Aunt Roberta’s Family

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLV, Issue 1010, 11 April 1925, Page 9

Aunt Roberta’s Family

Morrisson) appeared at tho doorway, with anxious faces. “What is tho matter? Wliero is Little Boo?” they asked. Maud, pretty and sweet, her fair hair tumbling in a golden cascade about her shoulders, stepped forward from her friends. “Sho was hero n. minute ago, Auntie. Perhaps she is hiding.” “Yes, yes. Let us find her,” the others cried, ready for any sort of fun. There was a rush for the doorway. Just then Littlo 800 came running down tho long hall. “Here she is ! Where have you been ? We’vo been waiting for you.” Littlo 800 shook her head so vigorously that her hair fell about her small, painted face. “Nowhere at all —just down there,” she replied, pointing along tho passage. Aunt Roberta stooped over tho child. “Don’t leave your guests again, dear,’ she said in an undertone, arranging tho tumbled hair. “It is not polite.” “But I saw Mr Maddock,” 800 answered. “He went ” sho broke off’, a puzzled expression crossing her face. “Nonsense, my dear!” exclaimed Mrs Morrison. “You have eaten too much plum pudding—l mean, too much birthday cake —and you are seeing things ! Mr Maddock is in Auckland. He is spending the day and evening with friends. In Auckland —spending the day with friends,” she reiterated. It struck Aunt Roberta that she was unduly anxious to impress this upon them —and she wondered why. Littlo 800 shook her head again, obstinately. “I saw him, an’ that’s all about it,” she said, with great conviction. When the fun was in full swing once more, Littlo 800 drew asido her special school chum —Dulcie, for she was simply bursting to confide in someone. “Thero’s funny things going on in this place, all right,” se whispered. “Most ’sterious! Air Maddock roaming around when lie is s’posed to l>e in Auckland. I know it was him —and, what’s more, lie went right through the wall at the end of the hall !” She glanced about to make sure no one was eavesdropping: kou mustn’t tell anyone, lfuleie ! If you do, I won’t speak to you again Or ask you to my next party.” Naturally this last threat was sufficient to procure silence even under torture, and Dulcie solemnly assured 800 she would never breathe it to a living soul. „ “I’ve a good mind, ono of these days, 800 continued, “to~-to ’ sho puused, endeavouring to remember the words Rodney bad used the night they saw the “ghost”—“to—’vestigate —an’ find out the mystery 1”

EIGHTEENTH COMPETITIONS. CLOSING DATE-WEDNESDAY, 22nd APRIL, 1925. (Each envelope and entry must be marked “IBfli Competitions.”) ORIGINAL VERSE (of not less than two verses of four linos each): must not be copied, but must be the work of the competitors. Senior Division: 12 years and up to 17 years; Ist prize, 4s; 2nd prize, 2s. Junior Division: Under 12 years; Ist prize, 4s; 2nd prize, 2s. BEST LETTER to “Aunt Roberta” (of not more than 200 words). Senior Division: 12 years and up to 17 years; Ist prize, 4s; 2nd prize, 2s. Junior Division: Under 12 years; Ist prize. 4s; 2nd prize, 2s. PICTURE SHOW PUZZLE. (Senior Division) At a small picture show in ono of the suburbs of London the price charged for admission is sixpence, and no change is given at the ticket office. One evening the lady who sold the tickets placed separately on a shelf the amounts paid to her, and was surprised afterwards to discover that no two purchasers of tickets had paid in the same way. Only ono had paid with a sixpenny piece, the others made up the amount by using threepenny pieces, pennies, halfpennies, and farthings. Now, what is the highest possible number of people that could have paid for admission that evening, provided that no two methods of payment were aiiko. SIX FROM ONE PUZZLE. “From six take ono and leave twenty.” —2s. A CONCEALED PROVERB. (Junior Division) Change one letter in each word, and thus make a well-known proverb: "Get now the tight band snow that shy deft hang goeth.” t COMPETITION RULES. Cash prizes will be awarded each week. Boys and girls up to 17 years of age may compete. The work will bo judged according to quality. Due consideration will be given to the question of uge of the competitor. Marks will be awarded as follow: To the winner of any competition, and for the one who sends in the best joke, riddle, catch, etc 4 To the boy or girl who gains second place 3 Highly commended 2 Commended 1 A record will be kept of tho marks gained, and at the end of tho year the following prizes will be given: A handsome gold medal to tho ono who gains the highest number of marks. A silver medal to tho one who gains tho second highest number of marks. These nieduls will be in addition to the cash prizes awarded each week of tho year. Write in ink on ono side of paper only. Neatness, good writing and punctuation will count. Each entry must be on a separate sheet, with name, age, date of birth, and address underneath it. All entries must be your own unaided elfort, except jokes, riddles, catches, etc. Drawings must be done in black ink, unless otherwise stated. Address all entries, letters, etc., to — “Aunt Roberta,” C/of “Manawalu Evening Standard.” Palmerston North.

