The Kiwi’s Nest

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XXII, Issue 204, 12 August 1932, Page 10

The Kiwi’s Nest

You, who ride horses along the highway, Hear only iron hoof on ringing stone. I. riding here alone, Hear many voices from the whispering grass, As my horse’s footsteps pass. Dear Kiwis, —Last week I promised that you should have a copy of the “Kiwi” rules to read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest. Here they are, my scribes, in all their order and necessary severity:—(l) Write in ink on one side of the paper only; (2) each entry to have name, age, and address written beneath It; (3) age must be under fourteen: (4) leave a margin of at least one incn on each page; (5) the matter in entries must be your own composing and not copied: (6) stories and essays must not exceed 150 words; (7) entries to be addressed “The Editor, Kiwi Competitions, the Tribune, Hastings” ; (8) a cash prize of 2/6 is given alternate weeks to juniors under 11 years of age and seniors 11 to 14; (9) cash prizes not awarded unless more than one entry, and unless the quality of the essay warrants. Coloured certificates. —Pink equals 4 marks, blue 3 marks, red 2 marks, orange 1 mark. When you have a total of 25 marks, send the certificates to the Chief Kiwi, care of the “Tribune” Office, marked “Kiwi cards only.” A cash prize of 5/- will be awarded. 1 ask those of you who are not familiar with the rules to please cut out the above well of information and keep, so that you may refer to it when necessary. I had such a bulky budget this week. Thank you so much, dears, for all the nice letters. One from Joan Redstone, with no age attached, is on file. Please rectify the omission, Joan. A warm welcome to a whole long list of new Kiwis:—Stella and Violet Mangan, Alan Johnstone, Alex and Roderick Hogg, Maisie and Graeme Willison, and Mollie Talbot. What a large family I am acquiring. My love to each and every one of you. CHIEF KIWI.

Owing to pressure of space today, several Kiwi letters are unavoidably held over until Monday.

ESSAYS.—SENIORS. AN EVENING RIDE. Dear Chief Kiwi, —This afternoon we paid a visit to a friend and, as we stayed rather late, had an enjoyable evening ride. The road runs through paddocks (part of the way quite close to the bush). It was dusk and the stars were beginning to keep out. Not a sound was to be heard except the pad pad of our ponies’ feet on the grassy road and the bark of a faraway dog. On nearing home there is a large hill, and it was while on the summit of this that we noticed the little twinkly light of Portland Island lighthouse far over the sea. Happening to look up I saw that in the sky were huge grey clouds which spread from north to south. While busy observing all these things our pony was carrying us towards home and we soon arrived at our own gate after a delightful ride. Prize of 2/6 to Beryl Wall, aged 13 years, Maraetotara, Havelock North. (The inmates at Portland Island Lighthouse would like to have known that their friendly light was being observed by homeward-bound Kiwis on their ponies.—C.K.) RED CROSS NURSING. Dear Chief Kiwi, —Every Thursday morning from nine to ten o’clock Enid and I attend a Red Cross Nursing class which we like very much. We have joined up with this class which costs 1/- per year and now we are members of the Junior Red Cross Society. I have never taken a fancy yet, very much, to any particular thing but this nursing, and I do really enjoy it. I am going to learn as much as possible, as I think I would like to be a nurse later on. Mother says a girl must be fairly strong to be a nurse. My Grandma and each of her sisters were nurses in England, and one of them was Matron of a big hospital in Manchester, so perhaps I may take after them. Mother says she hopes I do. She is fond of nursing herself. Thank you for the certificate. Love. Blue certificate to Huia Kirby, aged 12 years, 508 Alexandra street, Hastings.

