Aunt Roberta’s Family

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLVI, Issue 164, 12 June 1926, Page 12

Aunt Roberta’s Family

AUNT ROBERTA'S LETTER. My Dear Girls and Boys,— I regret very much that the littlo girl ■who was awarded first prize for the “Autumn” verses copied them out of the New Zealand School Journal (Part 3), altering “summer” to “autumn,” and omitting the middlo verse and also two lines of the last vorsc. This girl was not a member of the Family, and her entry to the 22nd Competitions was the first. Margaret Pattison, who was awarded second prize, will now receivo the first prize, and Eula Arthur, whoso entry was the first of the highly commendeds (senior), is awarded second prize. A ten-year-old girl, whose “Autumn” verses were highly commended, I believe also copied them, as one of the members of the Family has written to say that her 6mall sister had been taught these same verses at school. The name of this girl is not on my Roll. Irene Lloyd, Porangahau wishes to congratulate Eula Arthur on her work, which she considers is “wonderful.” Rita Puddle, Tangoio, ll.B.thinks that Eula’s “A Day with the Caterpillar” was very interesting. She adds: “I admire her stylo of writing greatly.” Elsie Ballard, Hastings, writes: “I have noticed that two of your nieces—Mary Bar. nao and Frances Mumford —have congratulated me on ‘A Travel Tour to Italy,’ and I would like you to convey my thanks to theso dear girls.” Isabel Maxwell, Carnarvon, also writes: “I think Norma Wells’s description of a storm was excellent.” A half-crown has been posted to Grace Barlow, 21 Napier Terraco, Napier, who has responded to the “calling” of her namo on May 22. I wonder if any of you who have singing pens could tune them to a few lines about some New Zealand place, city or mountain, lake or river, or waterfall. The place need not bo ono of acknowledged beauty; you may bo the first to find some hidden beauty. We’ll try a Competition on theso lines, and I shall look forward to reading some nico verses. See 28th Competitions. Best love, Your affectionately, “AUNT ROBERTA.”ENROLMENT COUPON. Cut out this coupon, fill it in, and post to “Aunt Roberta,” c/o “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 Family” Badges are obtainable at a cost of 13 each (stamps or Postal notes). SPECIAL PRIZE OF ss. To: Margaret Pattison, “The Brow,” Waipawa. 1i.8., who ha s gained 30 points by Highly Commended and Commended marks. “MADCAP BILLIE.” CHAPTER 20. THE CRUEL SEA. It was Friday evening of the same week, close to six o’clock. The surf at Bondi was thronged with bathers, who had flocked there, after business hours, from the city. All day tho sun had been scorchingly hot. A sudden change lmd come from the chill of the earlier part of tho week. Tho sea only was cool. Tho breeze that came across it was warm —a warmth that made one feel restless. The sky had still the brilliant corn, flower hue of the early morning, with a few flame-coloured clouds low in the east, which the sinking sun had set on fire. Tho ocean was a shade less vivid blue than tho heavens, and across tho horizon was draped a shadow, softer and paler in tone than either tho sea or the sky. All the week Mr Weston had felt very lonely at Wattawarra. He decided that morning to journey to Bondi, instead of waiting until next day, as he had intended. On reaching tho seaside cottage that evening, he found that Grace Dabonne had gone for a dip, taking Billie and Fred with her, and leaving the other children in Pat’s charge. Ho soon foimd his eldest daughter and Fred, who woro paddling. Billie hugged her father with damp arms, and pointed out Miss Dabonne amongst the bathers. “She’ll bo SO s’prised to see you, daddy !” she cried; and added eagerly: “Go and hide behind that old ‘cubby-house’ on tho beach, an’ when she comes along to get dressed jump out! She’ll have FITS 1” But, with an amused gleam in his dark eyes, her father declined, saying he did not think that Mis 6 Dabonne would care about having “fits.” Tho children returned to the sea, leaving him seated on tho golden sand, amongst the crowd ol onlookers Ho kept his eyes on the bather in the red suit and cap of the same colour, and smiled to himsolf at the occasional waving above the water of a pair of white arms, as if tho owner were thoroughly enjoying herself. His attention was removed