RESULTS OF 14th COMPETITIONS. NATURE STORY (senior division). Nature stories were asked {or, not essays. There is a difference between the two. First prizo (4): Aislu Varcoe, 24 Union street, Palmerston North (15 years). Second prize (2s) : A. J. D. Barker (no Christian name); c/o F. L. Gordon, Clifton, Clive (16 years). Ilighly commended: Nancey Hobson, la Clyde road, Napier 114 years) ; Jean Monteith, Porongahau road, Wuipukurau (13 years), Gladys Stimpson. 11 Sydney street, Invercargill years); Dorothy Port, Hekeia P. 0., Southland (14); Isabel Egerton, Winton (15); Helen Shaw, Slack’s road, Palmerston North (14); Alf do Vantier, ’ 21 Wood street, Palmerston North (15); Phyllis Woolf, 27 Waldograve street, Palmerston North (15); Bren Trow, 118 Ruahine street, Palmerston North (16) ; Reginald L. Knight, Rongotea Siding (16). FIRST PRIZE NATURE STORY. “FIRE-FLY"—A HORSE STORY. (By Aisla Yarcoe.) A more beautiful and more trustworthy horse than Fire-Fly was not to be found anywhere. His long, flowing mane shone like spun silk and His well groomed coat resembled black satin. The gruceful curves of his body and the manner in which he moved showed that ho was of a good breed. He, like all other animals, loved tiiose that were good to him —a long ever-lasting love that Time cannot change. llis home was at one of the many fire stations in the very heart of London, where, except for his daily liberty hours, when he was taken for a trot by one of the station hands, he was in readiness for a lire should the occasion arise. Whon a small button was pressed, his harness—which was worked by an automatic system —fell gently upon his back and lo ! and behold, there lie stood, harnessed without the aid of human hand. The engine, too, became hitched to the harness, so that you see, in this way valuable time was saved. One twilight evening in midsummer Fire-Fly entered his stall with lngging footsteps, flis beautiful coat was flecked I with foam and his nostrils were of a blood-red colour. Judging by his attitude I anyone would have been right had they I guessed that he had been working hard at ja distant fire. Hardly hud the harness 1 been removed than his weary limbs relaxed and his eyes closed in deep repose. ' But he did not sloop long for the deep. | sonorous voice of the fire bell awakened him with a start. This was the fourth time that day that it had rung and men and horse were very tired by now. In next to no time Fire-Fly was harnessed and once more ho drow his burden along [the cobbled streets. The. scene of the out(break, although only four miles distant, ; showed a dull red against the darkening .sky. In a moment FiroFly forgot his weariness, as excitement surged through l him. He nerved every muscle into fresh strength and galloped madly onward. | On ! On ! Faster and yet faster thundered the black steed. Round corners like a Hash of lightning, over bridges in one wild bound. Astonished people run to the , windows, hut all they saw was a black and red streak. Children pluying in the roadway scattered like frightened chickens as the engine dashed by. As Fire-Fly rounded a bend the firemen saw in the roadway a child, who had evidently crawled from the door of a nearby cottage. For a moment it looked as if the foaming horse would pass right over (he child. The firemen held their breath and the driver tugged at the reins. But Fire-Fly hud seen the child, and with a jerk ho pulled up and gently pushed the infant aside with his muzzle —and then careered on. The distracted mother had seen tho engine dash by, and thought her poor child would surely be trampled lo death ’neath those thundering hoofs. Imagine her surprise and thankfulness when she realised what tho noble creature had done. Clasping the child to her bosom she gazed earnestly after the retreating engine.

