you have not forgotten me. One day, during the Easter holidays, we decided to go out to the falls at Tangoio. We left home fairly early in the morning in the car. so that we could go fairly slowly, and yet arrive there in plenty of. time for lunch. The road put was in perfect condition and travelling along the beach was beautiful, and the sea was as calm as a mill pond. When we were passing along the road beside the Tangoio swamp, we saw many paradise duck as well as one or two black swans After about ten minutes’ travelling along the beach we left it and began winding up the hills Soon we came to a fiord and someone suggested stopping for dinner but as there was no place tp nark the car we decided to go on to the next fiord past the falls. When we arrived we lit the fire and prepared our meal. Love to you and all thp Kiwi band. (To be Continued.) —Red Certificate to Cyril Eves, age 12 years, Fitzroy Rd., Havelock North. * * * ♦ A TRIP TO TAUPO Dear Grief Kiwi,—During the holidays I went with some friends to Taupo. We left Havelock a little after ten o’clock, and went to Napier. After getting some things from the shops, we headed round the Inner Harbour to Petane. We were a little later than we expected and w had lunch this side of Te Pohue. a village at which the service cars stop for morning tea. We then commenced tna ascent of Titiokura. From the summit (2,300 feet above sea level) we obtained a fine view of Napier on one side, and the great range of mountains on the other. From here we descended by a very steep and curly; road to the Mohaka River, which is considerably lower than the surrounding hills, and thence we climbed up a much less severe grade to the top of Taurangakumu (2,700 feet). By driving across a small piece of land we obtained a view of another valley down which wo had to go, the valley of the river which marks the boundary of Hawke’s Bay. I will continue this essay next week. Thank you for the 5/-. —Red Certificate to Joe Maclean, age 13 years, The Vicarage. Havelock North. * * * ★ MY BOOKS Dear Chief Kiwi,—Thank you for the certificates you awarded. I have a number of books and I will tell you some of their names. The Wonder Book for Boys and Girls, The Percivals, The Water Babies, A Heroine of France, The Young Fur Traders Honours and Arms, The Little Girl from Next Door, Peter Pan and Wendy, and a lot of others. I like Peter Pan and Wendy very much although it is a fairy story. The Percivals is a very nice book too. The Wonder Book has short stories in it and verses of poetry. A Heroine of France is a story of Joan of Arc. I do not know really what it is about as I have not read it. All the other stories are very nice too. I think that is all, with love. —Orange Certificate to Meryl# .Steel, age 11 years, Guthrie Rd., Havelock North. * * * ♦ ADVENTURES IN THE BUSH

Dear Chief Kiwi,—Many thanks for the last certificate you awarded me. I am going to tell you of some of my adventures in the bush. “Come along, out for fun,” said one of my friends early one morning when I was staying in the bush. “Now.” said I, “what shall we do?” We all began to think, for so many a thing had we done in the last few days, that there were very few things left to do. After a few minutes wo decided to go birdnesting. and off wo went and very soon arrived at a spot where wo could see numerous nests. Nearing one nest which was on the top branches the tree began to sway, and, looking up. I saw two of the eggs fall out One landed and broke on mv head, the other broke on the ground. When the swaying ceased I managed to make secure two eggs. Descending that tree I noticed that the box in which I was going to put my eggs was not at the foot of the tree where I had last left it. With love to the Kiwi band. (To be Continued.)

—Orange Certificate to Richard do Lisle, age n years, 800 Tomoana ltd.. Hastings.

COMPETITION ENTRIES "W# never mi## the water till the wen rune dry.” When anything is plentiful we take it all as a matter Of course; but if we suddenly lose what we have, we only then begin to appreciate it, and think how thankful we would be if we had it back again. —Joan Wyatt, age 11 years, 508 Victoria street, Hastings. “The mill will never grind with the water that has passed.” The water that is drawn up by the mill then flows on its way to the sea, and will never be used by that mill again. So let us make use of each moment in our lives, for those opportunities which have passed will never return to us in the future. —Cecil Dorothy O’Halloran, age 12 years, 20 Brewster street, Napier. “A aoft answer tumath away wrath.” By answering an angry person quietly and kindly, you will give him a chance to recover his equilibrium, and so make him think reasonably, and Speak justly; whereas in the heat of the moment he would have very likely spoken impetuously, without thinking whether it was kind or just. —Joan Natusch, age 13 years, Havelock North. “A Still Tongue is a wise counsellor.” Keeping quiet is often the only means of prevention to disliked quarrels, and has been the source of saving to us numerous friends, when probably had it not been as quoted, it would have spelt disaster. —Jim Kissock. age 12 years, Hastings road, Havelock North. "It Is nover too late to mend." One can always try to mend their ways, even it is hard. Some people say, “What’s the use of trying?” But if one keeps on trying, one always succeeds, so it is worth while to try and mend our ways, in sports, school, home, and every other way. —Barbara Walker, age 11 years, (Private Bag), Omahu road, Twyford. “Lea«t sad soonest mondod.” It is wisest to keep a still tongue, because if one says too much, one might not be. able to correct oneself in time, and so cause serious trouble; while by keeping a curb on the tongue, one does not say anything that one would be sorry for. —Mabel Wyatt, age 13 years, 508 Victoria street, Hastings. “People in glass houses must not throw stones.” There are many boys and girls who tease others, play pranks on them, or even say nasty things to and about them. But when the tormented play pranks on the tormentors, tease them or say things about them—that is, turn the tables on them—-they lose their tempers and do not like it, although they are always trying to put something across someone else. —Marjorie Webb, age 12 years, Napier road, Havelock North. “Too many cooks spoil th# broth.”

Whe broth is to be made, and there are too many cooks on the job, each cook will have a different way of making it, and it would surely lose its valuable qualities in the end. —Richard de Lisle,age 11 years, 800 Tomoana road, Hastings.

“Thrloe armed is he that hath hie quarrel just.’*

If two or more countries were quarrelling, the ones that were on the right side and were fighting for justice would stick to their right, and whatever way the others tried to get at them, they would fight every way to drive them back, for they would know that their quarrel was just. —Betty Pierce, age 13 years, 706 Queen street, Hastings.