(Your ambition is a worthy one, Huia. Strength of character and good health are essential to successful nursing.—C.K.) AT THE SEA-SIDE. Dear Chief Kiwi, —1 have always been interested in your page, and I wish to join your band. My essay is about an exciting chase after a young penguin during my stay by the sea-side. It was a fine clear summer’s morning, when some boys and I went for a swim. As we entered the water I noticed something bobbing up and ?uickly disappearing not far away rom us. We were anxious to see what it was, and set out in pursuit. As we drew near to it we could see that it was a sea-bird of some kind. The chase continued, and we would get quite near to the bird when suddenly it would dive under, and when next we saw our quarry it would be yards ahead of us. (Continued next week). With best wishes to the Kiwi band. Blue certificate to Alan Johnston, aged 11 years, Pakowhai road, Hastings. (I had. to divide your essay into two parts, Alan. Please do not, in future entries, write more than 150 words. — 0.K.) A PLOUGHING MATCH. Dear Chief Kiwi, —About a fortnight ago Dad, John, and I went to a ploughing match about fifty-two miles away. Dad was judge of the horses, and he said there were some very good teams. When we got there, there was a man ploughing with a traetor. Later on the men started ploughing with their teams. The horses looked very smart with coloured ribbons in their tails and manes, and decorations on the harness. The steward gave John and me a ticket for our lunch, and we had it at the tent and didn’t we enjoy it, as we were hungry. There was a social at night, but we did not stay for that. Prizes were given for the best horses and the best ploughing, and there were also some special prizes. There was a competition for digging post-holes, which was very interesting. We enjoyed the day very much. Love. Blue certificate to Alex Whyte, aged 12 years, Crowntliorpe. (The horses would look splendid. I have never seen a ploughing .match.— /U.K.) '

A STRAY PIGEON. Dear Chief Kiwi, —May 1 join youi Kiwi band? I am going to tell you about a pigeon. One day we found a stray pigeon resting in the waitingroom of the railway station, and we fed it with wheat and bread crumbs. After several days it got so used to us that it would fly onto the trellis in our garden, and wait for its food. After about a week it disappeared, and we have no <een it since. 1 think it only si here for a rest and then went t. its home. Love to you and all yo. tiwis. Blue certificate to Maisie Willison, aged 11 years, c/o Post Office, Opapa. (I hope the pigeon reached its home without mishap.—C.K.) \ SPRING. ] Dear Chief Kiwi, — Yesterday as I was riding to Bible class, I thought it was nice to see the lambs frolicking in the paddocks, and such a beautiful day made them look better still. We will soon sc all the bulbs and violets up in the garden. There have been too many frosts for the grass to grow much, by the look of the surrounding paddocks. The little birds seem to know it is spring, as they are whistling in the trees, and in time they will be building their nests again. Dear Chief Kiwi, I thipk I will close now, with love to you and all the other Kiwis. —Orange Certificate to Colin McKenzie, age 12 years, Otane. I expect since writing your letter, wintry conditions have made you less hopeful about spring, but it will come upon us some day with a perfect rush. —C.K. SPRINGTIME IN THE COUNTRY. (Continued.) Dear Chief Kiwi, —In spring the farmer is busy tilling the ground, ready to plant new grass or rape or lucerne or oats. He is also docking and going around the sheep every night and morning. Sometimes when there has been a hard frost there are a few lambs dead because they are not used to the cold weather. As they grow older they can stand it better. Towards evening we hear the lark singing his last song of the day, and the birds all fly home to their nests with worms in their mouths for their hungry babies. —Orange Certificate to Connie Budge, age 12 years, Te Kura, Otane. I hope there are no baby birds during this cold weather.—C.K. A CONCERT. Dear Chief Kiwi, —On Friday evening mother took us to Parkvale School, as there' was to be a concert. As I was in it, I went along to Standard I room until my name was called, and after I had said my piece I went to see the children who were performing. There were recitations and dancing. About half-way through the evening Mr Starkey gave some items. One was called “Naughty Words,’’ another was called “A Safety-pin.’’ As one of the girls was away, Mr Starkey said her piece for her. There were two stories without words, which were called “Getting Ready for School” and “At the Dental Clinic.” At about 10 o’clock the concert ended, and it was enjoyed by everyone. —Orange Certificate to Elsie Lipst, age 11 years, 1020 Jellicoe street, Hastings. I am sure it was a most enjoyable concert, Elsiej—C.K. A FIGHT WITH A PUMA. Dear Chief Kiwi, —This story is true. It happened not long ago. The children were awarded a medal from the King.

