Aunt Roberta’s Family

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLVI, Issue 176, 26 June 1926, Page 12

Aunt Roberta’s Family

AUNT ROBERTA’S LETTER. My Dear “Nieces” and “Nephews,”— “It never rains but it pours” is indeed a true saying. Alozo troublo has arisen for Aunt Roberta! A girl of 14 years (quite old enough to know better) of the Hawke’s Bay district, whose “Autumn” verses were Highly Commended, I now find copied them. I have in my possession a co'py of the original verses—so-there is no doubt about it. This girl, therefore, can no longer be a member of “Aunt Roberta’s Family” or compete in tho Competitions. Her name has been struck off my Roll, and the card/recording her marks has been destroyed. I It makes mo very sad to have such unpleasant things happening. It seems that Verse Competitions aro the main cause .of copying, and if it happens once more I shall feel inclined never to have a Verse Competition again. l Apart from the moral aspect, it is very foolish,” for many pairs of eyes read “Aunt Roberta’s Family” Page every week, and it is impossible to publish copied verses, etc., without SOMEONE recognising them as such. I am sure you will all join with mo in “heartiest congratulations” to Grace Taylor Palmerston North, who is the first of all tho members to gain the Special Prize of 5s a SECOND time. Graco has dancing and reciting and school to take up her time, but still she never misses sending in one entry (at least) each week to tho Competitions. I was just beginning to think that Ellen Durie, Aora’ngi, Feilding, wasn’t VERY interested in “Aunt Roberta’s Family” Pago, but 6ho saw her name, right enough, next to the words “Roll Call” on June 5, and a half-crown is now in her possession. She has asked me to convoy her congratulations to Eula Arthur on her many successes. Of course, you ALB understand that SOMEBODY’S name is “called” , each week —and if they take an interest in the Page they are sure to seo it.. If they write in within seven days, giving the date of tho paper and attaching a slip, cut out of the Page, with tho words “Roll Call” and their name following, a Special Prize of 2s 6d will be posted to them. This is the end of another 13 weeks, and all members will be interested to know the order of merit for this quarter, which includes the 26th Competitions, the results of which appear to-day. COUNTING ALL MARKS (C. and H.C. AND PRIZES). SENIOR DIVISION. Jack Durham 47 Eula Arthur 41 Rita Puddle 33* Elsie Ballard 33* *A Tie. JUNIOR DIVISION. Grace Taylor 37 Edith Cranton '■■■■ 31 Daisy Rao 20 Grace Taylor was also first last quarter. There aro quite a number just on tho vergo of gaining tho Special Prize of ss, which is awarded when the Highly Commended and Commended marks won total 30. Best wishes to all, FROM “AUNT ROBERTA.” COMPETITION RULES. Boys and girls up to 18 years of age may compete. Write in ink on one side of paper only. Neatness, good writing and punctuation will count. Each entry must bo on a separate shoot of paper, bearing the namo, age and address of tho competitor. All entries must bo the UNAIDED EFFORT of the competitor, except jokes, riddles, catches, etc. Drawings must be done in black ink (preferably Indian ink) on drawing paper, unless otherwise stated. Majrk3 will bo awarded as follows: To the winner of any competition ... 4 To the boy or girl who gains second place ... ... ... 3 Highly commended 2 Commended ... 1 A record will bo kept of tho marks gained, and at the end of tho year 1926 tho following prizes will bo awarded £l/1- to the senior division girl or boy who gains tho 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 the girl or boy who has shown tho best EFFORT during the year, although their marks may not top the list. When' a competitor gains 30 marks by “highly commended” and “commendod” points, a special prize of 5/- will bo awarded. . The prizes as above are in addition to tho weekly cash prizes as set out in tho competitions. Address all entries, letters, etc., to “Aunt Roberta,” c/o “Manawatu Standard,” Palmerston North. ENROLMENT COUPON. Cut out this coupon, fill it in, and post to “Aunt Roberta,” o/o “Manawatu Evening Standard,” Palmerston North. e My Name is ; My age is My address is My birthday is I read “Aunt Roberta’s Family” Page. “Aunt Roberta Family” Badge* are obtainable at a cost of Is each (stamps or Postal notes). SPECIAL PRIZE OF ss. To: Grace Taylor, 16 Stanley Avenue, Palmerston North, who has gained 30 points by Highly Commended and Commendod marks. “MADCAP BILLIE.” SURPRISES. CHAPTER 21. Directly after breakfast the following morning, as Mr Weston eat smoking a/ pipe in tho back porch, Billie, who had been playing in the front with her sisters and Fred and Ilal, camo running round the side of the cottage to him. "Tho funny old man wo see on the beach has come,” sho announced. “He’s at the front door, and lie wants to see you.” “Who has come:” her father asked, lifting hi 3 brows in a puzzled way. “I don’t know his namo—Miss Dabonne does. Anyhow, lie’s funny an’ old, and ho knows us.” ' , ' Feeling quite mystified her father rose, and, beforo him, she typ-toed down tho hall, so as not to make a noise and disturb Miss Dabonne.”

