Out of My Post Bag.

Matamata Record, Volume XVI, Issue 1443, 20 July 1933, Page 3

Out of My Post Bag.

Matamata,

Dear Jill,—l am eleven years of . age and I am in Standard 4. The inspector was at school to-day and j our teacher gave us no home-work for the 'day. If he had given us ; some I would not be writing. I j agree that we should have a Garden j Comer and that the “ seeds ” (let- ; ters) should be planted thickly. I j have a dear, playful pussy which is j always hiding from the other cats, j I am knitting a green scarf and my j sister is knitting a jumper for her- j self. Well, Jill, I must close now.— . Love from Olga Farmiloe.

Dear Olga.—l am glad that the inspector, came and that you have a sympathetic teacher. I hope you will write again soon, and send a letter for the Garden Corner. What stitch is the scarf, Olga? I hope it keeps you nice and warn. When is your birthday?—Jill.

Waharoa. Dear Jill,—lt was funny that I did exactly what you did when you were a little girl. Mother had some early potatoes, and one day I dug them up, put them in a pan and gave them to Mother to cook when she came in. As they were only about the size of marbles she was not very pleased. Of course, I would know better than to do that now. Yesterday week I went to the Sunday school anniversay which was held in the Waharoa Hall. Songs were sung ~by the members. The tea was a lovely one, with all kinds of cakes and sweets. After tea lantern-slides were shown, and theie were some beautifully coloured scenes of the Bible, and each one was described. Soon after that it was time to go home after a happy evening. The barberry hedges are looking beautiful with their lovely russet and red shades. We use them for house decorations. Our violets are coming out now. Grace Johnson.

Dear Grace.—Thank, you for the interesting letter. You were evidently a little mischief, too. You did liave an enjoyable evening. Yes, the barberry is pretty now. lne bantams scratched our violets up this year, the little pests. Wri e again.—Jill.

Waharoa.

Dear Jill,—Thank you for the birthday greetings. I had a birthday party and had three friends for tea. I received some nice presents, and a box of glitter-wax of twenty different shades. From Marie Johnson.

Dear Marie,—What a. lucky girl you were to have such a happy birthday and a party, too. You will be able to make lots of different models . with the glitter-wax.—Jill.

Waharoa. Dear Jill,—l see you have invited criticism of the “ Children’s Page from parents. I think most parents are shy of doing so unless it is welcomed, and then I’m sure it could only be kind and helpful. Well, I think most parents are children at heart and love the children’s page, and encourage their children to give Jill their support in the work she is doing to keep them interested; to tell of happy times; books they read and what they think of them; and also to sharpen their wits with riddles and puzzles. For a long time I have been interested to read what books the little members enjoy best, and they’re just the ones that delighted me thirty years ago. They will prepare the way to appreciate the world’s best literature later in life. Those who store their minds with all that is noblest will never be lonely. There are lines from poetry that bring tears to the eyes, so poignant are they. Why, I am not clever enough to know. Most of you in your school journals will have read “ Requiem ” which is graven on R. L. Stevenson’s tomb. Of all poetry I have read the last two lines —

“ Home is the sailor, home from the sea, And the hunter, home from the hill.

are the most beautiful; to me they conjure up a vision of a tired heart, glad to find a haven after a life’s work nobly done. Those of you who have not read “Treasure Island” should do so, and you will enjoy it again when you are efghty. I’m afraid I shall be taking up more space than Jill can spare, if indeed she' finds a corner at all for this; so I will conclude by wishing the (Continued in Next Column)

Page every success and long life. Yours sincerely, “An Interested Parent.”

Dear “ Interested Parent.” —Thank you for all the kind things you have said. Please write now and again, still. —Jill.

Putaruru. Dear Jill, The school essay by “ Verena ” was very good. Its motto is so beautiful. Sir Ernest Shackleton reminds us of all great men. I am sending this poem which should remind us of the ability of Faith: Nay, never falter; no great deed is done by falterers, Who ask for certainty. No good is certain but the steadfast mind, The undivided will to seek the good. ’Tis that compels the elements and wrings . . . A human music from the indifferent air. , , . The greatest gift the hero leaves his

race Is to have been a hero.

Some of the other letters were very nice.—Yours respectfully, Mrs. H. Newman. Dear Mrs. Newman,—Thank you for the interest you take in the Column. I, too, think “Verena’s essay was good. CHANGING HEADS. I. Change the head of an “ uncultured plant ” and get an

“ action.” 2. Change the head of “to allow and get an “ anchorite.” 3. Change the head of “to refuse ” and get “to rest.” 4. Change the head of “ a light quick blow with the hand ” and get “ a domestic animal.” 5. Change the head of a cc hump and get a “cluster.” 6. Change the head of “to deliver up ” and get “ sensitive.” 7. Change the head of “to cut , through ” and get a “ crowbar.” 8. Change the head of “ background ” and get “ fright.” (Answers at end of column)

“ William,” said teacher sternly, “ why haven’t you a good excuse for staying away from school • yesterday?”

“It isn’t my fault, teacher,” said the sad-looking pupil.

“It isn’t your fault?” she echoed. “What do you mean?” “ Because I did my best to think of a good one,” he replied.