Aunt Roberta's Family

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLVI, Issue 28, 2 January 1926, Page 11

Aunt Roberta's Family

AUNT ROBERTA’S LETTER

which tho blackfellow traversed with such case —beforo Bingara halted and pointed to the white patch of tent snowing faintly among tho trees. “Picaninny,” ho grunted, and shook with silent laughter. Mr Weston parted the bushes as Bingera. had done an hour before, and met the gaze of his eldest daughter. There was sufficient light for him to see the pallor of her face, and tho terror in her eyes. “Billie I” he said sternly, and sho gavo a wild sob of relief and joy. “Oh 1 It’s you daddie! I’ve beon SO frightened ! I thought it was that horrible black thing come back !” She scrambled out, a piteous figure, with arms outstretched appealingly to him; then she saw Bingara, and. screaming, clung to her father.

Dear Buys and Girls, —

I really haven’t anything spooial to wrilo about this week. Wo are all just beginning to calm down after the festivities of Christmas and tho Now Year. I expect that a good many of my children are going away for a holiday—perhaps to Dunedin—what luck ! I will not, therefore, chance wasting my words of wisdom on tho “desert air!’’

You will see in the first competition results, published to-day, that addresses have been abbreviated (with the exception of. prize winners). This method will be continued, and, when there aro a. largo number of “highly commended” and “coin, mended,” addresses will be omitted altogether, and just tho Christian name and surname will bo published. Wishing you all tho best in tho New Year, Yours lovingly, AUNT ROBERTA. Cut out this coupon, fill it in, and post to “Aunt Roberta,” c/c "Manawatu Evening Standard,” Palmerston North. My Name is My age is . My address is ;... My birthday is I read “Aunt Roberta’s Family” Page. “Aunt Roberta’s Family” badges are obtainable at a cost of is each (stamps or postal note). “MADCAP BILLIE.” PUNISHMENT. CHAPTER VII. “Tile kiddies are very lato to-night, Pat, just half past six you said? I shall havo to insist in future that they report themselves to you by fivo o’clock at the very latest. It isn't right for them to bo allowed so much liberty. I’m afraid, with no mother’s care, that my poor little girls are running wild,” and tho old expression of pain returned to Mr Weston's face. Pat bristled : • "I’m suro I does me best ily, “I’m not blaming you, my dear woman, you aro a porfeet treasure to me”; and sho was instantly appeased. “Don’t worry yerself—they’ll turn up all right,” she remarked soothingly. “Billie will soon come toarin’ along with her sisters at her 'eels. I’ll just strain them pertaters and let ’em wait in tho pot.” As Pat disappeared within tho kitchen, Mr Weston strode out to tho sliprails, and scanned tho long straight road that ied to the township. ’lhe dying sun had flooded the sky with red, and a soft glow was cast upon the world of slim gums; but the beauty of the scene was lost to his anxious eyes. “Coo-co,” ho called again and again, but there was no reply. At length ho returned to tho cottage, and, peering in at tho kitchen door, asked : “What timo was it when you last saw them ?” Pat replaced upon the stove the saucepan sho had in her hands, and came to tho doorway. “Let’s see? About four, I should say. Billie was sitt'n’ on the woodheap, talking to tho other two. Why ,bless you, they’ll bo here any minute now 1 Don’t fret yerself. You’d best begin yer tea, and I’ll put theirs away in the oven to keep hot.” Mr Weston reluctantly complied with tho suggestion. Whilst he ato ho kept listening for tho sound of childish footsteps coining up the garden path. Tho sun set, and tho hills rose up sombre and gaunt, seeming to frown down upon lonely Wattawarra; yet the children never came.

But ho pushed her aside roughly. “Don’t be silly 1 It’s only Bingara—tho blackfellow who found you,” said ho, harshly. Mr Weston lifted Rose out of tho improvised shelter, and she looked about her with sleopy wondering eyes. His face was very stern as ho emergod onco morp with Esther in his arms. Ho had wrapped her in his coat, and they could hear the sound of her difficult breathing quite plainly in tho stillness. “Bingara will bring you homo—l must hurry. Your sister is very ill —and I havo you to thank,” he said, and Billio cowered down as if he had 1 struck her. How angry her father was I Ho would never forgivo her—never —never —she knew !

