The Kiwis’ Nest

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XXIV, Issue 280, 10 November 1934, Page 15

The Kiwis’ Nest

DEAB KIWIS, The vivid imagination disclosed in the above little verses applies—not only to the children who actually live (at this small hero of ‘ ‘ The Land of StoryBooks” does) the stories they read but to those, too, who make stories about the things which they see. Just ordinary everyday things like the wind and the sun, the moon and the stars, i or the rain. It always seems to me that one could write lovely things of the rain—and then the sea and trees. Trees and hills almost talk to one, and are filled with romance for the imaginative mind to discover and relate. So, the boys or girls who can occasionally take themselves off to a story book world, and ‘‘play at books which they have read,” have made a very good beginning at writing stories themselves. If you possess sufficient imagination to make inanimate things come to life and talk, it is just wonderful what you can induce them to say, and it is all such fun, too. Imagination grows up with you, and you develop into the kind of person whom birds and animals, flowers and trees, and people, just love, so that you never have a dull moment, and you acquire the mind to rise above the. little misfortunes which life is apt to bring. So, dears, make a beginning now that summer, days are approaching. You will soon be having outings, and you can weave little stories round all the wonders of nature, and write me your thoughts and ideas One short paragraph showing originality and a nice thought would be worth ton stereotyped letters each containing 150 words, and I should love to think that some day a Robert Louis Stevenson or a James Barrie will develop from my Kiwi Corner. So here’s for high thoughts and high aims, and may you, as you grow up, always have at least a few moments of each day to spare from practical work, so that you may spend them in “the land of make believe.” I hope you will take special note of the Christmas Competitions which 1 mentioned in my letter last week, and which are set out now in proper order for your inspection. Begin your stories early, and don’t lie one of those Kiwis whose entry reached the office “just too late.” As a relief from the stress of thought which you will give to the stories, I think you may like to have another joke and riddle page, so we shall have joke and riddle entries for Alonday, November 19. Remember that

the closing time for all competitions is 4 p.m. and this, also, is most important:—Do not send more than two each of jokes and riddles, and each entry must be on a separate paper, thong i not necessarily a large shfeet. I have now given you sufficient to cause you furiously to think. With love to you all, CHIEF KIWI.

SENIOR ESSAYS

One summer morning I decided to take a walk in the garden just as the sun was rising over the distant horizon. The sky was a clear blue, and filled with the joyous song of a soaring skylark. The skylark and I were llot only ones greeting the sun, for theie were the birds, the animals, and the plants all around me; they too had been patientlv waiting for the suu to appear The railings of the fence, which still had the dew-drops on them, were crystallised by the sun; the little flowers which were almost unnoticeable during the greater part of the day were made to look like coloured jewels. All. this was done by the splendour of the ris’ng sun. Swaying their boughs over the banks of a near-by stream were the willowtrees, which later on in the day were to offer the much-needed shaae to the sheep and cows. Prize of 2/(To be continued). —“Wildflower” age 12 years, Otauo I should like to have an old-fashioned garden filled with fragrant old-world flowers. I would have delphiniums and larkspurs of every hue. The sweetscented mignonette mingled with for-get-me-nots would be my borders. The lofty hollyhocks with their smooth, shiny petals would grow by the wall, and go nid-nodding in the breeze. Piuk and white clove-pinks would be there wafting a spicy fragrance into the air, while the delicious perfume of wallflowers would greet me as I opened my cottage windows. Scarlet geraniums would look up at me from their green box on the window-sill. Little velvet pansies would smile at me when I walked along the cobbled path to the sun-dial. Over the little green gate I would have an archway covered with crimson ramblers and honeysuckle, while the lovely tearose would clamber up my cottage walls. —Pink certificate to "Pooh Bear, age 12 years, Hastings. I heard the other day of two swallows who entered a closed-up house by flying d°wn a chimney. They built their nest in a glass sugar-basin that was standing on the kitchen mantelpiece. The basin was used for keeping pearl buttons in, and the birds built their nest on top of the buttons, perhaps thinking they were eggs. They laid their eggs in the nest and hatched their young ones, and when the owners of the house came home from a long holiday they found their basin full of young swallows nearly ready to fly. They were delighted and it seemed almost like an old nursery rhyme come true. —Pink certificate to Valentine Robin, age 13 years, Hastings.