One thought was uppermost in her mind, excluding even the thought of the diro peril of a few minutes before. “Thank God for His goodness—and bless the noble horse 1”

SECOND PRIZE NATURE STORY. “TIP.” (By A. J. D. Barker.) There was once a young collie dog named Tip who, like many boys at a corresponding age, longed to do sonic great deed. When it came to being trained, Tip did not want to work, but after receiving a few cuts with a slick ho thought it was better to do as ho was told. Still, ho did not forget tho great deed. One day he saw the children setting out for a ramble over the hills. Tip longed to go so he barked and tugged at his chain. Suddenly his chain broke, close to bis collar. lie rushed after the children but was received with a volley of stones, and stern commands to “go home.” He did not go home but followed out of range of btones. Soon the children reached a stream and followed it until they came to a largo pool, where they amused themselves making stones skim across the surface. Suddenly Tip, who was trying to pick up the scent of a rabbit, heard a big splash at the pool. As he was fond of water lie run to the pool to see what was happening. To his horror he found that tho youngest girl, his own particular friend, had fallen into tho water. Taking in the situation at a glance, he plunged into the water and, catching hold of the child’s dress with his strong teeth, brought her to the edge, where sho was pulled out by the other children. Just then Tip remembered that ho had been told to go home, so he started to slink away, expecting to be punished for his disobedience. But all the children caressed him, calling him “a dear doggie” and other endearing names. Only then did Tip realise that ut lust he had done a great deed.

HIGHLY COMMENDED. “THE CUNNING SPARROW.” (By Alf do Vantier.) The sparrows were chirping gleefullydarting hither und thither, endeavouring to, teach their fluffy young to fly. One by one the little birds learnt the use of their wings, till, at last, only one seemed not to have wings strong enough for tho effort'. With great difficulty, the backward sparrow was coaxed from Us nest and tempted to flutter down on to the gurden path. When the littlo bird gazed up at the cabbage tree-top its confidence again deserted it, anil, in spite of all the coaxing of Mrs Sparrow, tile little thing would not attempt to fly back to its nest. Round tho comer of the house a huge black cat appeared, and, much to the consternation of tho birds, it made straight for the cabbage, under which stood the helpless nestling. The poor mother-sparrow hesitated for a moment, then fluttered, as if she had hurt her wing, right over tho cat's nose. The cat, thinking as wo all did that tho bird was hurt and must soon fall to earth, set off in pursuit of the bird. It led him down into the paddock, when, to our surprise, Mrs Sparrow flew quickly back to the cabbage tree. The little Miss Sparrow, urged on by its inborn fear of tho cat as an enemy ami the chirps of encouragement from its mother, with a great effort Hew up to the nest. This incident not only * illustrates the sparrows’ devotion to their young, but also shows that they, are very cunning.

JUNIOR DIVISION. FIRST PRIZE (4s): Maria McDonald, George street, Invercargill (11 years). SECOND PRIZE (2s) : Erica Gray, Taikore, via Glen Oroua (11 years). HIGHLY COMMENDED: Evelyn Roberts, Pukuratuhi, Bay View (11 years); Thelma E. Patterson, 43 Robertson street, Invercargill (11 years); Eulu Arthur, 277 Main Street W., Palmerston North (11 years); Ralph Holmes, 8 Knowles street, Palmerston North (8j years). COMMENDED: Phyllis Kneebone, 1 Domain street, Palmerston North (11 years); Jack Maxwell, Nnntwich street, Otautau (10 years). FIRST PRIZE NATURE STORY. (By Maria McDonald.) We will, suppose Harry was a lobster. He hud fivo hundred thousand sisters, and the same number of brothers, and he quarrelled with every one of them. Though Harry was no bigger than a pin’s head, he was quite a giant compared with some of tho creutures he met. There were cod and herring and sea slugs—ull spending their young days on tho surface of the sea —and presently amongst that throng Harry ran head-first into Jack the crab. Harry and Juck fought as soon as they met. Jack pulled off two of Harry’s legs, and Harry smashed one of Jack’s claws, and knocked out lone of his eyes. Then they parted—and a day or two after they changed their clothes. Harry struggled out of his shell, mid he had grown two new legs in place of those Jack had pulled off. Jack, when he changed his shell, had grown a new eye and a new claw. Harry grew so quickly that when he changed his baby suit for the sixth time he was nearly' a quarter of an inch —and big enough t|o live a lobster’s life on the sea-floor. So down he sank to the bottom. In winter time Harry marched out into deep water. Ho often visited a wreck, crawling in through a port hole. Once he changed his shell in a seaman’s looker. Then he saw twenty lobsters fighting all at once. Sloon the ground was strewn with legs and claws. Harry, who was also engaged in the light, was Due of the losers. Once Hurry fought with a big brown crayfish, and had a very bad time. But the worst came when Harry met the octopus, but the octopus did not win. Just as the octopus had got lone long arm round Harry's big claw, a huge net came along and swallowed both Harry and the octopus and rolled them up amongst a lot of cod and conger-eels. Tho whole bundle was soon drawn on board a trawler and the “catch” sorted out. The octopus was put into a barrel of sea water and Harry into a box of wet seaweed, llot h were taken up to Londbn Aquarium in the Zoo at Regent’s Park. There they are in separate tanks. They are not even on speaking terms.