“Here’s father,” sho said in a loud whisper to ‘the funny old man’ and ran out to join tho others again. . “Good morning, Mr Weston. My name is Dyson,” the old gentleman said, raising his Hat. ' “I have just hoard of Miss Dabonne’s unpleasant experience of last evening and I’m anxious to know how sho is.” “Much better. I am thankful to say, as she slept well. Won’t you come in?” “Thank you—l am anxious to speak to you about another matter,” and ho followed Mr Weston into the small sitting room. Mr Dyson took a chair near tho window, facing Mr Weston. “All Bondi is talking of tho gallant rescuo you made last evening. I believe you were in your'clothing, too.” “Partly—l managed to take off my coat and waistcoast In my youth I won some prizes for swimming, and I found yesterday that fortunately, I was still able to hold my own in tho water.” “How was it that the girl managed to get carried out in such a comparatively quiet sea?” “Sho was a little apart from the other bathers, and there was a strong undertow whero sho was. She told me afterwards that, before sho knew what had happened, sho found herself in deep water. Naturally, Miss Dabonno has had a rather bad shock, but will bo herself again shortly, I hope.” “I’m very pleased to hear sho has not suffered anything worse. Will you kindly convey my sympathy to her. Tho other matter I wished to seo you about is a per : sonal one of great importance to me. Miss Dabonee has already been taken into my confidence, and wo arranged betwoen us that I was to seo you as soon as you arrivod. Tho last few days have seemed very long to mo waiting for you to come 1” Just then Rose tripped into tho room, and sucking a fat finger, leant against her father’s kneo. “So there you aro,” Air Dyson said, giving one of his fatherly smiles “Run away, dear, this gentleman and I wish to talk,” and her father gave her a gentle push in the direction of the door. “A fino child,” the old man observed, a 3 sho left tho room, and Mr Weston smiled. “Rosio is very sturdy.” Then ho added rather sadly: “Sho and my eldest daughter, Billie, evidently tako after me. but Esther, tho middlo one, is I fear, delicate —like her mother was. But please continue.” “First of all, do you mind telling me tho maiden namo of your wife’s mother?” Mr Dyson asked"earnestly. “I havo a good reason for my question but if you prefer, before you answer me, i’ll explain why—” “I’m perfectly willing to toll you what you ask,” Mr Westota interrupted. He •noted with surprise tho evident agitation of the man before him. “It’s rather a remarkable coincidence that the namo of my wife’s mother was tho same as yours —Dyson, although, of course, tho name is by no moans an uncommon one.” Air Dyson sat perfectly still for a few moments, his face working strangely, and Mr Weston began to fear that he was ill. “It is then as I dared not hopo these last fow days,” ho said at length, with great feeling. “I believe I can safely affirm that your wife, Mr Weston, was my niece—my only sister’s daughter, and your children, therefore, are my great-nieces!” Ho put his hand out and Mr Weston, in a bewildered fashion, extended his, which Aly Dyson shook warmly. “Naturally, you don’t understand, but I will explain fully, and this afternoon will show you papers I hold to verify my statements. When Air Dyson had finished his story, Air Weston’s eyes were glowing boyishly. “Why. it’s just like a novel! My wife often spoke of her mother’s only brother who had gono to America, and had never been heard of afterwards. In fact, she used to say she expected him to return one day fabulously rich. .” “Unfortunately, that part has not come true,” Air Dyson interrupted hastily. “I’ve only sufficient to live upon, and my small income expires at my death.” Air Weston nodded absently, and then laughed. “By Jove ! Tho kiddies will bo excited when they , know you are their —let mo see? —groat-unclo! Tho relations on my sido of tho.family aro on tho other side of the world so that the children have nover known what it is to have an uncle or an aunt, or Oven a cousin.” “I shall bo very proud to be able to claim them as my great-nieces 1 I’ve lived a solitary life, and am a lonely old man now? It has been my one desire, during tho last fow years, to find someone belonging to me. I would prefer you to leave tho girlies in ignoranco as to who I am until I have proved by my papers that I am —mysolf,” and ho smiled whimsically. “Just as you wish —but I havo not a doubt in the matter.” After seeing his newly-found uncle out of the gate, Mr Weston returned to the sitting-room. Ho felt that ho wanted to bo by himself