Betty and John were going along a narrow path which led to where their pony was grazing, when out of the undergrowth sprang a puma, or North American mountain lion. It fell on Betty, knocking her on to the ground, then sat by, purring like a big cat. “Run home, John,” cried Betty. “No,” replied John. “I have a plan. ’ ’

He scrambled up a nearby tree, then jumped down on to the puma’s back; but it was too quick for him. It scratched him deeply with his claws and tore John’s scalp with his teeth. John told Betty to go home, but Betty knew it was her turn to help. She picked up the pony’s bridle and started to beat the puma with it. —Orange Certificate to R. Nelson, age 13 years, cnr. Riverslea and Copeland roads. Where did it all happen?—C.K. MY FAVOURITE PICTURE. Dear Chief Kiwi, —I will write once more, as I have not written for a long time. My favourite picture is “Lake Taupo,” painted by M. Sweetman in 1904. In the background the three mountains are in a row; Ngauruohoe is sending forth steam into a clear and blue sky. At each side is a large portion of native bush, and two Maoris are watching three boys paddle from one side to the other in a canoe. In the foreground a man of the Native race has a flax mat across his shoulder and he is carrying an axe. Beside him there are three flax bushes at the side of the lake. The Native is walking towards three Maori buildings. Behind the buildings is a fence dividing the land from the water. I will close with love to you and your Kiwi band. —Orange Certificate to Jean Elliott, age 123 years, 511 Southampton street W., Hastings. Why not write quite often, Jean, and so help to improve your style?—C.K. A DAY AT CORNWALL PARK. Dear Chief Kiwi, —One day last holidays mother asked my sisters and me if we would like to go to Cornwall Park for the day. We packed up at half-past nine and started off for the park at. ten o’clock. After arriving we went over to see the monkeys. As we were crossing the bridge, we saw a crowd of people gathered around the monkeys. Running over to see what was t

the matter, we found that one of the black monkeys had taken a little girl’s hat. All the people were laughing at the way the monkey was playing with it. There are some very nice flowers in the park gardens. The pheasant is a very pretty bird, and so are the parrots. The guinea pigs' fur is nice and fluffy. Having had a look round all the birds and animals, we packed up ready for home. —Orange Certificate to Eunice Roil, age 11 years, Tomoana road, Hastings. Your essay was too long, Eunice. Please be careful about the word limit. —C.K. A WALK HOME. Dear Chief Kiwi, —One morning after a basketball match my friend and I decided to walk home five miles away. We had not gone far before we decided to take a short cut through the paddocks. After walking about a quarter of a mile we came to a wet, soft place, which we thought we would never be able to cross. We were wondering whether we should go back, when a Maori man and a little boy came along on horses. My friend asked them if they knew where there was a bridge. They directed us so we went 011, mud to the ankles, and very hot. (To be Continued.) —Orange Certificate to Marjorie Black, age 11 years, Otane. —(I should think you and your friend would decide that “the shortest way is not always the easiest.”—C.K.) STRANDED ON A BOAT. Dear Chief Kiwi, —This is my first letter to you. At Christmas time we spent our holidays at Westshore, and one day Bill and I took the boat and rowed out to a launch not far away. When we got there we climbed on to the launch trailing the rope behind us. When I went to tie the rope up I found it was broken and the boat was drifting away. (To be Continued.) —Alex Hogg, age 11 years, Lyndhurst road, Hastings. (Not quite enough detail to gain an award, Alex. Better luck next time. — C.K.)