One afternoon Mum, Dad, Leslie and I went up to our place where wild cherries were growing. We took with us a basket and two tins to gather them in. When we arrived we found the birds were enjoying themselves very much and seemed to be angry when we drove them away. Some of the birds came back, as if to say that they weren’t going to be chased away from their food. It took us a fair while to pick the cherries, as they weren’t too easily reached. I had quite an exciting time scrambling over the fallen logs and occasionally falling into a blackberry bush. I was very glad to see them picked, as it meant cherry jam for us to eat. —Blue certificate to “Peahen,” age II years, Nuhaka. A BICYCLE RIDE (Continued). The river was sparkling and rippling along over small rocks that were in its way. At the other end of the bridge we could see the river wind into a small cove. White geese ana greenish-colour-ed wild ducks were swimming about contentedly in the whirling water, which had bits of white foam here and there, w r hich seemed to put a finishing touch to the picture. We continued our journey along the monotonous brown road, when suddenly a breeze sprang up. We passed a wool-shed where a farmer was doing sheep work, while his dogs were lounging happily near a gnarled old gum tree. We did not stop again until we came to a plantation of pine-trees whose tops were warring in the slight breeze. The small birds were balancing on the tips while the songthrush with his mellow notes sang peacefully. Here we turned and returned home after an enjoyable outing. Love to you and your happy band. —Blue'certificate to Jasmine, age 13, Otane. THE TELEPHONE. Alexander Graham Bell first exhibited his telephone at the Centennial Exhibition in 1876-. It was his accidental meeting with Emperor Don Pedro of Brazil, Empress Theresa, and Sir William Thompson, the great scientist, which resulted in world recognition. THE PHONOGRAPH. When Thomas A. Edison completed the first phonograph in 1877, he recited into it "Mary had a little lamb,” and to his joy and the awe of his employees tlie little machine reproduced the words distinctly. THE INCANDESCENT ELECTRIC LIGHT. The invention of Thomas A. Edison's incandescent electric light, in 1879, aroused such interest that 3000 people went by special train to Menlo Park, New Jersey, to see his house illuminated by this amazing new light.

Willie continued his story. "I saved a witch-doctor’s life aud he gave me this black star and said that X could obtain anything from his tribe by showing it. I think they have captured Daddy and Marigold.” He held out the star. "Keep it from the veiled lady,” he gasped s.nd fell back exhausted. The doctor said that Willie would live and walk if he was taken to a nursing home, which was done.

Next morning Mr Darrel said that, as his wife was ill the family were going to Africa for a month, and three weeks later they were embarked on a steamer bound for Africa. After their homeland was left behind Betty, Dick and John sat in Betty’s cabin examining the star, which was suspended on a silver 'chain which Betty wore round her neck. That night all went well and three weeks later Africa was sighted. —Red certificate to "Konini,” age 12 years, Hustings. lu the couutry spring is different from in the town, because in the town people are everywhere, and Nature is no given such“a good chance to show its beauty. When spring makes her appearance the country changes from its winter’s bareness into green hillsides and trees. Flowers of all varieties wake from their winter's sleep to see the merry spring again. Although the towns have pretty flowers, too, they have not the wild bitercups and daisies which grow in the country. Lambs frolicking in the paddocks seem to try to tell us that they,too, love spring. The birds, with their young, sing from the trees in the early morning calling for us to greet the spring. With love. —Red certificate to "Cinderella,” age 13, Otane. May I join your happy band. I am 13 and my birthday is on the 12th of August. lam in Std. V. We have six pet lambs and two of them are mine. Mine are named Tim and Daisy. The others are Billy, Trixie, Jimmy and Minnie. Billy is the eldest and Tim the youngest. We have two calves named Edna aud Sylvie. They are both Jerseys.