As they followed, mere slowly, they could hear him stumbling on through the bush; but at length the sound died away altogether, and ho rapidly increased his lead.

Ah! poor father, who had forgotten everything but the frail slip of a child in his arms, with tho face so liko tho mother’s—tho mother who waited on the hillsido whero tho wattlo trees hung their golden pall. Billio dragged Ro3o (too sleepy to mind anything) along by tho hand. “Picaninny very bad,” Bingara said, still puffing away at his pipe, and Billio looked up quickly, a great fear in. her eyes. Tho black man, perhaps noticing tho sorrow in her young face, bent down and took Rose in his arms, despito lior violent struggles. Soon she grow quiet, tho tired brown head fell against his shoulder —and she slept. (To bo continued.) CRISPIES AND RIDDLES. Butcher': Well, sissy, what’s for you? Sissy: Three-penn’orth of dog’s moat; and please don’t drop it in tho sawdust ’causo mother wants it for father’s tea ! Son: I 6ay, mother, did you hear the step-ladder fall ? Mother: I thought I heard something. I hope your father didn’t fall. Son: Ho hasn’t yet; he’s still hanging on to tho picture-rail. Tommy (in toy shop) : I would liko that engine, but I know father won’t let me have it. Could you put it on one side for mo until I get tho measles or something ? The tramcar was crowded, and an old gentleman, with a kindly twinkle in his eye. took five-year-old Tommy on his lap. “This will be better than standing, won’t it, my boy?” lie suggested. "Yes,” said Tommy rather reluctantly, for ho had enjoyed lurching about tho car. “But you want to bo careful that I don’t pick your pocket,” the old man said, in a whisper. “Can’t,” Tommy retorted, his voico somewhat muffled. “As soon as I saw you iookin’ at me I put my penny in my mouth.”

(Myrtle Windsor, Tauwhare, Waikato.)

Q. : How can a thin man get fat without eating a thing? Ans.: Buy it at tho butcher’s, of course. Q. : When you put on your shoo why do you always make a mistake? Ars.: Because you always put your foot in it.

(Noel Henderson, 330 Ferguson street.)

Mistress > What? Want to leave tonight, Sarah, and you only came this morning ! Maid: Well, you see, you’ro tho thirteenth missus I’ve ’ad this year, and you’ro unlucky. Alistress: Why, then, did you come? Maid; ’Cause I ’had to ’ave a thirteenth. I leaves to-night, mum.” (Nora O’Donnell, 52 Botanical road.) A jovial individual saw an announcement in an ironmonger’s window the other day. It read “Iron sinks,” and ho went in and told tho man that he knew iron sank.

“I cannot stand this any longer; I’m going out to look for them,” presently the young father said to Pat, who now kept restlessly fluttering from window to door, visibly betraying hor own anxiety. “P’r’aps it’s as well —not that I think anythink has happened to them,” sho hastened to add. “Maybe it’s just a prank of Billie’s.”

Air Weston took up his hat. “I’ll try tho town,” ho said, and passod quickly out of sight. Pat commenced to wash tho dishes, pausing every few seconds to listen —and then to shako hor head ominously. After sho had finished, and had swept the kitchen, she caught up an old coat, throwing it about her shoulders.

"Yes,” said the smart shopkeeper, “and timo flies, but wine vaults, grass slopes and music, stands; Niagara Tails, moonlight walks, sheop run, Kent hops and holiday trips; scandal spreads, india rubber tyros, the organ stops; tho wholo world goes round and trade returns.” Tho jovial one bolted. Then ho returned, put his head in at tho door, and remarked: “Yes, I know, and marble busts.”

“I’ll just see if they’re cornin’ Oh, I hope nothink lias happened! It would break their dad’s heart. Hold your tongue, you old goat,” she broko off, giving herself a little shake. “As though anythink could —tho littlo angels.” Aluttering away to herself, she reached the sliprails, and leant over them, trying to pierce the dark. “00-o-o-h !” she squealed, suddenly jumping aside, as a tall figuro rose from the long grass near tho fence. “It’s you —is it, yer devil!” she cried wrathfully. recognising Bingara, an old blackfellow, who occasionally was to bo seen in thoso parts.

