OUR YOUNG FOLKS' COLUMN.

Mataura Ensign, Issue 945, 14 September 1901, Page 4

OUR YOUNG FOLKS' COLUMN.

[Edited by Uncle Phil.] RULES. 1. All letters for the week's publication should reach the office not later than Monday afternoon. 2. Correspondents should write on only one side of the paper. 3. All correspondents must send their real names, not necessarily for publication. All letters should be addressed thus :—Uncle Phil, Ensign Office, Gore.

OUR MOTTO: Whatsoever thy hand fiadcth to do, do it with all thy might.

Deaii Boys and Gihls,—" The sand is running down in the glass." That is what Mr Chamberlain said on the eve of the oulbreak of the lioer war. Lord Kitchener has given theß;ers till the loth to suirciidor. The s-ind is agaia running down. I fe.ir there will bo evil times for British soldiers who are captured after that date. Alreaily there are ominous sounds of vengeance. I hope none of our boys will be caught. I think, if I were a trooper, after the loth I should fire my last cartridge before surrendering, and take care not to waste a shot. There will be a grimness in the war then, that, grim as it has been, has not thus far been present. I suppose you have been amused over the bowing and bending of the Chinese Prince at his meeting with the Kaiser. After all, ceremony and bowing count a great deal with the Chinese, though we look at the sight as so much humbug. The quarrel of France and Turkey over rights to certain docks has more beneath it than at first appears. The Kaiser has been taking the Sultan under his especial protection, and in return gets railways right which are very valuable to German trade. No doubt the Sultan hoped that his German protector would assist him out of this difficulty in return for more railway privileges, but the Kaiser cannot just go so far as that. Indirectly, this move on the part of France is a warning to Germany that Germans are not to have all their own way in Turkey. Russia would quite willingly back France in this case if it were needed, for there would be a share of the plunder—perhaps even Constantinople itself. " Evil be thou my good." " Fair is foul, and foul is fair." "Hover through the fog and misty air." These are the sayings of those whose moral natures were twisted. Evil was good. Foul was fair; fair was foul, The whole being was distorted. Something of the kind must be the nature of the man who fired the shots at President McKinley. He had read bad books and listened to bad men until his whole sense of right and wrong were inverted, and he is capable of coolly shooting, at handshaking distance, one of the best rulers in the world. Truly, uneasy lies the head that wears a crown. Uncle Phil.

Dear Uncle Phil,—l have not written to you for a good while, so I will write to-night. Did your you hear Mr Woolley on Thursday night, Uncle ? I was down and I thought he was just splendid, and very amusing. We drove 17 miles to hear him, and came back the same night. I got to bed about 1 o'clock in the morning. I wrote to Angelina about three weeks ago, but she has not answered me yet. There was to be a football match here the other Saturday, and some of your correspondents, along with other boys, were greatly excited over the prospect. All the boys turned up but, 10, and behold, when the time came the other team never turned up. My, I did laugh at the boys, but we had a good game of rounders. I have left school about a month now and I like to be at borne far better than at school. I have to help a good bit in the garden and like it very well. My experience in cake making is not very grand. I only attempted to make one and it turned out such a failure that I never tried another. Mother told me that we had better eat it hot or it would go a bit flat. We had our Junior C.E. meeting the other night. The subject was "God's Missionaries." Little Dorrit, who is president of our society, read a paper. Leo was in the chair, and I do believe, Uncle Phil, that we are all missionaries either lighting for or against the Kingdom of our Lord. Jesus bids every one of us to shine for Him, and I wonder how many of us are doing it. Dear Uncle, do you agreo with me in this ? I am very glad the picnic is to be in Gore. I will have to stop now. With love to all,—l am yours truly, Avice. P.S.—Please find inclosed stamps for a badge.—A.

[Yes, I heard Mr Woolley. I was more delighted with the orderliness of the audience than with Mr Woollsj's address. When is the football match really to come off ? I hope you will write regularly in order to keep up your compo hion. It would be a pity to get out of the way of writing now that you have left school. We all realise too little our influence on others, and our actions speak louder than our words. I have booked your badge order, but see my note to you in another column.—U.P.]