for a little while, in order to fully grasp tho astonishing ovent of that morning. He had just settled himself, in a chair, and lit his pipe, when Billie pranced in. “What did he come for, dad?” sho enquired. “You wero talking a “nawful” lot! Once I crept past tho window, but you didn’t hear mo. She laughed mischievously : “I wanted to cry out ‘Bhoo!’ an’ mako you both jump, but I thought you’d get scotty.” She twisted her fingers in and out of her father’s hair. “Ho gave us two whole shillings between us, an’ I want to know if we may go to tho shop and buy some sweeties? We don’t have to cross the tramlino.” “Very well, but you must not spend more than 9d, as I don’t want to havo any of you ill —and don’t let go Rosie’s hand.” “Right-o. dad.” Billie turned at the door. “But what did tho funny old man want?” she persisted. "I heard him say something about Essie, I’m sure I did.” Then with one leap sho was back at his sido: “Ho doesn’t want to buy her, does ho?” she cried, all excitement. “You’re very inquisitive, Billie,” he reproved. “Air Dyson called to ask how Aliss Dabonno is. Run along now, I want to smoko my pipe in peace.” Some minutes afterwards ho heard a slight sound at tho door, and, glancing up, found that Miss Dabonno was standing there. Ho jumped up: “What on earth are you doing here? Didn’t you know you wero to stay in bed—doctor’s orders?” he scolded; and insited upon her lying down on the couch. “I decided to get up. It won’t do me any harm. I do not believe in ‘coddling’ oneself,” and sho smiled at him disarmingly. “But didn’t I hear you and Air Dyson talking?” “Yes.” “And?” sho enquired anxiously. “There’s no doubt about it—ho is the children’3 grcat-unclo. He insisted, however on proving his identity by means of some papers ho has, and thoso ho will bring along this afternoon. Until then tho children are to be kept in ignoranoo of tho relationship. “Poor, lonely old fellow ! How happy ho must now feel ! And I’m so glad for his sake . ” She broke off abrutly, as the three girls came up tho hall. They had a dark-looking stick of lolly a piece, which they were sucking with great relish. . " “You'll never guess who’s coming 1’ • Billie criod, and a drop of black liquid fell from her mouth on to the front of her “Bother!” sho ejaculated, and wiped it off with tho back of her hand. ’ “It’s it’s —,” began Esther, but Billie cut in quickly—“lt’s ‘The Angel.’ ” (To be continued.)

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

"OUR MAIL BAG.” Jean Cheetham: It is very sweet of you to ask if I would like one of your pet white rabbits. However. I am afraid Miko and ..Ponto would get very jealous if I accepted your generous offer. Yes, it is indeed cold these days. Lizzie and I are suffering from chilblains. Your entry to the 26th Competitions wasn’t right, Jean. Only ONE sentence (tho longer the better) was asked for —and you sent in quite a number of small sentences. You will know better next time. Much love. Joyce Ingley: I am so glad to hear you like “Aunt Roberta’s Family” Pago so much. Inclusive of tho 25th Competitions you have 9 marks (highly commended and commendod) and 11 marks for prizes. Love and best wishes. Bertha Pedersen: You have taken great pains with your entry to tho 27th Competitions and I hopo it will bo correct. Tho pots were delighted with the kisses you sent them, and send their best lovo. Jack Durham: Will answer your nice long letter of the 13th next week. Thought you might think it had gone astray. Ethel Proctor: lam delighted to welcome you as a member of the Family, and your name has been entered on my roll. See the remarks in my letter as regards tho “Roll Call” special prize of 2s 6d. You do not have to pay anything to join “Aunt Roberta’s Family,” but if you want a Badge, tho cost of this would bo Is. Lizzie, Ponto, etc., wero very pleased with the mossage you sent them. Tho kisses were sweet, Ethel! Lovo and best wishes to a little new “niece.” t 30th COMPETITIONS. CLOSING DATE, WEDNESDAY, 7th JULY, 1926. A separate sheet of paper must bo used for each entry, bearing namo, address and ago of the competitor. Each envelope and entry must be marked “30th Competitions.” BEST HANDWRITING CONTEST: Copy out tho Competition Rules appearing in this Page in your best handwnting. Senior Division (12 years and up to 18 years) : Prize 2s 6d. Junior Division (under 12 years) : Prize 2s 6d. "MIKO’S STORY” (LIAIIT 750 WORDS). Aisla Varcoe suggests that competitors should tell Miko’s story—as if ho wero relating it himself. (Of course, you know Miko is a mischevious monkey). Senior Division, Ist prizo ss; 2nd prize 2s 