I am glad that the days are getting longer now. My sister and 1 have two miles to walk home from school and we did not get hrfme till nearly dark in the winter time, May I have a badge as 1 promise to do my own work. —Red certificate to ‘‘Silver Poplar,” age 13 years, Otane. (I shall post you a. badge, Silver Poplar, and a copy of the rules, too. When next you writo please leave a margin on your essay paper.—C.K.)

I am sorry I didn’t write last week. This week I am writing ou "Taking Honey from Several Hives.” One morning I was awakened by my brother who said, "Hurry up and we shall take some honey.” We collected a brush to sweep the bees off the honeycomb, also a knife and two big dishes, and the smoker. The smoker we lit with some rags and sulphur. We started at 7 o’clock, as the Queen bees would be away then, so that there would not be so many bees to tackle us when we took the honey. We went to one hive, from which we took a fair amount. The next one we went to we found even more, so that we had plenty from the two hives. We then went up to tie house with our prize, but the bees pestered us so that we had to get the smoker to work. —Red certificate to "Wood Hen,” age 13 years, Nuhaka.

A VERANDAH GAME.

When it is too dark to play ball aud there is still an hour before bedtime, here is a game we often play on the verandah. We call it A.B.C. game. One starts with A and makes a complete sentence, each word beginning with A, for example: "Alice ate apples, at Aunt Alice’s.” The next one takes B —“ Benjamin bought big baseballs,” and so on through the alphabet. Some very funny combinations can be made. The game may be played a number of times, for each one thinks of a different sentence when his turn comes.

I would like to tell you about a Saturday 1 spent at the back of the farm when the men were docking. Early in the morning Dad and I set out on horseback. I took my pup, and also a rope to tie him up in case he became too mischievous. When we reached the back yards we mustered the sheep and began to dock- Of course my pup got in the way. After about hall an hour I became tired and decided to go birdnesting. As 1 did not find any nests 1 went lor a swim but it was rather cold and I soon swam out again. When I went back to the yards I boiled the billy, and while doing so a log caught fire and I had a long job putting it out. Then we started home over the steep and rocky hills. When I reached home I was tired and so was my pup. —Red Certificate to “Eagle," age 12 years, Morere. May I join your happy band? 1 am II years old and niy birthday is on the 28th of May. Mum set a hen on fifteen eggs and she is just hatching them out. She has nine chicks out so far. We had two kittens, but one of them died. We have all had the measles at home hut are better now. May I have “Sunflower” for my pen-name? Love to all Kiwis. Orange Certificate to Edna Setter, age 11 years, Otane. “Sunflower” is not available. Edna. Will you c<ioose another pen-name? I am so glad to have you and your sister among my Kiwis. —C.K.} Next -Ith November, the Baptist Sunday School anniversary is on. At night the children all look very pretty, their dresses being all the colours of the rainbow. Every Friday is the practice night. The choirmaster makes us sing high and low by movements of bis hands. I hope you ale able to come. You want to be there by half-past six to get a good seat, null if you do come pierce watch for me. Would you please send a Kiwi badge in time for it as that will be the secret ol your knowing me. I shall be up with the Sunday school children. I promise to do my own work. Love to all the Kiwis —Orange Certificate to “Morning Glory,” age 11 years. Hastings. (So sorry, “Morning Glory,” that 1 did not read your letter until too late to send you a badge in time for the anniversary, or to attend myself. However. 1 shall post both badge and rules. —C.K.) Recently I have been a patient in bed, but now I am well again. Ihe last few days J barb been absent Iron? echool. 1 went lot a walk ground the

I farm to-get a bit of fresh air. Walking in the long grass I put my foot on a mother hare while she was on her nest. She ran away unhurt, and in her nest Were four little baby hares. I loft them alone and came home. —Molly Gilmore, age 12 years, Nuhaka. (I am afraid your letter was full of errors, Molly, and you did not leave a margin tor corrections. Write carefully, and keep to the rules—margin, penname, as well as your own name, age, etc. Have you a copy of the rules? — C.K.)