Dear Uncle Phil.—l am writing to tell you that our examination is over, and I passed into the second standard. I got a nice book from my teacher, and my brother got one too ; and my sister and another brother each got a prize for attendance. Don't you think our teacher is very good to us, Uncle ? After the examination I went to Wendonside with my mother to stay a week with my aunt. I had a nice time with my cousins, playing games and running about the large stream. There was a nice waterfall, and wbich I thought very high, but mother says it was not high at all. We had a beautiful little brown puppy, but he was taken away from the place while my father was away from home. I was very sorry, for I loved him much. Good-night, Uncle.*=-I am your loving nephew, Bmno. [You have done very well Bimbo. Your teacher is certainly very kind to you. I hope your little dog will turn up all right yet. —U.P.] ' Dear Uncle Phil,—l am going to tell you of a trip I once took with my mother to Dunedin. We arrived in Lown late, and it was very dark and pouring with rain for all it was worth. The next day was fine and a friend took me to the Botanical Gardens which were very pretty indeed ; and then we went to the Museum in which were many wonderful things. We went down to Broad Bay in the Onslow, and as it was the first time I had been on the sea, I enjoyed myself first-rate. We all went to see a friend who had a beautiful garden. He gave mother a bunch of flowers, and me a basket of apples and pears which were very acceptable. My mother, cousin, and myself found a sheltered nook by the beach where the basket was soon emptied. I saw some beautiful sea anemones, and while they were under water they were very pretty, but as soon as we took them up they closed in. We went to Port Chalmers and then back to town. On Sunday I went to Knox Church, which I thought was a very grand building. I was quite charmed with the organ, it was so grand and solemn. We also went to St. Clair, and as we were standing looking at the waves, one large one came rushing in and caught mother but I was too quick for it. We returned to town, and then went to Woodhaugh, which is a pretty place in the summer time. We went home on a very frosty morning, but it was warm when we arrived there. I think that this all likely to be of interest to, Uncle. I will send Angelina my autograph if she pleases. Will any of my cousins exchange autos with me? I congratulate you for writing such a good piece of poetry, Fuchsia Belle. I was glad to see a letter from Jack. What a fine lot of letters this week, Uncle! I hope there are as many next time. With love to Avice, Moss Rose, and yourself.—l am, your loving niece, Little Doreit. [Welcome back, stranger. Why, it is a very long time since we heard from you. You evidently had a fine time in Dunedin. When I was at St. Clair, my sister and I were watching the waves, and, as in your case, a big wave came back on us. My sister stepped back, but put her foot on her dress, and thus tripped and fell. What a wetting! -U.P.]

Dear Uncle Phil, —Here I am again trying to pen you a few lines. We are having splendid weather just now, and everything is looking fresh and green. We do not boast of having any bush, but I envy anyenewho lives near one, as I was born close beside a

pretty bush. Most likely some of my cousins will know the place well, as it is about three miles from Mataura, and is called Bothwell Park. Do you like the bush, Uncle? I like it best in spring, when the birds begin to whistle, and the wild flowers begin to peep. I see Nancy had a letter in our page last week. She says she tried Nue a Lassie's recipe for scones and they turned out all right, but my opinion is like Jack's—l believe in cream of tartar and sock. Clarabell's recipe was good. I wonder if she will compete with me at the next Gore Show. I have taken second prize for bread and first prize for butter twice running, so I am going to try again this year. I was at a dance last Friday, and enjoyed myself fine. I saw Loyal and Shamrock there. I wonder where Cora has got to this fine weather, for she hasn't written for ages. I know who you are, Uncle. I came up in the train with you from the Bluff at Christmas time. I was out for a ride on my bike last night and I had to light my lamp as it was so dark, but the light would oely keep in for a while and then go out, so I had to find my way home after a very rough ride. 1 think I have given you all the news, so I shall conclude. With love to Metiuka, Nancy, Nell and Guesswhoiam, not forgetting yourself.—l am merrily, yours truly, Maoua. P.S —I inclose a small piece of poetry. The r.ext ■ inin I write I will tend you another piece entii led "The Farm on the Hill" or " 3otlnvell Park," so that will be the two pieces you asked for.—M. 0 welcome the time of the daisies, The cowslips and buttercups sweet 1 The young leaves are clothing the hedges ; Then dance in your glee, little feet! And ever may returning daisies Make glad the earth for awhile, Find joy in your dear little faces, And light in each innocent smile! [I like to ramble about in the bush, Magda, but I cannot say I should care to live there. You must be a good baker. If lam up your way, may I call in and taste your own baking of bread ? Your lamp is like all the lamps I have ever tried. They go out just when you want them to burn. You should have spoken to me when you were travelling in the same train. Thank you for the poem, and send the other, please.— U.P.]