6d. Junior Division, Ist prize 4s; 2nd prize 2s. THIRD PRIZE (25th Competitions). “THE AIISDEMEANOURS OF PATRICK O’HALLORAN.” (By Alargaret Pattison). Patrick Alichael O’Halloran, Esq., of Dublin, Ireland, was bidding a fond farewell to his suffering family, who had put up with him for thirteen years and one month, and at the same timo he was casting longing glances at tho big ship which was to tako him from Auld Ireland to a big public school in England. “Hurry up there,” yelled a voice, as the last passenger loft the gangway and Patrick was still receiving excited instructions. His boxes wero already on board, so Pat kissod his mother (who nearly fell before his onslaught), shook hands with his father and hugged his sisters, and then sprang on board just as the gangway began to move. Ho landed in an undignified manner at the captain’s feet, nearly upsetting that worthy, who remarked testily, “Now, now, boy, this isn’t a bear garden !” “Oh now, isn’t it?” responded Pat, innocently, gazing solemnly around him. “Be jabbers bo tho look of its occupants, it looks as if it might bo”; and with that parting shot he departed, just escaping the captain’s patent leather boot. “Shuro, now, an’ I’m going to enjoy mcself,” soliloquised Patrick, as he went in search of his cabin. A benevolent steward directed him, and ho sank upon his bunk, only to spring up again as it creaked ominously and then collapsed on tho floor. “Johosopliat, they’ve dared to give Patrick AI. O’Halloran a broken bunk!” ho exclaimed wrathfully. Then a thought btruck him: “Gently, gently,” he crooned, as ho hoisted the bunk to its original position. “There now !As soon as possible Patrick AI. is going to havo a visitor. A 6on of Auld Ireland cannot lower himself to sleeping in a broken sleeper.” Having arranged his belongings as tastefully as possible, he wont on deck and began poking around. Ho had never been on a ship before, so ho was out to learn all he could. He accosted a saillor who was helping the passengers with their luggage : “Ahoy there, Jack, how many hours will it tako to reach England?" Luckily for Pat the sailor was fond of boys and answered cheerfully enough: “Hours ! young man, it’ll tako a couple o’ days to make her an’ land yo at Dover.” “But I’m not to be landed at Dover,” said tho astonished Pat, “Shure it’s the west coast of England I’m afther.” “Then ye’ve made a mistake. "We. calls at France afore England. Oh, ye Irish 1” and the saiior laughed heartily. Pat was not dismayed. Instead, lio essayed to stand on his head, and toppling backwards caught neatly on tho point of tho chin a red-faced man passing by. The sailor fadod away. This was Colonel Carrat, a very peppery soldier, who detested boy 3. Pat, landing on his feet, saw the approaching storm and fled down the deck with tho Colonel in hot pursuit. Round a lifeboat he ran, then clambered up and slid down tho other side, landing on top of the Colonel and sending him flying. Pat then clambered on to a roof nearby, and was so busy watching tho Colonel that ho did not look whero he was going. He suddenly found ho was standing on nothing and fell rapidly downwards. Plonk! Ho had fallen through a skylight on to a table, round which eat some of the crew having their lunch. They started in amazement at tho strange being covered with butter, jam and rice and then, realising what had happened, they burst into peals of laughter, Pat made his escape and bathed and changed, then made friends with tho engineers and stokers and spent tho rest of tho afternoon with them, lie gave up the idea of inviting some passengers into his room and letting them sit on his bed, and asked the. steward about a now one. lie wont to sleep that night tired and happy, and full of plans for the morrow. "On the deck next morning he met the Colonel, who glarod at him fiercely and passed on. “I leave the ship to-day,” murmured Pat, “and I couldn’t boar to leavo tho old chap with such a bad opinion of Irish laddies.” •That afternoon his chance came. The Colonel accidentally fell into the hold, whero there was a lot of dirty water. His shouts rent the air, and Pat rushed to his assistance. Ho lassoed his enemy, and, tying tho other end of tho rope round tho railing, managed to pull tho Colonel up. Tho latter was profuso in his gratitude and thoy became friends. Pat discovered that tho Colonel lived quito near his school, and rocoivod an invitation to visit his friend. The sailors wero sorry to say goodbye, all except the captain, when Pat left them at Dover. , . “All’s well that end 6 well,” said that youth, as ho wared goodbye. Roll Call: Isabel Maxwell.