for a few minutes by the sudden inrush of a wave, bigger than its fellows, which caught several of those on tho beach napping, and washed over their feet, wetting their shoes and stockings. When the commotion was over, and Mr Weston looked seaward again, it seemed that tho little red cap was further out than was quite safe. Just then Billie, with Fred close behind her, hopped across to him, declaring that a blue-bottle had stung her on the big toe. The boy laughingly remarked that there were no blue-bottles about that day; and Mr Weston .suggested, jokingly, that perhaps a crab had nipped her too in passing. This explanation seemed to satisfy Billie, who returned to the water, accompanied by Fred. Mr Weston, unaccustomed to the sea air, began to feel sleepy, and looked at tho bathers drowsily. But in an instant ho was wide awake, and on his feet. “Can’t you see she’s being carried out!” ho shouted hoarsely, and rushed towards the sea that was breaking on the beach in long lines of white foam. As he ran ho dragged off his coat and waistcoat. Mr Weston in his youth had been a very powerful swimmer, and, by the time he was abreast of the lino of bathers farthest out, they were just beginning to l-ealiso that something was wrong. Tho girl in tho red bathing suit and cap, by herself to a little to the left, had been taken out so suddenly and swiftly by tho undertow that no one had noticed what was happening. On the beach the life-saving apparatus was soon in operation, and the line was being taken out in tho track of the man swimming steadily to the victim’s aid. Graco. as soon as she felt that the undertow was too strong for her efforts, had sufficient presence of mind to throw hersolf on her back to float. Mr Weston could glimpse, on the crest of every wave, the red figure, like a scarlet poppy, with its pallid face beneath the bathing cap. Once .she throw out her arms desperately, and ho put forth all the strength ho possessed to reach her quickly. A horrible thought Hashed into his mind — what if them wero sharks about 1 “God

savo her from that!” he prayed between clenched teeth. All tho bathers had left tho water 1 and were standing in groups on tho beach with tho other people, whilst Fred and Billio were clinging together in tho centre of one of these clusters “It isn’t my DADDY—and —and GRACE being drowned?” Billio beseeched, looking at tho faces around her imploringly. Ono of the bathers —a young woman, with a look of terror in her eyes—took the child’s hand in hers.

“It will be—all right—he will save—her —they arc taking the rope—out to them,” she said in gasps. Fred put his arm about Billie.' “Don’t cry,” ho begged. But Billie Weston was not the sort to mako a fu6s; in fact, her brain w r as too dazed to act in any way. Suddenly a cheer went up and Billio started violently. 'Dragging herself free from Fred’s grasp, she slipped between the people, and ran towards the sea; but after a few steps she halted irresolutely. “What are they shouting for?” she asked piteously. “lie’s got her, little girl, and is bringing her in 1” somebody answered. “You must, do exactly as I tell you,” Mr Weston commanded Grace, as he reached her side. She clung to him frantically for a few moments, and then becamo calmer. , “It’s you —and you are saving me,” sho murmured brokenly. For a minute Mr'Weston rested, keeping Grace and himsolf afloat. They wero out of tho dangerous undertow, and he knew tho lino was being brought out to their assistance. When he started to swim with his burden slowly in the direction of the shore, there was a tense silence on the beach until the friendly line was caught; then tho .people cheered again and again. “Is there a doctor? The girl may need medical assistance,” a man said. There was a quick response. “Stand back, don’t crowd,” was the warning given as the shallow water was reached; and another cheer rang out as Mr Westion, supporting Miss Dabonne, walked up the beach. Suddenly a small flying figure came towards them, and Billie, sobbing wildly, clutched her father round the waist. Half a dozen people hurried forward and took tho child away. Grace’s face and lips were drained of colour, but sho held up her head bravely. Then, without warning, her legs gave way beneath her, and sho would have fallen had not Mr Weston’s arm held her. “I’m all right—only the strength in my legs seems