SECOND PRIZE NATURE STORY. “Fanny Feather Toes and Her Sixth Family.” (By Erica Gray.) After wandering round the fowlvard unattached for some months, I made up my mind to do my duty by rearing another family. Ah, woe is me for the trouble they brought me! Well, I will tell you about it. First of all I set about finding a suitable apartment, and came across an old dog kennel, with nice dock shrub completely blocking the entrance. 1 knew Mrs Speckle had reared a large family there last year. I laid ten nice brown eggs, and settled down to butch my family. Of course, Mrs Human missed me, and when she found me she substituted six large white eggs for my brown ones. This I did not mind, for I thought: "What fine big children I shall have!” After I hud been sitting lon the eggs_ for a whole month (Oh, what a long time it seemed I) I heard “Chip, chip!”—and six little downy heads, with fiat yellow bills, appeared. I laughed and laughed, for I thought they were tho funniest babies -1 had ever seen. As the days went by they seemed to grow funnier and funnier, waddling about and playing right in tho drinking water

—dirty woe tilings! However, I thought,: ‘'They are my babies and 1 ■ must make the best of them.” One day. after a lot of wet. weather, we were let, out of our house. A foil can imagine my consternaiion when my children in,ado for a largo pool and . bwam right away. I picked up my skirts and went after them to try and same them. But they took no notice —simply going further out. While I was standing kneedeep in the water, looking very ridiculous, I am sure, and screeching at _my disobedient children, Mrs Speckles sailed along and called out I was a silly thing not to know 'that I had reared a family of ducks!

HIGHLY COMMENDED “Sugared.” (By Eula Arthur.)

Mexie was walking over the lawn, wondering whatever to do with himself. He was a green talking parrot from Mexico, and when once he heard a voice he could imitate it to perfection. Coming to the hack door, he strolled in and entered the kitchen, where he saw a row of wooden boxes against the wall. These boxes had hinged lids, and ■ were used for storing bread, flour, sugar and salt in. Mexie made for the sugar box, climbed in, and commenced tlo explore. There were mountains, plains and valleys —the mountains were piles of hard sugar, and the valleys the hollows between. Mexie’s feet soon sank into tho yielding substance, and in an endeavour to dig them out with his beak he discovered-that the taste of sugar was very agreeable, whereupon he began to eat. He ute until lie felt positively ill, and then decided to climb out of the box; but to his consternation ho found that tho sides were too high and smooth to climb, and his wings had been clipped to prevent, him flying away. Furthermore, his mistress came along, and without glancing inside, shut tho lid of the box. Mexie stayed in that bin for nearly three hours, and he was in such a towering rage at the end of that time that he danced all over the sugur and pulled tho mountains down with his beak. From the condition of the sugar afterwards the dance must have been midway between the jazz and the Highland Fling. Then Mexie remembered his singing, and went through all his tunes. At last his mistress heard him, and ho was lifted out of tho box to tho strains of ‘‘Tipperary.”

RESULTS OF 14th COMPETITIONS.

Black and White Sketch or Coloured Drawing or Painting of any kind t>£ Bird or Birds. SENIOR DIVISION. NANCEY HOBSON, la Clyde road, Napier (14 years), who won tho first prize last week, also gains the first prize (4s) in the 14th Competitions. Her painting is most beautifully done, and is easily first, although many other very excellent entries were received. (It is not suitable for reproduction). I am very glad tto be able to award the second prize (2s) to Winnie Rue, Orepuki (15 years). Winnie is not like other girls, for she is a cripple. She does all her work with the left hand, and her coloured drawing is quite good. HIGHLY COMMENDED: Raymond Tapp, 7 Chcltvood street, Palmerston North (12 years); Eula Arthur, 277 Main Street West, Palmerston North (11 years); Madeleine Borresou, 60 Alexandra street, Palmerston North (14); Lancelot Borreson (16); Alfred Allsop, 140 Broad street, Palmerston North (15); Hilda Lang, 16 Terraco street, Palmerston North (13); Fredk. C. Keeler, Inglewood, Invercargill (15); Louie Allsop, 140 Broad street, Palmerston Norh (14); Jack White, 504 Queen Street E., Hastings (15); Elsie Wilson, 83 Morton road, Invercargill (13). COMMENDED: Eileen O'Donnell, 52 Botanical road, Palmerston North (14); Raymond Cameron, 2 Fitzherbcrt street, Palmerston North (134); Geoffrey A. Paterson, 129 Ettrick street, Invercargill (151): Martin Riddle, 80 Emerson’s st., Napier (14); Ngaire Lovelock, 290 Church sreet, i'aiinerstton North (12); Ethel Birchley, 7 Heretuunga street, Palmerston North (141); Harold Carter, 16 Millar street, Palmerston North (13); Ethel McDermott, Albert street, Winton (13); Martha Chilton, Ellis road, Otautau (134)); Alfred C. Stewart, 199 Spey street, Invercargill (12); Dorothy Port, Hckeia P. 0., Southland (143); Alma Chapman, 53 Thames street, Invercargill (12). JUNIOR DIVISION. FIRST PRIZE (4s): Duncan M. McFarlane, 134 Esk street, Invercargill, whoso sketch, “Magpies,” is wonderfully executed for a bov of only 10 years of age. SECOND PRIZE (2s): Ethel Lane, 87 Ruahine street, Palmerston North. HIGHLY COMMENDED: Grace Taylor, 16 Stanley avenue, Palmerston North (10). COMMENDED: Willie (9 years) and Allan (7 years) Maxwell, Nantwieh street, Otautau.