RESULTS OF 36th COMPETITIONS. V ■ A LETTER TO “AUNT ROBERTA” IN THE FORAI OF A RHYME. This was quite a brilliant idea of Ralph Holmes, as a sheaf of entries camo to hand; unfortunately, the bulk of the work was poor. “Aunt Roberta” gleaned quito a lot of interesting news from the letters in verse from her different nieces and nophews. SENIOR DIVISION: “Sense” was often sacrificed to make a -hyino. For instance, Nora Gecnty, who was only one of many, began “Now that winter time is here This writing page with ink I smear” You will agree with me that there is no “sense” in these two line 3. Nora managed, however, by hook or by crook to get a word to rhyme with “hero”. The metre was faulty in the majority of rhymes, which rather spoilt tho effect. Annie Riddell. 79 Tweed street, Invercargill (13) wrote'a nice little letter in verso—but the metro was very poor. FIRST PRIZE (ss). (Alollie Puddle, Tangoio, < Hawko’s Bay, 14 years.) Oh, Auntie dear, I hope that you And all youh brood are Well. I often think of what you’re like And now I’ll try to toll. Perhaps you are a maiden fair A silly, giddy girl, Ah ! fashion yes, and always wear Your shingle in a curl. But then I might be very wrong, You sure might be a man; A dandy, yes, with monocle. And boots and shoes of tan. A little fair tooth-brush moustache, A Roman nose, I’m sure; You always smoke the best cigars, / Tho perfume is not pure. But, no, I’ve got the wrong idea— You must an ’old maid’ be. A spinster, with spectacles, I KNOW you cannot see. No, Auntie dear, I libel you, I know not what I say; Aly thoughts let loose are rambling And roaming far astray. I think you are a woman young. With little work to do, And 60 you try to have some fun, Yes that’s just what you do. Well, Auntie mine, I’m wasting time, I’m very thoughtless, too, But now I really must, resign And bid you fond adieu. I remain, Your affectionate niece. Alollie. SECOND PRIZE (2s 6d). (Isabel Egerton, Box 49. Winton, 16 years). Dear Aunt Roberta, how aro you? I hopo you’re feeling well .: And free from pains and headaches. For I’ve lot 6 of news to tell. The mornings are so frosty now. And Oh, so very cold ! To hop out of one’s cosy bed Requires a spirit bold. This morning I peeped at a world "White as a polar bear, And so I popped back into bed And read a good book there. The only things that cheer my soul, And chase away tho blues, Are a roaring fire, a hockey match And a page of Friday’s “News.” The only flower in the garden now Is tho brave chrysanthemum; Tho birds still sing at morn and eve, Through daytime they are dumb. Dear Aunt Roberta; now I think I’ve told, you all my woes. And so. with love to everyone This letter I shall close. ISABEL. HIGHLY COAIAIENDED (in order of merit) : Winnie Archer, Eula, Arthur, Jack Durham, Alargaret Pattison', Peggy Nathan. Annie Riddell, Rita Puddle, Elsie Ballard, Alona Ingley. Jocelyn Shattky, Nory Bagnall, Joan Allison, Evelyn Roberts William Ellingham, Beryl Perry. COAIMENDED: Reg Knight, Alay Swain, Geoffrey Baird, Nancy Rae. Alichael Collins, Emily Curtis, Betsy Mackie, Myrtle Whyte. JUNIOR DIVISION. The Juniors’ attempts were quite good. ■> f FIRST PRIZE (4s). (Jack Dredge, Regent street, Palmerston North, 11 years.) Dear “Aunt Roberta,” I’ve often heard you tell, That Ponto eats tho rubbish up, And Lizzie serves you well. But what about wee Aliko, Tho baby of tho staff, Is he just a naughty monkey Or does ho mako you laugh? And then there’s Charlie Crocodile. Does he, too, do his duty? Or just mako byes at Aluriel— Tho “Queen,” and so a beauty ? And now, my dear Auntie, I hopo you liko my letter, But give tho prizo to someono else,If they havo dono one better. Your Nephew Jack. SECOND PRIZE (2s). (Gordon Anderson, 460 North road, , Invercargill, 11 years.) Dear Aunt Roberta, I’m writing a letter, I will do my best. So I can’t do better. I’m writing at night, So I hopo it’s all right; If my writing seems queer, Well, just blame the light. Your Pago is just grand. And it fills mo with joy ! It suro brightens greatly Tho heart of a boy. Its riddles and stories They keep mo amused; Of rubbish and dullness, It can’t bo accused. In my first entry I was highly commended, So I’m just hoping' It isn’t all ended. I’m eleven years old, And havo a bad cold; And when it’s not Friday I somehow feel old. I’m new to'this place. And a stranger to you, But lately I landed from old Timaru, This weather’s a terror ! I think I will close. For every few minutes I’m wiping my nose. Your loving “nephew,” GORDON ANDERSON. (Will Gordon please note that in future ho must sot out his verses in lines, as abo/e.)