to have quito gone,” sho said simply. The doctor came forward, but Mr Weston waved him aside: “Thank you, but she would not like the publicity. I’ll carry her homo at once —it’s not far, and if you will kindly follow I shall bo much obliged.” , Ho took Grace in his arms, her redcapped head lying weakly against Ins breast; then turning lie asked: "Where is my little girl—and the boy?” Billio broke from the crowd and ran to him. Fred followed more slowly. “Let me try to walk now,” Grace begged feebly as the road was reached. Mr Weston gave a short laugh. “I can assure you that I don’t feel your weight at all- in fact, I’m surprised to find you are so light. I am very strong, you k "rhe two children walked soberly behind with tlie doctor. Presently Billie looked up into his face. . --ri" "Is Miss Dabonne going to DIE ? she asked fearfully. , , „ , “Of courso not, my dear child, he replied a trifle testily. “The young lady has had a nasty shock, and has no doubt swallowed some salt water; that is all that is wrong with her, I should say. When the small procession reached tho cottage they found the front door open, and, "hearing the tramp of feet along the hall, Pat popped her head round the kitchen door to see who was coming. “Well I never did in all mo days! she cried eloquently, and ran forward. “W’at’s happened to her?’ she asked sharply of Air Weston. “Mis Dabonne got carried out by the undertow, and she must go to bed immediately. This is the doctor, ho explained bl “ C Oh‘ the poor dear 1 Bring her in hero, this is her bedroom,” and Pat opened a door. Mr Weston placed Grace in a chair, and left the room at once. . As soon as Patz had got her into bed, sho called the' dc/ctor in. His verdict was that Miss Dabonito was only suffering from shock, and that all she needed was perfect rest and quiet for a few days. , , , At about half-past eight that evening, Graco sent Pat to»tell Air Weston she would like to see him for a few minutes. Tho gas was turned low in the bedroom, and he found Grace propped up by pillows on a small bed near the window. The pale blue dressing jacket round her shoulders accentuated tho pallor of. li cr face which her hair framed softly, giving her’the look, almost of a child She f-azed at him with eyes that were far too bright for his liking, and put out her hand. He took it in his. (To Be Contiryred.) OUR MAIL BAG. Aluriel Gray : I am so glad that you were able to prepare an entry to tho “Sea Story” Competition. As it is, wo want' more space —and with stories of 2000 words, I don’t know fiow they would bo fitted into tho Page. Yes, tho “Madcap Billie” serial seems to be well liked. I note you think the Xmas Magazine an excellent idea; however, you will hear further about it later on. No, I have never been on a dairy farm; I tried to milk a cow once, but she looked so angry that I fled! Lovo and best wishes. Gladys Elliott: As long as you don’t quite forget me. I don’t mind. I hope you did well in the exams. Glad to hoar you think “Madcap Billio” is a delightful story. Lizzie, Miko, Ponto and the rest of the family are very well. Lizzie’s chilblains have returned, and she says this frosty weather isn’t any good to her. They all send their Hove. Eula Arthur: I note with pleasure that, if the Alagazine is pmblislied, you will require four copies. However, you will hear more about the idea later on. Frankly, I am not in favour of “pen names” —but if the majority of members of the Family prefer it, I don’t seo why tho idea cannot bo adopted. It has been suggested three or four times before. Thanks for tho Competition suggestion, which is a good one. Bost wishes, Eula. Isabel Maxwell: Very pleased to hear you are at home once more. I wouldn’t let Aliko have one of the kisses. Ho was SO hurt ! Aluch love, dear. 28th COMPETITIONS. CLOSING DATE, WEDNESDAY, 23rd JUNE. 1926. A separa.te sheet of paper must be used for each entry, bearing name, address and age of the competitor. Each entry and envelope must bo marked “28th Competitions.” VERSES—NEW ZEALAND. (Senior Division, 12 yrs and up to 18 yrs) : Ist prize ss; 2nd prize 2s 6d. Write a few lines of poetry bringing in the name of some New Zealand place; try to Express the natural beauty or splendour of the place or else its significance to you. See Aunt Roberta’s letter. (MUST BE THE ORIGINAL AND UNAIDED EFFORT OF THE COMPETITOR).