PUZZLE (Senior Division)

When I was twelve years old, I went to spend a holiday with an aged squatter at liis homestead, where ho had a tremendous library and a very large telescope. One night I looked at' the mioon through the telescope, and the sight I saw I shall never forget. I lost all interest in fairy stories, and wanted to hear all about he moon. Later on, I wanted to hear all about the sun, and ull the legions of stars that filled the heavens every night. The prize of 2s 6d gtoes to Leicester Bull, 10 Milton road, Napier (14 years). A pile of entries came to hand. The majority were correct in the wording (as above), although in not a few a word or words was omitted (probably due to carelessness). A number missed because of incorrect punctuation, bud writing or lack of neatness.

BEST “SCOTCH” JOKE (Junior Division) Many of the entries were not Scotch “Crispies” and, therefore, could not compete. The 2s 6d has been won by : Grace Taylor, lo Stanley Avenue, Palmcrist on North (10 years), with the following:— During a time of drought a, worthy Scotsman prayed for rain. To bis joy his prayer was answered and rain fell. It continued to fall, however, until the surrounding plains wore flooded, and it kept on until finally the man was obliged to elimb to the roof of his house to escape. Tet the Hood increased until it was too much even for the devout Scot’s faith, and looking at the encroaching water, he said: “Lord 1 llii’e some sente.”

THE LEGEND OF THE KIWI. (By Alfred de Vnntier.) Two bv two the birds trooped out of the Ark till’they were all gathered on Mt. Ararat. One by one the cocks told where lie and his male intended lo live. At last all except the kiwis had had their say. Now, the kiwis then were beautiful, glistening white, powerfully winged birds, but abo they were very very vain. “Well, where are you going to live?” chorused the other birds. “Oh,” replied Mr Kiwi loftily, “there is no place on earth line enough lor us, so we intend lo live on the sun.” “What!” ejaculated the other birds in surprise, “you will certainly be burned to death; the sun is a ball of lire.” “Nonsense,” replied the kiwis together, “the sun is solid gold. Well, we must now say goodbye to you all.” Amidst wails and entreaties to stay, the vam birds started out on their long journey lo the sun. Higher they flew and still the sun seemed just us far off as ever but still they persevered. • Now the sun was angered at the vanity of the kiwis and prepared a great number of fire jays to ward off the kiwis. Tho birds, however, were very powerful fliers, and when he loosed his rays, the kiwi* were so near that their plumage was burnt to a browny black and their wings were burnt till there remained but two stumps. Left thus without wings the poor kiwis began to fall. They fell and fell till at last they landed in the most beautiful island

in the world—fu!i of harmless Birds that had coma to live there, and covered with tall trees and graceful ferns. But henceforth the kiwis were a race of dark wingless birds living away from the haunts of men and only on the bright “Jewel of the Pacific" —New Zealand.