Dear Uncle Phil,—lt is a long time since I last wrote to you. I see you have got a lot of letters in this week's paper, and it takes me a long time to read them all. Our examination will be held in about two months and I hope I shall pass. We are having fine weather now, and the mud is all dried up. The spring ilowers are coming out, and they look very pretty. After being so long without any we value them highly for I am very fond of flowers. We have all had colds like everyone else. Dear Uncle, do you ever have to gather eggs ? I have. lam sending a shilling's worth of stamps for a badge. With love to alt, —I remain, your loving niece, SWEETI'EA. [You write a very clear round hand. I hope your cold is quite better. No, Ido not gather many eggs. I shall send you a badge in due course.—U.P.]

Dear Uncle Phil,-1 now take the pleasure of writing you a few lines. Did you get my badge order, Uuncle ? I sent it a week ago, and I expected to see it in last week's paper. What a lot of correspondence you have. I 'enjoy reading it very much. Clip, I quite agree with you about having the picnic on the Oth November. I think Croydon Bush would be a very suitable place for it. I wonder what has become of Nerissa. I was glad to see a letter from Ella. Our examination is over, and I am now in the fifth standard. lam 11 years of age. Do you think the war will soon be over ? We got medals on account of the Duke and Duchess' visit to New Zealand some time ago. With love to Nerissa, Ella, Alice, and not forgetting yourself.—l remain, your loving niece, Polly. [No badge orders have been received bv me that have not been acknowledged in the column. Send me your real name, Polly, and I shall let you know. I put the real, not the pen-name, down for the badge. I fear the war will not be over for a long time.— U.P.]

Dear Uncle Phil,—l hope I will be in time for a badge for I see that you have a good few applicants for them. What a lot of receptions of troopers have been given. I think it must be a good time for jewellers as every trooper gets a present. This shows how warmly tbey are welcomed. I think I shall leave troopers and their receptions alone just now, and will return to what'? Oh, I think baking will do. I made a cocoanut cake today, which to my delight, turned out a success. If you do not mind I will send the recipe which is a small one, and is as follows :—Jib butter, G eggs, J teaspoonful soda, 1 teaspoonful cream of tartar, 1 cup sugar, 1 cup cocoanut, 3 cups flour, and a little salt. —I remain, yours truly, Trooper McKelvie. |Yes, you are in time to get a badge. Thank you for the recipe, but, as I can't bake, a piece of ynur cake would have been much more acceptable.—U.P.

Dear Uncle Phil, —I again, with much pleasure, take up my pen to write to you. I see a lot of your correspondents are getting badges now, so I thought I would like to have one too. I have not been in the fashion with the influenza, but my sister and brother had it, but have quite recovered now I am glad to say. Have you had it, Uncle ? I must thank Nae a Lassie for her recipes. My sister tried the scones, and they were lovely. I am just learning to bake, but have not got on very well so far, but lam hoping to do better in the future. Our examination is over now, and I passed ; I hope Bonny Chick will also pass. I know about twenty of your correspondents. That was a giiod recipe of Clarabell's for home-made bread and yeast. I think I know who you are Clarabell. Are your initials A.C., and do you live at B. ? With love to Bonny Chick, Clarabell and Mira, not forgetting yourself.—l remain, yours truly, Belle de Silva. [I have put you down for a badge. No, I have not had influenza. You cannot expect to learn to bake all at once. It is an art, and takes years to learn.—U.P.]