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

ESSAY—“MOTHER.” Junior Division (under 12 years): Ist prize 4s; 2nd prize 2s. This essay has been suggested by May Swain, Kamahi, and I am suro all juniors will find it very simple (and love doing it) to write about “Alother”. JUMBLED NAMES OF PICTURES (Contributed by Jack Rollo, Invercargill). (You have seen theso pictures on the screen). Junior Division, two prizes of 2s. 1. Ethwboianralitr 2. Iletrelvestangisperwhi. 3. Rtnohfoirthytxsi. 4. Huntcrdnigoofhs. 5. Tchtwhoiiscrst. 6. Tehestbbdamna. 7. Theovercdeagwong. 8. Rehstisreomfrarpsi. MUSICAL GUESSING COAIPETITION (Contributed by Edith Cranton, Kelvin Grove). Senior division. A' prize of 2s 6d. 1. Used on a largo bundle. 2. A place of residence. 3. A reflection on character. 4. Bottom of a statuo. 5. Used in driving horses. 6. What makes a cheque valid. 7. What wo take in every day. 8. Seen on the ocean. 9. What betrays nationality. 10. An association of lawyers. (The answers will bo musical expressions —example, the answer to the first question is cord —chord. RESULTS OF 24th COMPETITIONS. COLOURED DRAWING OR PAINTING OF A BUNCH OF ROSES. SENIOR DIVISION. Competitors are to be congratulated upon soino really fine artistic work. So many beautiful paintings were entered that, after I had picked out tho three I considered to be tho best. I asked tho opinion of a friend, who is an artist. He choose tho painting by PEGGY NATHAN, 46 Linton street, Palmerston North (16 years), with NANCEY HOBSON, la Clyde road, Napier (14 years), second. THREE MARKS AND SPECIAL MENTION : Noeline Barnard, 15 Worcester st. Palmerston North. HIGHLY COMMENDED (in order of merit) : Martha Chilton, Mona Ingley, Nory Bagnall, Madeline Borreson, Janet Thomson Irene Lloyd, Joan, Nan and Grant Allison, Marjorie Jane, Elsie Ballard, I 1 ’ranees Mumford, Harry Ryder, Eula Arthur, Rose Coghlan, Rita and Mollio Puddle, Freda Chilton and Myrtle Whyto. COMMENDED : Jessie Lloyd, George and Laura Beale, Beryl Perry, Florence Hobson, Irene Oliver, Margaret Robson, Evelyn Roberts Phyllis Nicholls, Douglas Harris, Keith Harris, Eric Russel, Phyllis Kneebone. COLOURING COMPETITION. JUNIOR DIVISION. Juniors wero only asked to- “cut out and colour any small drawing of flowers.” Some first drew and then painted or crayoned their entries, and this, of course, was not fair to tho competitors who followed the instructions. It would be impossible to compare tho two, so I must abide. by the terms of tho Competition in awarding tho Prizes. Littlo LOE ANDREWS, 163 Chelmsford st., North Invercargill, wins the Ist prize Tho 2nd prize (2s) goes to JOYCE INGLEY, Shannon (10 years), who competed with four coloured illustrations. Tho Poppies were particularly well done, and Joyce must have taken great pains. HIGHLY COMMENDED (in order of merit) : Elsie Chiffon, Graco Taylor, Mabel Chapman, Colleen Kneebone, Ronald, Alan and Laurence Bunn. COMMENDED: Myrtle Baird, Daisy Rae, Beryl Robson, Nancy Dahm, Willie Jack, Alan and Lily Maxwell, Dorothy Sloman, Lorraine Jane, Jack Rollo, Billy Tait, Vera Martin, Jack Beale, Jeanitte Fraser, Joan White. MAN’S FRIEND—The Horse. This was not a success. Competitors instead of setting down as ONE of tho “uses” sav, “for hauling” (which takes in “pulling” of all kinds— drawing a cart, ploughing, etc.) made at least half a dozen “uses” of this singlo “use.” SENIOR DIVISION : JOAN ALLISION (Fenwick st., Hastings, 15 years), entry is tho best, and she is awarded the prize of 2s 6d. Tho list supplied by Ruth Jaquiery, 21 George st., Invercaagill, comes next. —3 marks. HIGHLY COMMENDED: Margaret Pattison, Florence Hobson, Michael Collins, Reg. Knight, Betsy Mackie. COMMENDED. Elsie Ballard, Evelyn Roberts, Mary Burrell Mollio and Rita Puddle, Irene Oliver, Lottie Gollan, Myrtle Whyte, Phyllis Nicholls, Geoffrey Baird. JUNIOR DIVISION: The 2s 6d goes to JACK ROLLO, 163 Chelmsford street, North Invercargill (10 years). HIGHLY COMMENDED: Nancy Dahm, Darcy Oliver, Joyce Ingley. COMMENDED: Leo Andrews, Jean McQuilkan, Billy Tait, May Swam. " WORD COMPETITION (words