(Mary Barker, Ilunuia Hills, Taumarunui.) STH COMPETITIONS—YEAR 1926.

Closing date, AYcdnesday 13th January, 1926.

Each envelope and enjiry must bo marked “sth Competitions.” A separate sheet of paper must bo used for each entry, bearing name, address and ago of competitor. PENCIL DRAWING (in respenso to requests to bo allowed to draw in “pencil”). Draw tho front, side or back view of a home.

“You frightened mo terrible! What do you want?” Bingara took an ovil-looking pipe out of his mouth, and grinned. “Boss look ’tong picaninny?” ho enquired Pat pounced upon him eagerly; “Yes, tell me, do you know?” sho cried incoherently. "Bingara tell boss.” Back went tho pipe between his thick lips, and not anothor word could Pat get him to say. Seated upon tho ground, lie only grunted at her onslaughts. “Boss 'o come,” Bingara presently muttered, lifting his head in a listening attitude; then ho relapsed into his old attitude, with his head forward on his chest.

Senior division (12 years and up to 18 years). First prize ss, second prize 2s 6d. Draw a doll’s house. Junior division (under 12 yea-s). First prize 4s, second prize 2s. WORD PUZZLES.

Ass Arch Holly Axo Arm Hand Harp Hat. Ham Ant Hen.

Alako a little story introducing these words. They need not necessarily bo used in the order given. Senior and junior divis'on and two prizes each of 2s.

“Ugh ! You!” snapped Pat, and endeavoured to possesL her soul in patience, for, bush-brecl as sho was. she know tho black’s woids would most certainly prove correct.

COAIPETITION • RULES, ETC., 1926.

A few minutes later, Mr Weston came hurrying along tho road. “H'are’s this dovil knows somothink about tho children, but he won’t tell mo—not on no account,” was Pat’s irato greeting. Bingara roso slowly and faced Mr Weston, a broad smilo overspreading his face. “Yah, yah, sleep that way,” ho chanted, holding his pipo between discoloured teeth, and pointing across the orchard to where, in the distance, tho eucalyptus trees grew closely together. “Three picaninny ir. gunyah. Bingara know. You come Tong me, boss.” ' Right. Bingara.” Mr Weston turned back again, and spoko to Pat: "Have pleruy of hot wator ready. Esther may need it. Sleoping out a chilly night liko this will probably bring on an attack of bronchitis. This is another oi Billie’s tricks. She has gono too far this timo!”

Boys and girls up to 18 years of ago may compete. Write in ink on ono side of paper only. Neatness, good writing and punctuation will count.

Each entry must bo on a separate sheet of paper, bearing tho name, age and address of tho competitor. All entries must bo the UNAIDED EFFORT of tho competitor, except jokes, riddles, catches, etc. Drawings must be done in black ink (preferably Indian ink; on drawing paper, unless otherwise stated. Marks will be awardod a 6 follows: To the winner of any competition ... 4 To tho boy or girl who gains second place 3 Highly commended 2 Commended ... ... ... ... 1

A record will bo kept of the marks gained, and at the end of tho year 1926 tho following prizes will bo awarded: £l/1/- to tho senior division girl or boy who gains the highest number of marks during the year 1926. £l/1/- to the junior division girl or boy who gains _ tho highest number of marks during tho year 1926. £l/1/. to tho girl or boy who has shown tho beat EFFORT during the year, although their marks may not top the list.

Pat had never seen the master so angry beforo, and the expression of his face roused her loving hoart in Billie’s defenco. “Now, don’t yer be too hard on her, she don’t mean no harm." But without heeding her he followed Bingara, who was patiently waiting, his shouldors hunched forward and tho Bmoke coming from his mouth in even puffs. It seemed a very long time to Mr Weston—feeling hi 3 way through the bush

“ STRIVE HARD. AIM HIGH AND PLAY THE GAME.”

When a competitor gains 30 markß by “highly commended” and “commended” points, a cash prize of 5/- will bo awarded. Tho prizes as above aro in addition to tho weekly cash prizes as sot out in tho competitions. Address all entries, letters, etc., to “Aunt Roberta,” o/o “Manawatu Standard,” Palmerston North. Roll call: Marjorie Jano.