THE LEGEND OF CLEMATIS. (By Eula Arthur). Little Fairy Thistledown sat despondently upon a golden buttercup, wondering what to do with herself. It was vacation time, and Fairy Poppy’s school wae closed. The late afternoon sunshine gilded the tips of the tall grass blades, and shone on Thistledown’s little, fuir face and flufly dress. “Oh, I wish there was something to do,” she sighed. The sun sank westwards, filling the waving tree-tops with shifting golden light, and emphasising the glowing colours of the flowers. Night closed in, hiding the hills and trees and chasing a lingering scarlet cloud down behind the horizon, and still the fairy sat and sighed. Soon the beautiful Queen of the Sky showed her face above the world, and all the stars peeped forth. Suddenly Thistledown started. A long silver moonbeam fell at her feet, and from it stepped a lovely little fairy with long, black hair, all entangled with stars, and a dress of midnight blue covered with little points of light. “I will give yon something to do.” she said. “Come with me.” They floated up the broad moonbeam—up up, up to the skv, where all tho little stars laughed and played. “You may play with them,” said Fairy Stardust. All" night long tho little eurth fairy played with tho stars —leaping, dancing, floating lightly over the clouds. Never had she been so happy. Towards morning Fairy Stardust came to her. “Oji, I should love some of those little white stars,” said ((Thistledown; so the Moon-fairy gave her a great artnful, and they danced back to earth. There Thistledown put the stars on a long green vine and changed their name to Clematis, for that was the real nnme of Lady Moon; and to this day they are known as Clematis flowers.

“HOW THE OLD MAN DIED.” It was a swithering afternoon at Crawford’s Creek. Old Dave Dutton sat reading his paper on the verandah, where hop vines climbed the rough, unpuinted posts and tempered the eun’s glare. A horseman approached. It was Hoskins, old Dave’s neighbour, whose selection adjoined that, of Dutton. A bitter quarrel had taken place two years previously over a dividing fence, since when the two bushmen had not spoken a dozen words. “There'to inn old nuvti down Katdliff’s sliuft,” shouted Hoskins in surly tones, und then, before Dutton could ask a question, he wheeled Ids horse and cantered away. Twenty years prior to Dutton’s advent, some gold prospectors had sunk several shafts at the hack of what was now Old Dave’s property; sunk . them fifteen or twenty feet, and, having struck “duffers,” as the diggers say. had left them as death traps for block that happened to graze round there at night. “Ari old man down Ratclff’s shaft. Bob!” called Dutton to his son of seventeen, busy cleaning his gun in his bedroom. “Better call Jim, and we’ll go and see what’s doin’ there.” Iri a few minutes, equipped with a handbarrow, an uxc and a stout rope, diemantled from the well, the three struck out for the shaft, half a mile distant. “Who d’ver reckin it is, Dad ?" asked Bob. “Can’t say, ’thout it's old Hunter the tutor over at The Mill. I beared ho was on flic drink agin after Christmas.” “Yes, might, be ’im,” said Jim: “niigliter been pokin’ round in the night, and dropped in— —; the locusts are giviu’ lip, aren't they?” Arrived at the shaft they arose from their knees, after a close scrutiny of the shaft's interior, with surprise featuring their countenances. “Floor old beggar!” said Dutton. “lie seems to have broken his leg on that root as he fell. Bring the rope, and I’ll see if I can nooso him; he’s not dead, by tho way lie’s groanin’, but he's sufferin’ a deal o’ pain.” After much rope dangling, the noose was adjusted over his head, und then worked back behind his shoulders. “Heave-o!” cried Dave. “Get a twitch Hound that dry stump in case he slips. Steudy, now! Don’t let him swing agin’ the wall.” The poor creature presented a sad and sorry spectacle when landed groaning on terra firinu. his left leg und back being broken, and every inch of him splattered with yellow clay. Old dave and the boys walked round him with their hands deep in their pockets. At length the old bushmun said: “Hi. give me that there axe; it’s # no good lettin’ the poor wretch suffer any more; I'll pull him out of his misery”; and, with that, he struck home heavily with the back of his axe, whereupon the old mail died, and, within half an hour his skin adorned the front wall of the Dutton homestead. “He ain’t half the kangaroo we g'ot last Friduv with the dogs,” observed Bill, us he stooped to pick up a couple of fulleu nails from the ground. “Never mind,” said Jim, "his pelts worth a few boh, all the same. W onder when we’ll ketch the next 5”

“AUNT ROBERTA'S" LETTER

Dearest Children, — Your powers of observation are not first-class, or the task 1 set you was too difficult. Those who endeavoured to solve the “mystery” were correct in as far as observing the 10th Competitions were held over for a week —but the reason for this they were unable to explain. Now, I am not going to tell you ! The 2s 6d I offered is still waiting to be won. Yours affectionately, AUNT KOBERTA.

CORRESPONDENCE CLUB.

riease write fo : Alfreda (11 years) and Martha (13 years) Chilton, Ellis road, Otautau.

“LITTLE BOO.”