which when spelt backwards form another word — example given, “step”—“pets.” It was necessary to write BOTH the words). After Lizzie had consumed lists that did not show tho total number of words, those without ‘names and addresses, and those that were incorrect, etc., there was still a pile, showing how popular a “Word Competition” is. SENIOR DIVISION: CLIFTON DUNCAN, 11 Stanley avenue, Palmerston North (15 years) wins tho prize (2s 6d) with a list of 714 words (not pairs). He is to bo heartily congratulated upon his industry and the neat appearance of his list • JANET THOMSON, "Retreat,” Waikiwi (15), supplied the next longest list of 488 words. Three marks are awarded to Janet. HIGHLY COMMENDED __ (300 words and over) : Alice Hewitt, Keith Harris, Margaret Pnttison. Myra Hamilton Mona Ingley Douglas Harris, Florence Hobson. (JOMM ENDED (over 200 words) : Jessie Lloyd, Elsie Ballard, Joan Allison, Max Bocock, Martha Chilton, Georgo Tait, Grace Barlow, Irene Oliver. JUNIOR DIVISION: Tho longest list totalled 302 words and was received from EDITH CRANTON, Kelvin Grove, Palmerston North (10 years). Edith gained tho prize for tho previous “Word-building Competition” (Subinspectorship), and is a splendid little worker. The next longest list (a very neat one, too) comes from a new member of the Family Arnold Dalefield, Gillespie’s line, Palmerston North (10 years). Three marks to this new “nephew.” HIGHLY COMMENDED (over 2CO words) : Lily Maxwell, Norman Hodgson, Vera Martin, Beverley Pearcey, Jack Dredge. COMMENDED (over 100 words) : Molly Chilton, Albert Irvine, Billy Tait, Jack Rollo, Leo Andrews, Ellen Durie, Ruth Galpin. R.rvll Coin fjtadys Hughes,

THIRD PRIZE. “FREDDY MUDPUDDLES.” (By Rita Puddle, 12 years). .... Presently ho sauntered on amongst the graves, looking at each one carefully. Then, as ho passed before a large tonib•tono, Freddy fancied ho heard voices. 110 paused,- and listened. Then ho heard quite plainly someone say: “This is a good place; just two feet from the last.” “Yes, yes, got on,” said another gruffer voice. Pcoring cautiously round the tombstone, Freddy saw two men kneeling on the ground. Ho could not see what they were doing, and feared to go any nearer. Presently they rose, and brushing the soil from their knees, turned and. went away, without noticing the boy hiding behind the large head-stone. As soon as they were out of sight, Freddy went round to investigate. A small patch of soil appeared to have just been dug, and, feeling very curious, ho found a good stout stick, and proceeded to turn up the earth. Soon he came upon a small parcel, wrapped in canvas. He was greatly excited, but on opening it he was disappointed! to find only a string of what ho thought were ordinary glass beads. Ho cheered up when it occurred to him that he could givo tho necklet to his mother for a birthday present, for her birthday was only two days off. “I don’t suppose tho men want this, ho said to himself, as he thrust the beads into his pocket. Then he made for tho holo in the fence, and set off for home at a brisk run. However, as he turned a corner, he slipped and flop !—poor Freddy had fallen into ono of his loved mudpuddles. Ho scrambled to his feet, covered with mud. Tho necklace was entirely forgotten as he thought of tho whacking ho would receive at Uncle Alec’s hands. “I won’t go home,” ho said aloud. “I’ll run away—and earn my own living.” With that, he set off in a different direction and wandered about till nightfaN. At last he went back to the cemetery, and sat down under ono of the pine trees. Gradually ho drifted away into dreamland. Tho next thing he heard was his mother’s voice saying: “Oh, my poor little boy !” Opening his eyes, ho 6aw his mother, and Uncle Alec—and a big policeman, who had helped to find him. They carried the sleepy boy home, and when he was safely in bed, he told his mother apd Uncle about his adventure, and produced the bead necklace. The next morning, as ho was having breakfast his mother said : “Do you know, Freddy, that the necklace you found was a DIAMOND one. You are to receive a reward for finding it—a large one, too, for it has given the police a clue, and they are on the track of tho thieves. And Undo Alco is so pleased with you that he has thrown his cane away !” Strangely enough, after that night’s axlventure, Freddy lost his liking for mudpuddles. HIGHLY COMMENDED. A STORM. (By Jack Durham.) “Hist!” Such was tho exclamation by which Sir Wallace Charty was awakened. “Who is there?” ho asked. “Hush ! 