HIGHLY COMMENDED .(In order of merit): Minnie Rowland, Lily Maxwell, Grace Taylor, Chrissie Clark, Allan Maxwell, Helen Cormack. COMMENDED: Betty Hannan Willie and Jack Maxwell, Leo Andrew*, Lorraine LONGEST SENTENCE—aII words be- - ginning with “T.” Ruth and Eileen Jaquirey’s entries were informal as they used other letters besides “T.” One or two entries from old members of the Family (who should have known bettor) <3id not bear tho number of words; .and there were a few without names and addresses or ages. SENIOR DIVISION. CLIFTON DUNCAN, 11 Stanley Avenue Palmerston North (15), wins the prize of 2s 6d with an excellent sentence of :75 words, as follows : —• 4 Talkative Thelma told Tod Tadmore Thursday tea-time that tired, timorous Timothy Ticklotoo trudged to Tiny down to take twenty-two thousand tin tacks to Tony Tunnicliffe. twenty-three Tidsbury Terrace, to try to tack together ten thousand liny temporary toy taxis* to take to Tipperary to ten thousand tiresome thoughtless, troublesome toddlers to teach their Teddys to tour triumphantly through the town to terrorise tho thirty-three timid, thoughtful teachers travelling then to this. el Three marks: Phyllis NRholls, Jack Durham, Douglas Harris, Florence Hobson. Nory Bagnall. - , ifighly commended (45 to 60 words) : Keith Harris Elizabeth Cameron, Rita Puddle, Mollio Puddle, Emily Curtis, Mary O’Reilly Madge Howell, Martha Chilton, Ronald 'Langford, Eva Sumner, Ins LasPedersen, Elsie Ballard, Eula Arthur, Norma Wells, Cyril Dredge, Peggy Nathan, Geoffry Biard, Joan Rough. Isabel Maxwell, Evelyn Roberts, William Ellmghama* Grace Barlow, Reg Knight Geoffrey Ellinghatn, Grace Barlow, Reg. Knight. '• JUNIOR DIVISION Tho prize (2s 6d) is awarded to LUCY RIDDELL, 79 Tweed street, Invercargill (11 years), for the following clever sentence of 100 WORDS:— _ . Tom Timpany thanked Tim Taylor, thinking that Tim look tho telegram to Timaru to Ted Tompkins, telling Ted to take Tom’s tweed trousers to the Timaru tailor to turn them; then Ted told lorn that Toby Turnbull took them Tuesday s train to Temuka, thinking that the Temuka tailors turned trousers tastefully; therefore, thanks to Toby’s thoughtfullness, Tom s trousers too tight; thereat Tom, taking terrible tantrum, threatened to thrash tho Temuka tailor, terrified Toby Turnbull, thoroughly • trampled Tim Taylor s toes, tore tho tweed trousers to tatters then took the ten-to-two train to Timaru. to try the trouser-turning tradesmen there. 3 MARKS : Betty Hannaai, Theona Rose. Highly commended (30 to 50 words) : Minnie Rowland. Chrissie . Clark Wilfred. Baird, Jack Maxwell. Lorraine Jane, Gordon Anderson. ...... , r Commended (20 to 30 words) : Lily Miov--vvell D Bagnall, Edith Cranton, Grace Taylor Willie Maxwell, Jack Rollo, Cecilo Bagnall, B*rt Irvine, Jack Dredge Lucretai Irvine, Alex. Gooch Muriel Shailer. Helen Cormack, Margaret Radomski.