RESULTS OF FIRST COMPETITIONS. “MY ATMS AND ASPIRATIONS FOR 1926.” Senior Division : - First prize (4s) : Joan Allison, Fenwick afreet, Hastings (15). Second prize (2s) : Martha Chilton, Ellis road, Otautau (14). High commended: Margaret Paltison, Waipawa; Alf do Van tier, Palmerston North; Reg Knight, Rongotea; Mollio Puddle, Tangoio, Eula Arthur. Palmerston North; Freda Barton, Bluif. Commended: Rita Puddlo, Tangoio; Evelyn Roberta, Napier; Nettio Clare, Carnarvon; Isabel Egerton, Winton. FIRST PRIZE. “MY AIMS AND ASPIRATIONS' FOR 1926.” “Ring in tho nobler modes of life, . ■ 1 With sweeter manners, purer laws.” 1 When wo look back at tho close of the dying year wo seo whero wo have failed to follow tho nobler aims which we had set beforo ourselves. Wo notice where -wo havo fallen , short of our mark, where wo havo totally forgotten ono of our nominal aims, and so with a.stronger step and a firmer heart wo resolve to practice now aims—somo for our own happiness, and some for tho happiness and pleasuro of others.

With tho coming of tho Now Year I shall strivo more earnestly to make myself of service to others in small ways, for it is beginning with small things that we may attain greater heights. I will try harder in tho coming year to spread happiness around me, for harmony and good-fellowship cannot exist in tho world if thero H discord amongst tho peoples. If everyone tried a little bit to spread the seeds of happiness, what a pleasanter placo tho world would be. By grasping for ourselves and doing selfish acts wo striko discord. which mars tho happiness of tho world. x This Christmas wo posted somo books to Miss Elsio Morton, who appealed in an Auckland paper for books and toys to distribute amongst the children in Auckland on whom Santa Claus might forget to call. Next year wo are going to try to send a larger parcel and thereby mako more children happy. If I am able to carry out my aims a littlo bit I shall bo pleased, though not entirely satisfied, to know that I am making others happier, for this is our duty—to help ono another. (Joan Allison.) SECOND PRIZE.

“MY AIAIS AND ASPIRATIONS FOR 1926.”

Although I do not always do a thing after saying that I will, I havo made up my mind that during tho approaching year and tho years after that I am going to turn over a new leaf in life and I atn going to work very hard. During tho provious years I have boon wasting my timo at school, but now I am beginning to realise wliati a great deal of good I havo lost. Often I havo made up my mind to work hard at school, but somehow it always turns out in my doing nothing. In tho coming year I ain going to “swat” and try to come near tho top of my class. In regard to doing work for “Aunt Roberta’s Family” page, I am sorry to say that I havo done very littlo. I have now mado up my mind to send in at loast ono entry each week. To begin with, I havo sent in two entries this week. I do not know if theso resolutions of mine will provo successful, but I am. dwelling on the hopo that they will. (Martha Chilton.) JUNIOR DIVISION:

First prizo (4s) : Daisy Rae, 8 Leet street, Invercargill (7). Second prizo (2s) : Edith Cranton, Kelvin Grove (10). Highly commended : Beryl Pcry. Wakarara; Alary Barker, Taumarunui;' Colleen Kneebone, Palmerston North; Loo Andrews, North Invercargill; Grace Taylor, Palmerston North; Ethel Lane, Palmerston North (11). Commended : Ena Thompson, Otautau; Rosina Barnao, Palmerston North; Robert While, Napier; Laura Beale, Hastings.

FIRST PRIZE. i

“MY AIAIS AND ASPIRATIONS FOR 1926.”