'Tie I, thy friend, Harry. Dress at once !” Hearing this, Wallace dressed with speed. “Now, what?” he asked. Sli! Tho Roundheads are coming !” That was enough for Wallace. He and Harry were sworn loyalists, and were then being hunted like foxes. “Come.” Harry caught the other’s arm, and groped his way down the wide staircase. Soon they were outside. “We must make for Captain Bronbad’s ship. He is a supporter of His Majesty, and will help us," whispered Harry. So the two friends made their way across tho moor. Out there, it was clammy, foggy and damp. Damp certainly, for it was raining steadily, drenching the two fugitives to tho skin, blinding theni and hampering their progress. A vivid flash of lightning lit up the moor. It was immediately followed by a clap of thunder, loud and prolonged. Tho bleak, shrieking wind froze tho men to tho bone. Another flash,y and Jo ! there on the distant tor could be seen a. body of horsemen, their helmets shining in tho glare. “Roundheads!” said Harry. So, with renewed vigour, the fleeing cavaliers pressed on. Ah ! there was the sea. and, riding at anchor in the sheltered bay. lay the Eldorado, Captain Bronbad’s boat. Entering the “Wayfarers’ Tavern” the two lords sought out the captain, and soon everything had been explained and : they were clambering on to tho Eldorado’s deck. She was got under way, and soon the bay had been left behind, and they wore on the open sea. The ship was tossed about like a cork. Now its bow was enveloped in a wave, which tho barque could not surely survive, and yet she rose to the top of the next, victorious. “Down with the top-sail ! Down, I say, down!” shouted Captain Bronbad. Then came a heavy gust of wind; the ship gave a sickening lurch, but did not capsize. However, the foremast snapped like a twig.. “Cut away yon mast!” called tho skipper. “Steady, my lads! All together!” Far away, through the rain, shono tho lights of some village. To the right lay tho Atlantic to the left the North Sea; behind lay ’England, before—France and safety; below seethed tho boiling waters, above was a mass of inky blackness, pierced, from time to time, with a bright fork of lightning. At last dawn came —not golden an<l smiling, but grey and forbidding. With it came more rain, heavy and blinding, iho cold grey of the heavens was occasionally riven by a yellow lightning flash. Thunder rolled ominously. The waves rose angrily as if to engulf the little craft and its occupants. Then a tremendous wave rose, an d —the vessel capsized. The men clung to floating spars which were numerous. Sir Wallace and Lord Harry wore separated at first but, later, they contrived to stay together The next afternoon, battered, bruised and beaten by the cruel billows, they were cast up on the shore. “Surely France 1” was tho thought that rushed through each man s mind. But- even as they thought they were sucked back by a large wave, back to the deep troughs which seemed like valleys. Down-down they sank. Mould they never rise again? Yes, for they were thrown high on tho crest of another wave, tossed about like things of sport. Luckily they were seen by two fishermen, who, being used to such storms, canio out in a small boat, and rescued them. “Was that France?” “No, messieurs, that was not Trance. That was the Isle of Gurnsey !’’ After two days, the storm being abated, tho fishermen took the two lords to France. . Once there, they went down on their knees and thanked God for their deliverance; for that storm was much more terrible’ than it sounds narrated. In Harry’s own words —“ 'Twas a terrible experience, and nought short of a miraclo that we escaped alive, for truly the powers of evil were let loose 1”