CHAPTER IX—(Continued.) “A BIRTHDAY PARTY.” “So that is all settled,” Littlo 800 said, with a funny, wiso air that was characteristic of her. She smothered her Aunt’s face in rapturous kisses, nearly throttling her with frantic hugs of joy. Then she hopped up, and started to dance. They all watched her. She was like a beautiful white bird. “This —is how —I shall —dance on the stage," she informed them in gasps, and Aunt Roberta’s heart guve a horrid lunge in her breast. , Was she doing tho tight thing in allowing the child to respond to the strong call of her being? In consequence, would disaster and ruin be sweet, lovely 800 s ultimate fate? She realised, however, that she might as well try to keep the wind from blowing as prevent .Little 800 from dancing. “Little winged feet,” she murmured, with a smile tht was very sad. 800 ended her danco with vehement kissings of the hands and low curtsevings to an imaginary audience. She smoothed back into place her mop of carroty hair, and, resuming her seat at the table, said : “Now, ladies and gentlemen, we’ll get to business !" The five wore soon engrossed in arranging the details of tho birthday party. Mr Maddock’s stipulation had been that neither should his advice be sought nor his presence requested at the party. He, indeed, was heard to mutter that he would make himself “scarce.” He placed his homo and grounds, and everything therein, also the services of his housekeeper, at the disposal of Littlo 800 absolutely for that afternoon and evening. Aunt Roberta looked round the table at “her children,” and her heart boat with love and pride, it was at such times that she fell her sacrifice in providing a home for her nephews and nieces was not a sacrifice at all —hut a great blessing. Her eyes lingered on Rodney’s face, for all his pranks and insubordination he was a fine lud. She was certain the had dono well in refusing the otter of his uncle, made a few days ago, to Rodney a place in his office when the boy left school. Rodney had sufficient in him to be able to get on without the grudging help of any relative.

At last tho day of days arrived. Little 800, in a fever of impatience and anticipation, had carefully marked off each day on a calendar. N'aturo appeared to have done her best at decorating the land; for never was the grass greener and never were tho broonie and gorso more golden. The sky was a cornflower blue —you surely know that exquisite limpid shade —and the gentle breeze was cool and scented. The three girls had new frocks f° r the occasion. .Maud and Joan were in blue and pink respectively, and Little 1500 looked angelic in white. Mr Miko do Monk was resplendent in a smart, green satin coat, which Maud, directed by 800, had mado for him. The pony, horse and donkey were so well groomed that their skins shone like satin, and Miss Muriel Emu had every feather in place. Thirty-live young guests of all ages arrived on tho tick of three o’clock. Little 800 was too excited to thank them properly for the mysterious-looking parcel each stiffly presented to her. Tor quite live minutes, they all stood in prim rows round the immense dining-room of Mr Maddock’s home- —silent as tho grave in thoir embarrassment. Tho male members, in a bunch, squirmed uncomfortably, painfully conscious of thoir “Sunday-go-to-meeting” suits, new ties and highly polished boots. , Rodney Scott’s fuco was pink and shinl- - from his oxccssivo ablutions, and his pale, lino hair was plastered down with soapy water. Maud thought he looked like a convict about tho head—but she was too kind to give utterance to what was in her mind. Presently Aunt Roberta suggested that the young guests might like to play in the grounds. One and all silently tiled out until the verandah was reached, when there was a sudden 6tanipedo. Loud "hurrahs” and “hoorays,” and other weird sounds that children emit when highly delighted, reached the ears of Mrs Morrison and Aunt Roberta as they busily set tho long, long table for tho birthday tea. Mr Miko do Monk was a wonderful success with tho girls. And, oh, how ho showed ofl ! JIo chattered, and grinned and frisked, hugely pleased with himself. Tho boys swarmed like a cluster of bees about Nugget (the pony), taking it in turns to ride him. (Mr Maddock had issued orders that his horso was to bo left in its stall, so there was no competition from that quarter). There were cow boys, jockios, bushrangers, red Indians, and also assumed S many other guises that are dear to the boyish soul. Presently the services of the donkey were requisitioned, who proved an admirable second to Nugget. “Muriel” looked rather miserable at being left out in the cold, but she cheered up when several dear little girls, in spotj less frocks (so far), with big bows on thoir hair, offered her a “feed” of pebbles through tiie wire-netting of the pen. Nobody likes to be overlooked —not even an emu ! By tho time the tea-be.il rang loudly, most of the boys no longer wore collars — and ties wero in any place hut under the chin. The girls, also, were not quite so stiffly starched —and one or two bows wore missing. There was a general scuttling round and tidying up before the guests dared to venture into the footlights of tho dining-room. Little Boo’s birthday tea was altogether a most wonderful affair! Not one of tho children present had ever seen such a magnificent cake. Little 800 lit the ten candles amidst a breathless silence. In each young heart was the fervent hope that, they would be invited to Bouluh Scott’s birthday party next year. After everyone had eaten «3 much as they could possibly manage, Aunt Roberta and Mrs Morrisson, with help from the older hoys, cleared the room for indoor games and dancing. Mike was a privileged person, for lie was the only inmate of the “baby zoo’ ’thnt was allowed to join tho happy assembly indoors. Towards the end of the birthday evening, Little 800, the heroine of tho occasion, was suuuenly discovered to be missing. “Where is she? Whore are you B-o-cro?” tho children called in chorus. Aunt Roberta and her faithful ally (Mrs

CRISPIES AND RiDDLER.