ESSAYS—JUNIORS. LAMBS. Dear Chief Kiwi,—As soon as I arrived home from school, I went with Dad round the sheep to see if there were any little lambs. I was very pleased to see two dear little lambs with their mothers and the mothers looked very proud of them, and kept very close to them. 1 love to see the little lambs so I must go round again to see if there are any more. —Pink Certificate to Isa Whyte, age 8 years, Crownthorpe. (I have felt so sorry for the wee lambs during the recent wintry conditions. Did you lose many?—C.K.) THE LAMBS. Dear Chief Kiwi, —Thank you for the certificate. On Sunday my Daddy took me to my uncle’s farm to see the baby lambs. We walked all around the paddocks and it was lovely to see four little lambs playing chasing. We saw one black Jamb. —Pink Certificate to Gwen Bennett, age 6 years, St. Aubyn street, Hastings. (Would you like to see the lambs every day like Isa Whyte does? — C.K.) A CUNNING COLLIE DOG. Dear Chief Kiwi, —Thank you for the 5/- and the pink certificate. My uncle had a collie dog on his farm, named “Watch.” He was a very good dog, and used to work well. He had only to be sent for the cows, and he would bring them home to be milked without any trouble. There were times when he would get lazy, and when he saw no one was watching him, he would sneak off somewhere and have a rest. My uncle would wonder why the cows had not come, into the yard, and on going to look, would find them peacefully grazing in the paddocks, and the dog nowhere to be seen. “Watch” was getting old then, and could be excused I suppose. —Pink Certificate to Lionel Beeby, age 10 years, 608 Whitehead road. Hastings.

(I am a dog lover, and I so liked hearing about “Watch.” Such a dear clever fellow.—C.K.) MY GARDEN. Dear Chief Kiwi, —I have a karden of my own in which I grow flowers. The bulbs are just beginning to come out npw, and the violets are in bloom. I had a little fig tree but it would not grow so we had to move it. I have some pansy plants that are coming into flower. I think the violets are the sweetest scented flowers. The Spring will soon be here, and Mother is going to give me some seeds to sow, as the warm Spring will make everything grow. • —Blue Certificate to Tommy Leipst, age 8 years, 1020 Jellicoe street, Hastings. (I hope your seeds will grow into strong flowering plants, Tommy.— C.K.) AN OUTING. (Continued.) Dear Chief Kiwi, —Daddy had the billy boiling and Molly had the tea all spread when Peggy and I returned. We were very pleased as we were both tired and so hungry. Daddy had his fire in a dug-out that someone had made. Just off the road stood a nice house which was surrounded by many shrubs and flowers. When we were having tea a belt rang, which made us al! look, but we quickly decided it must have been the afternoon tea bell. After eating as much as we could, the dishes were packed, and we journeyed home, where the cow was waiting to be milked and the fowls and ducks quacking as much as to say. “You are late, we want our tea.” This ends our good day. With love —Blue Certificate to Gladys Flanders, age 10 years, R.D., Mangateretere, Hastings. (I wonder when von will have another such enjoyable outing, Gladys? —C.K.)

SPOT AND THE CHICKENS Dear Chief Kiwi,—l would like to join your band and will tell you about Spot. When we had chickens last December, our dog Spot would not let the chickens stray away from the mother. AM day long Spot followed the hen around and every time a chicken tried to wander, Spot would bring it back. Spot would never touch the chickens—he was clever I think. Love to all Kiwis. —Blue Certificate to Roderick Hogg, age 10 years, Lyndhurst road, Hastings. if, too, think that Spot was clever. Is he a fox terrier?—C.K.) MY DOG. Dear Chief Kiwi,---1 have a big collie dog named March. He is a very sensible and friendly dog Two years ago he was run over by a motor-car and hurt his hip. 1 wash him every Sunday with hot water, soap, and Jeyes’ fluid. —Blue Certificate to Gordon Gray, age 9 years, 1009 Waipuna street, Hastings. (Does March hide when bath day conies round, Gordon? What a nice name he has.—C.K.) TOP-DRESSING. Dear Chief Kiwi,—Daddy is topdressing the house paddocks to-day with super and I had a ride on the top-dresser, but it was very cold. There are two horses in it. —Blue Certificate to John Whyte, age 6 years, Crownthorpe. (To ride on a top-dresser mu a great thrill, John.—C.K.) A DAILY RIDE. Dear Chief Kiwi,—May 1 become one of your Kiwis? I go to the Opapa School. There are thirty-five pupils—only seven white children and all the others are Maoris. After I come home from school I deliver the “Tribunes” around the Pukekura settlement. I ride around on my horse as it is about ten miles altogether. —Blue Certificate to Graeme Willison, age 8 years, Opapa. (It seems a long ride after school hours. You will welcome the lighter evenings, Graeme.—C.K.) MY RIDE TO SCHOOL.