Dear Uncle Phil,-—Here I am again after a long spell. Did you get my last letter. I have not seen it in print yet, but as I have missed one or two issues, it might have appeared in one of the missed papers. I wrote a letter to you last week, but did not post it. I hope this one will be more fortunate. I have been all alone in my glory for this last week, as my mate has been staying in Gore, but I have not had time to weary, as I have had plenty of accounts and bookwork to do. My mate and I are both in the same shop, I do the book work and she attends to the customers and other work. Sometimes people come into the shop and say to us, " I wish I were you, having nothing to do but stand in the shop and yarn to the people that come in." I used to think so too, but since I've been in the shop I've changed my opinion. There is a lot of work to do that outsiders don't see. I have served in a shop for over three years. I see that you are getting more badges, so those of your correspondents that have lost their badges will be able to get others now. Our school-teacher left here yesterday. We are all very sorry that he is away for he was a very nice man. He was never my teacher, as I left school before he came here to live. On Saturday night the people of this district gave him a farewell social. The night was lovely and there was a big crowd of people at the social, and a very enjoyable evening was spent in playing games, singing, etc. Towards tn close of the social, the chairman said he had » very pleasant duty to pp r forni, and then id!o.»-»d the presentations. Tliv ••H-"ters presented Mr Mackie with a handsome "ver-mantel, the volunteers presented 1 -p. «-■'.£ -i pair of field glasses, and ti " --■iijo* ciiLd."n .e,iv> him a pair of sleeve links suitably inscribed. Mrs Mackie was presented with a cheque. Influenza and measles are going the rounds here, but I have managed to keep clear of them so far. I have had both befov, and I am quite sure I don't want t' .::u i.giin. I have got a terrible cold in my ho d. and that is bad enough itself without any j:»it trouble with it. I think it would be very nice if we could have a picnic. It would give your correspondents a chance of becoming acquainted with each other. Are you fond of dancing Uncle ? We have a quadrille here once a fortnight, but I don't go to it. I do not care for dancing, so I have never learned. Some peope I know would go miles to get a dance. This is Christian Endeavor night, but I am not going as I am too stuffed up with the cold. The C.E. convention is to be held on the 25th, and we are all hoping it will be a good night. Now, I think I've exhausted my stock of news. With love to all

my cousins and yourself.—From your loving niece, Princess Elaine. [I am glad to get your letter. Everyone of yours is always published, so that will answer your first question. I quite agree with you about shop work or book keeping. You were all very kind to your departing teacher. You are quite right to stay indoors at night since you have a bad cold. No, I am not fond of dancing. I was taught to dance by a very good dancing master, but I have not danced for many years. I rubbed out the last sentence in your letter, because I disagreed with the statement that it was a dry and uninteresting letter. Let me have just such another soon. I hope your convention will be a success.—U.P.]

Dear Uncle Phil,—l saw my letter in the last paper, and also the answer ye gied tae me. Dae ye ken, Uncle, it gives a fellow a fine start in a new standard the way ye hae o' lookin' at things. I hae made up ma min' tae dae ma very best. Yes, Clip, I did feel a wee bit queer whan Mr Hendry cam into the room, but he was gae guid an' I dae na think I will be frichtened again. Wi' kin' love to yirsel', Clip and a' ma cousins.— I am, yir ain Sandy. [I have booked you for a badge, Sandy. Will you be down with it on at the Show? 1 am glad you are going to act on my advice. -U.P.] Dear Uncle Phil, —Richt gled am I that ye have accepit me for a nephew. I was jist thinkin' a body would stan' a guid chance o' gettin' a badge gin I sent ye the shillin's worth o' stamps ma faither gied me tae sen ? Ma faither was readin' oot o' the paper aboot a man seekin' for a nevie; I hope it's no me he's lookin' for. Wi' kin' love tae yirsel' an' a' ma cousins, —I am, yir freen', Davie. [You'll get your badge all right, Davie. If Sandy comes to the Show be sure to coino too.—U.P.] Pear Uncle Phil, —My brother is writing to you to-night, and lam going to write too. He calls himself Rabbiter, but I can catch more rabbits than he can. We have fine game at school. We play at rotten eggs and with marbles. My brother is a better shot than I am, and I won't play " keeps " with him. I don't like the now sums. They are too hard. I don't know what uame to take, but I am good at leap-frog, and I will take my name from that.—Your loving nephew,