FOUR-LETTERED WORDS, Dear Kiwi, —Aunt Maud made some fine wine from your vine yard, that made Alic fall over bank into lake. Then Mary took some more wine from tank, gave unto Jack, that made Ahc well. Joan made some good plum cake from wine that grew upon High Hill farm. With love from your best mate Kath. —‘'Wallflower,” age 11 years, I'eruhill. (You have not made any mistake in the number of letters which each word contains, “Wallflower,” but some of the sentences do not make sense.—C.K.)

A MIGHTY WARRIOR

A story is told that King Edward (the grandfather of Prince Henry) was once staying at an English country house built near one of Cromwell’s battlefields. One morning King Edward was taking a stroll by himself, when he met the village blacksmith. "I say, my good fellow,” said the King, “1 understand that a big battle was fought somewhere about here.” “Well —er,” stammered the blacksmith, who recognised the King and saluted him, “J did have a round or two with Bill, who keeps the livery stables at the inn, but I didn’t know Your Majesty had heard about it.”

JUNIOR ESSAYS

On Thursday I went to Taradale with another Kiwi m his father's car. We wanted to pick up some friends of his there, hut they were goue, so we came back to Hastings, and went to the Show. First of all we saw the sideshows. There were a number of them. We saw some performing pigs which jumped through hoops and over hurdles. They also had a swing in a box tied to the top of the tent. They did several tricks, and were very interesting. We saw the display of cars, and part of the grand parade, and 1 went to see a beautiful model shop in a glass case. There were some lovely dogs there. Wo saw a lot of other things that would take too many words to write down. —Red Certificate to “Blue Teddy,” age 10 years, Hastings. On Labour Day as it was a holiday and Dad’s birthday we decided to go to our Aunty's for the day. Mum went to the races with some friends and we all had a very happy time. As the cars were going to the races I counted about one hundred and twenty-five go past. After dinner some friends came to play with us. We played croquet and tenni-quoits for nearly three hours and then had afternoon tea. When we had finished this wo played another game of tenni-quoits. Aunty has a beautiful garden with lilies, tulips, pansies, sweet-peas, freesuis, poppies, and ordinary tulips and many other pretty flowers We then walked home after an enjoyable day. With love to all. —Blue Certificate to “Strong-heart,” age JO years, Otane. 1 am sorry I have not written for a long time. In my garden 1 have peas, radishes, potatoes, lettuce, red beet, and carrots. On Thursday morning after breakfast I went into Dad’s vegetable garden and saw lots of seeds peeping through the surface. In my garden I have beans that will soon be read yto pick. The flower garden looks very gay, too, with all kinds of beautiful flowers. How pretty the hills look with bright green grass. At present everything seems fresh and gay. Love to all Kiwis. Red Certificate to “Jackdaw, ’ age 9 years, Otane.

This week I am going to tell you about our little hot lake. When we were making the hot lake, we got some fiat stone and laid it around in a circle and put some earth and rocky stone and flattened it out. YVhen that was done we divided it up into four little pools with a big mountain in the centre, and we called it “Lagoon. The boys made a harbour, and sometimes they used to come to the Lagoon. —Orange Certificate to “Wren,” age 7 years, Morere.

This week I am going to tell you about our river. The rivers runs m all directions. There are big rocks and small ones. You can play in it too. There are some slippery places and rocks in it too. There are some shallow places in it and deep swimming places. We have a swimming hole. It starts about six miles up on the hill and runs right past our place. —“Swinging Vine,” age 8 years, Morere. . . (Not very good this time, ‘Swinging Vine,” but keep on trying—C.K.)