Dear Chief Kiwi, —I have not written to you since the big earthquake. I had one essay in your office then. Now 1 will tell you about my ride to school. I have three and a half miles to ride. To the left you can see Hastings. At night you can see a long row of lights. To the right you can see the Kaiwakas. Looking straight ahead you see the Ruahines which are very heavily covered with snow just now. A ride a little black pony called Pinto. —Blue Certificate to Stanley McAulay, age 10 years, P. 8., Sherenden, Hastings. (1 liked the description of your ride, Stanley, but you must feel cold sometimes. My regards to Pinto.—C.K.) AN OUTING. Dear Chief Kiwi,—This time I am going to tell you about an outing. Last Friday night I went put to a friend’s place to tea They had a little baby, and I played with her until she went to sleep. While the baby was asleep my sister and I had a game of cards and my sister won. After having supper we came home after an enjoyable evening. —Blue Certificate to Edna Giles, age 8 years, Riverslea, Hastings. (It was lovely to have a baby to play with, Edna.—C.K.) MY KNITTING. Dear Chief Kiwi,—Thank you for the certificate you awarded me last. 1 have made a scarf, and a jumper. I am now making a cardigan for my little sister. It took me a month to do my jumper, and a week to do my scarf. I have done a good bit of the cardigan. Next I am going to make a brown and orange cardigan for myself. I have not written to you for a tong time. —Blue Certificate to Mavis Roil, age 9 years, Tomoana road, Hastings. (What a clever little knitter you are. I hope the cardigan will be a great success.—C.K.) MY LITTLE BROTHER. Dear Chief Kiwi, —This is my first letter, and I am going to tell you about my little brother Alan. He is two and a half years old. There are some baby pigs next door to us and Alan likes to watch them. Every night he says, “Warm my toes please.” He does not allow the fowls to come on the back doorstep. If they do he chases them away. He does not like dogs much and won’t go near them. I must close now as 1 want a warm by the fire. Love to all the Kiwis.

—Red Certificate to Violet Mangan, age 10 years, Lower Te Mata road, Havelock North. (Do you tell Afen about the ten little nigger boys while you warm his toes ?— C.K.) OUR CAT. Dear Chief Kiwi, —I have not written to you for a long time but I thought I would like to write again. On Sunday my brothers and I went up to the farm to get a kitten. After spending the day there we brought the kitten home in a sugar-bag. The first night we had it home it ran away, and we thought it was lost but the next night we found it in the shed. It has a nice little straw bed in the shed where it sleeps every night, and it stays inside nearly all day. It is a black kitten with a bit of white on its neck and its name is Timmy. Tim is very clever at begging and it is very funny to see him sitting on his hind legs —Red Certificate to B. Toothiil, age 10 years, 701 St. Aubyn street, Hastings. (I am glad Tim decided to remain in his new, comfortable quarters.—C.K.) THE SPARROWS. Dear Chief Kiwi, —The sparrow is a ”ery common little bird. If you had a sparrow and < thrush you could easily tell one from the other. The thrush has brown spots on its breast. The male bird sparrow has what people call a cap and bib which the female hasn’t.

I don’t Fike seeing boys shoot birds. I think it is cruel. My brother Bill shot three once. The sparrows seem to stay here all the winter time. Their eggs are white with specks of brown. I have seen a little bird without feathers, but I did not touch him. Once when I was down in Christchurch for my holidays I found out that a boy was taking all the little birds and killing them. I kept a watch on the hedge next to our place to see that he didn’t take any from there. —Orange Certificate to Beth Nelson, age 10 years, cr. Copeland and Riverilea roads, Hastings. (I am glad you are a champion of the birds, Beth. I am, too.—C.K.)