In tho New Year (1926) I mean to try to be a good girl. 1 want to get on at school ,so I must listen to my teachers and try to go ovory day. I will try to irnprovo in sowing and learn to knit. I will help my mother all I can and go to Sumday school when I can. If I know another lonely girl 1 will play with her, and wo will gather flowers. 1 know a lovely den of wild buttercups, and 1 will lend her my big rag doll. 1 am getting a money-box to keep any pennies I win in 192 b. (Daisy Rae.) SECOND PRIZE. “AIY AIAIS AND ASPIRATIONS FOR 1926.” I did not know the meaning of the big word bofore, and I am afraid I will not bo able to write much about it. First of all. I intend to bo a very good girl. I can do quito a lot in tho house now, and noxt year I want to learn to cook. I will start on biscuits and then on rock cakes. Futlier says thoy will be “rock cakes” all right. I am quite a good sower too, and can machine a little, so I intend to mtalje a dress for Thelma or myself. 1 often hem handkerchiefs and dusters on tho machine. I want to try and milk a cow but I will havo to wait until it gives only a little milk. I hopo I will bo able to work bard at school and pass into Standard IV. ■ I havo made up my mind to go in for all tho competitions, and if [ win throe prizes I’ve been promised a trip to Cambridge to see my cousin. (Editli Cranton.) “AIOON AND QUARTER A100N” (Black and white sketch.) Tho sketches were a poor lot, and a few were drawn in pencil, which is against tho rule. One or two, which wero well drawn, were riot composed of “moons or half moons” but wero justi comical pictures. I am afraid tho idea was missed. SENIOR DIVISION:

Barbara Woodward, Mores Mill, Poukino, Southland (12) wins a prize, because her “funny” sketch is cleverly mado up of “moons and quarter moons.” The other prizo of 2s goes to Myrtle Bailey, 48 Alain street. Palmerston (12). Commended: Eula Arthur, Palmerston North; Joan Allison, Hastings; Jack Durham, Palmerston North; Winifred Stevenson, Invercargill; Lily Wotton, Shannon (two sketches); D. Harris, Palmerston North; Phyllis Tapper, Timpanys. JUNIOR DIVISION :

Beryl Perry’s (Wakara, Waipawa, 11 years) “figuro of fun," composed of moons and quarter moons, is awarded one of the prizos. Tho othor prize' has been won by Grace Taylor, 16 Stanley avenue Palmerston North (10) for “Shoop Tick. 1 ’ Highly commondod: Jock Hallagan, Hastings; Ethel Lane, Palmerston North. Commonded: Jack Rolol, Hastings; Loo Andrews, Invercargill; Elena Bamako,

Palmerston North; Arthur Bailey, Palmerston North; Ena and. John Thompson, Otautau; Arthur Pearce, Palmerston North. THE BURIED PICNIC. Only fivo entries wero correct out of dozens and dozens received. 1 Tho correct answers aro : Bread; fish; butter; jam; meat; tomatoes; rice; “Jehosphat! What luck !” “Toast” could also bo found in tho second sentence, but who over heard of a party of picnickers providing loast? Alany gavo the 6th answer as “tomato insetad of “tomatoes,” and many went down on tho expression “Jehosphat. PRIZES OF Is 6d.

Senior division: Alao Watt 29 Carroll street, Palmerston North (14); Rita Puddlo, Tangoio, via Napier (12). Ono mark: Alyrtlo Bailey, 48 Alain street, Palmorston North (written in pencil). Junior division: Joyce Ingley, Shannon (10); Jack Ilallagan, 200 Greys road, Hastings (11). i

HIGHLY COAIMENDED 49th COMPETITIONS (CHRISTMAS STORY).

“CHRISTMAS EVE.” (By Aisla Varcoo, 15 years.)

“Peace and goodwill! Pcaco and goodwill !” tolls tho merry Yuletido bolls and “Peace and goodwill!” shrieks tho wind as it swirls the falling snowflakes everywhere. “Alako merry 1 Alako merry,” squeak tho carriage wheels as they bear their burdens through tho snowed-in streets, and “Christmas is hero.!” clatter tho feet of hurrying pedestrians. Tho slippery pavements aro thronged with people—wealthy, people in costly- furs and poor peoplo in rags. Tho • former laugh and talk—and hurry on. They seo nothing but tho gaily dressed windows, dazzling in all their splendour. .They hoar tho bells—but not their mesasge. What care thoy for messages?. Thoy can surely keep Christmas without tho aid of messages; But the poor! They, jostled on with tho crowd, seo everything! The wealthy with their fino talk but callous hearts, tho shop windows, tho hustling traffic. Oil, they havo seen thoso things many, many times but each time they aro seen they striko deeper into their hardenod hearts.