Sandv Mcßae, who was visiting Scotland, asked fiis cousin to get him some milk for his porridge. liis cousin, turning round, suid: “Mither, Sandy thinks it's Christinas.” (Phyllis Kneebonc, 1 Domain street, Palmerston North). ***** What is more wonderful than Jonah in a whale?—Axis.: Lour men in a fly. What is that which if you name it you break it ?—Ans. : Silence. What is that whioli breaks as soon as it appears ? —Ans.: The day. (Dulcie Lees, 9 York street, Feilding). “Phwat are thim buckets for on tho shill in the hall?” asked the Irishman of another. “Can’t yo read? It says on thim ,I'or Eire Only.” . “Thin why do they put wather in tlum ? (Albert Shadbolt, Pohangina). % * * * * A Scottish minister was on his usual visiting rounds when he came across one of his old friends. “And how has the world been treating you, Jock?” ueked the minister. “Very seldom,” replied Jock. (Eva Cooksley, Longburn). “So you be a widower again, Sandy. That’s the fifth you’ve lost ain’t it?” “Yes, they do keep poppin’ off, but there, two o’ ’em was good uns.” (Mary Joyce, 25 Victoria street, Palmerston North). * * * * • An Irishman meeting mi acquaintance hit him a violent blow on the nose. Assailed: “What’s that for?” Assailant: “Because you called me a hippopotamus.” Assailed: “But that was two years ago.. Assailant: “I know that hut it wasn’t till yesterday that I went to the Zoo.” (Allan Leyland, 139 College street, Palmerston North). * * * * * Teddy: “Father, if I eat a lot of dates, shall I be an almanac when I grow up?” Town Boy: “I suppose you hatch all these chickens yourself?” Country Boy: “Good gracious, no! We’ve got hens to do that.” (Nancye Nathan, 46 Linton street, Palmerston North).

Q. What is the first thing you set in your garden?—A. Your foot. Q. When are policemen like balloons? — A. When they take |>eoplc up. Q. When are tooth like, vorba? —A. When they are regular, irregular and defective. (Ngairo liurding, Boundary roud east, Palmerston North). » * * » * Tho I.ady: ‘‘l gave you a piece of pie Inst week, and you’ve been sending your friends here ever since?” Tho Tramp: “You’re mistaken, lady. Them" was my enemies!” "What are you crying for my lad?” “’Cause farver’s invented a new soap stibstitoot an' every timo a customer comes in I get washed ns an advertisement.” Pat anti Mick attended a fancy dress ball, and Pat, noticing one of those taking part, said: “What does that fellow represent?” Mick replied : “Sure, I dunno; but he looks like it doesn’t he?” (Jean Cox, Mangatainoka). Q. Why arc fowls the most economical things a farmer can keep —A. Because for every grain they give a peck. (Vernon Smith, 16 Douglas street, Palmerston North). Q. What letters are never out of fashion ? —A. F-A-S-H-I-O-N. Q. Why is a donkey like a whirlpool ? A. Because it's an eddy (a noddy). (Muriel Smith, 16 Douglas street, Palmerston North). Mother (at dinner table) : “Olive, why don’t you oat your meat?” Olive: “It's" all right, mummy, I am waiting for the mustard to get cold.” (Louie Cook, 5 Princess street, Palmerston North).

OUR MAIL BAG.

Hilda Lang : You fully deserved the prize j for your entry was excellent, as also is your entry to the 14th Competitions. Your sketches are always above the averago for i your age. Harold Carter : Glad to hear from you, ! and hope to receive many entries from you . in tho future. j Marie Murphy: It does not matter where tho name, age, address, etc., are written on the entry—either on the top or tho bottom of the sheet of paper will do. Alf do Vantier: Your entries have on more than one occasion just missed.. Put a little belter work into them —and you will win a prize. I do not think it would bo wise to adopt your suggestion at tho present time. Bertie Watts : That’s tho spirit—try, try again! Only “Scotch” jokes wore called for in tho 14th Competitions, so your entry missea.