Fkoq. [You write nicely. What sums are you referring to ? Did you ever hoar this: Multiplication's my vexation, Division's twice as bad. The rule of three vexes me, But fractions drive me mad. —U.P.]

Dear Uncle Phil,—l onre::gain take the pleasure of writing to you. Our examination was held on the eighth (if August, and I passed. lam now in the iird standard. We have a pood many more lessons to learn than in the 2nd standard. We are now doing great big long division sums, and they are pretty hard. I like composition best. Sandy is the only one of our correspondents that I know. He is a class behind me, but we have many fine games. I like him very well because ho never gets cross or cheats. I have not caught many rabbits since last writing to you. It has been too frosty, and some of my traps got lost. I will now close.—Your loving nephew, Badmteh. [I like your writing too. Your badge will be sent. You can write a very good letter for a Standard 3 boy. I am glad to hear such a good account of Sandy, and as " like draws to like," you are no doubt like him in behaviour.—U.I I .]

Dear Uncle Phil, —I have always taken a great interest in your page and have at last made up my mind to write to you. Our examination is over now and I regret to say that I failed but hope to do better next year. I was away from school for a long time before the examination with a bad cold and have not quite got rid of it yet. Have you had the influenza Uncle ? Nearly every one had it in these parts. I was not so fortunate as some of my cousins in seeing the Duke and Duchess or in going to see the contingents arrive either. All the troopers that went from here came back safe, I am glad to say. They got a grand reception here but I did not manage to go. Some of my brothers and sisters went. I was amused at Pat Murphy's misfortunes at that "social ;" but surely Pat that was not real ? I fancy that you imagined that things were worse than they really were. I see that you are getting some more badges for your correspondents again Uncle. I never had any luck yet so I will have to do without a badge too as my pocket-book is painfully empty just now. With best wishes to all my cousins and yourself, I am, Dan Leno. [Well Dan, you write a very fine hand Who is your teacher ? I hope you will soon get over your cold. Try cod liver oil emulsion. It is a capital cure for colds; only do not take too big doses as it is apt to lesson one's appetite if taken in large doses. Or if you have no emulsion handy, drink a beatenup egg twice a day. I hope your luck will soon turn Dan. In any case, you seem pretty happy and that is of itself a great thing. U.P.]

Dear Uncle Phil,—l saw in the paper the ones who had sent money for badges but I did not see Eiffel Tower's" name. Did you receive her note ? Dear Uncle, do you know when the badges will be sent out? I know more than seventy of your correspondents but some have changed their nom da jiliime and others, have stopped writing. The examination will be held soon and I hope I will pass again. That is a nice poem that Fuchsia Belle sent to you. I will send you some riddles as my letter is a very short one. Meta N0.2 started to write to you the last time I wrote but I do not think she Will finish it yet for a long time. With love to K.P., Day Lily, and Lady Ineverclyde. I remain your niece, Mehil. [I put the initials of the real, not the pen, names in the badge list. Were Eiffel Towers real initials in it ? Thank you for the riddles. The badges will be sent out before show time. The list will soon close. Tell Meta No. 2 to hasten.—[U.P.]