At tho corner, of ono of theso busy streets stands a little ragged boy. Ho may be twelvo years old —ho may bo younger. Exposure has wrought changes on his body. It is thin and purple with cold, fiis feet are bare and his faco wears a wan, hungry look.* As ho stands at tho corner of a busy street ho is jostled by tho hurrying crowd. Many times aro his numb feet trodden upon, but he feels it not. His eyes seek tho sea of faces that pass backwards and forwards —seek for a kind face and for the generous hand that will to s s him a coin with which ho can procure a meal. But tho coin is not forthcoming for the, peoplo aro too intent with their own affairs to notice such a little lad.

Then a band strikes up a Christmas carol and tho crowd thins a little. Tho lad follows on, but as he passes the shop whoso windows are filled with mince pies and iced cakes lie pauses, and presses his cold nose against the window-pane. But nobody notices him and ho can only feast upon tho delicious smell from tho pastry within the shop. A sob swells his breast, a bright tear trickles down his hollow cheeks and he sorrowfully turns away from the tempting dainties. Aimlessly, he follows tho crowd —anywhere, for ho has no homo. But tlio people talk and laugh—and hurry on. Here, at this corner, they jostle more than beforo and tho lad is knocked off (lie pavement. Into the snow, piled up against tho gutter, he. rolls and a passing automobile just misses running over him. Just as ho picks himself up a handkerchief flutters past him. Ho runs after it and, catching it, looks around for the owner. That old, bent man who is crossing the street may have lost it. Tho lad forgets his weariness and runs across the road, dodging a.s he goes the heavy traffic, and calling in a high-pitched voice, "Hi ! Mister! Alister 1” The. old gentleman is safely across tho road beforo bo hears tho patter of feet behind him. He turns and at tho same moment a small, grubby hand thrusts something white past his face. His eyes travel slowly down the ragged arm to tho fair head and on to the eyes. They are beautiful oyes—but so sad and starved looking. They seem . . . The child is speaking, “Your ’anky. sir; ’avo yer lost it?” Tho man feels in his pocket. “Yes,” he says, “it is mine.” He takes it from. the child, at tho same timo placing a bright sixpence in its placo ,and hurries on. Ho has not- gono far before lie heard a scream and a great noise and bustle behind him. Ho retraces his footsteps and sees - ——oh, horror ! Tho littlo street urchin who so lately returned his property lies prone upon the ground arid on top of him is an upturned carirage, in the shafts of which aro two struggling horses. The child opens his eyes and they rest on the old man. Instinctively he moves forward to the littlo ono and draws tho body from under the carriage. At this moment the bells ring out loudly. They seem to be calling someone. The child hoars them and raises his eyes to tho man’s. “Aint’s thoy beautiful ?” he whispers and then his head sinks low on the supporting arm. By this time the crowd has sensed that something is amiss. They press around tho upturned cab and talk m excited tones. An old man, carrying a small, still form in his arms, pushes through tho peoplo. Thoy staro at him curiously but readily mako way for him. Then someone in the crowd calls, “Only a street child been knocked over!” Tho peoplo havo hoard all that they wish to know. It doesn’t concern them. That is all that matters. Already they havo dispersed in different directions, laughing and talking--but always hurrying on. STRING CATCH. Go up to a friend, show him a small length of string, and say : “Can you mako this ono piece of string into two. without cutting, breaking, burning or unravelling it? When lrn fails to do so you tako the string and twist it into tho shape of figuro 2. FOR BOYS TO TRY. Two boys should try to do this little trick. Sit on the floor back to back, with your arms linked together. Now try to raiso yourselves upon your feet again without allowing your hands to touch anything else. You will laugh so much when you try it, because, you seo, you keep pulling one another back again ! Stand on something very soft at first, until you become perfect, tor a floor often can bo very unkind. Still it can bo done. A SONG OF JOY. When a sky of azure, brightness * Set aglow with golden sheen, Archee o’er a world of brightness, Blending tints of blue with green, Can’t you hear, Lilting, clear, Alusic throbbing—somewhere near?

When the world is all a-tingle With its nowness and its glow. And the peach-tree blossoms minglo Midst tho laden plum-tree’s snow, Don’t you thrill At tho trill Of tho musio sweet and shrill? When there’s laughter, light and gladness Everywhere, in everything.

When all tolls of joyous madness, And of new-born life, of Spring’. Can’t you hear, Lilting, oiear, Musio throbbing, somewhere near?