Dear Undo Phil,—As this is the first letter I have written to you I will not write a very long one. I like reading the Scotch letters very much although I cannot speak Scotch myself. Our examination will be in another fortnight and I hope to pass. As you are Retting some badges I would be very 'pleased if you would keep me ore. I will close with love to all thv? young folk and yourself. Scotch Thistle. [I am quite p'cased to have you as a nieca. Be sure to send in yo'ir order soon. I, too, hope you will pass.—U.P.] Dour Uncle Phil—As it i-: ah >uf, five or six weeks since I last wrote to you I think I will write now. I know wbn you are, but promise not 11 tell anybody. I also know a few of your writers, among them being Altnera an d lakhottle, bat they won't find out who I am unb:?s I tell them when I meet them. Do you like biking, Uncle? I do, and many a fine spin I have. I wonder what hi,s become of Bu;iny. Hurry up Bunny and give us a line or two to let us know that you are not caught by the does. What sort of weather are you having in Gore, Uncle ? We are having dandy weather, but a little too hot. Dear Almera, are your initials T.J., and do you live at W.V.? Dear Inkbottle, your initials are S.A., and you live at W.V. too. With love to you and all my cousins. I am, your loving niece, Pelerie. [I have noted your oHrr for a badge. Yes, I like bikin". b'i l . mini: :; ...t of order just now, and i never seem to h ive true to fix it. Vf". are having fine weather, hut it ii not too hot.—U.P.]

Dear Uncle Phil,—l have not written to you for a long time so I thought I would write sigain. I hiive been reading the letters and like them very much. I cannot, read the Scotch and Irish ones very well. I havrf found out a few uf your correspondents. We have not had our examination y. t. A few schools have been exiniked, but ours does not take place until about the beginning of October. I hope I will pass. I was not at school on Friday because I had the toothache. I did not go to see the Duke and Duchess of York but I would have liked to go. We got the medals from the school in remembrance of their visit. We are having fine weather just now, and the farmers are beginning to sow. There are a few young lambs about. We have all had colds. Influenza and German measles have be»n pretty bad about here, old and young having taken them. I will have to stop now. With love to

Cora, Bunny Lord Roberts, and yourself I am your loving niece, Violet. [I am glad to hear from you again. You have indeed been long in writing. I have not seen a lamb this year yet.—U.P.] ANSWERS TO LAST WEEK'S PUZZLES. 1. Because its head is on one side, and its tail on the other. Little Mischief's: 1. The road. 2. The word " and." 3. When he is turned into a field. 4. Invisible green. 5. Play. 6. In the dictionary. Sandy's: 1. A Candle. London's Pride: 1. Two. 2. To get to the other side. 3. His foot. Clarabell's: 1. Because it's in the middle of water. 2. Because it runs over sleepers. 3. The figure nine. 4. A pack of cards. Princess Evelyn's: 1. Keep dark. 2. The moon. A Pair of Chatterboxes': One's hard to get up, the other's hard to get down. THIS WEEK'S PUZZLES. Magda's: YYUEYYUBICUSYY for me. Merit's: 1. Why does a dog waggle its tail. 2. Why is the centre of a tree like a dog's tail? BADGE-OEDEBS EECEIVEB. A.T., Eiversdale Avice, Pyramid Siding J.McD.. lliversdale W.B. Perndalo M.L., East Gore E. 8., Mataura F.L., Longridge Village M.E., J.E., Wendon J.R. F.S., 8.H., Mataura J.E.A., „ S.J., Waikaka Valley E.S. Harrington's 0.8., Eiversdale A.S., Waikoikoi G.S., M.K., Mataura, L.8., M.K., Kiversdnle W.M., A.M., G.M., E.M.S., „ P.S., P. 8., Gore J.C., Pukerau NOTICE TO COIUtESPONDENTS. Napoleon.—Your stamps were received at the office, but were not sent to me. Your badge will be duly sent. lam sorry you have had trouble, but all's well that ends well. Avice.—Please send me your name for the badge address.

BADGE COUPON. To Uncle Phil, Ensign office, Gore,— I enclose One Shilling's worth of Stamps. My name is My postal address is [Cut this out and fill in your own name and full postal address, and then enclose it in an envelope with one shilling's worth of penny stamps, and a badge will be sent to you in due course.—U.P.]