Aunt Roberta’s Family

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLIX, Issue 184, 5 July 1929, Page 10

Aunt Roberta’s Family

AUNT ROBERTA’S ,LETTER. My Dear Ones, \ And the wild wind cried, “I will huff and I’ll puff—and I’ll blow this house down 1” Oil, dear 1 what a sorry time we are experiencing just now. I do hope the cyclone did not “huff and puff - ’ and blow any of my children harm ! There is one thing we all should realise —we could be much worse off. My heart aches for those poor people who have felt the full effect of the earthquakes. However,, we, in this small, green, lonely isle, have not been singled out specially for trials; every country has its disasters.

In the competitions this time I have included a great favourite —“Finish the Story.” I want you to do your best to write a good ending. There is an ending to the story, of course, a feasible one. So please put on your Thinking Caps. It will not bo necessary for you to write out the beginning of the story; just go on from where it leaves off.

I really don’t know what my Family is coming to 1 Three more Roll Call halfcrown prizes for Lizzie 1 Mervyn Garner, Marion McKny and Peggy Shore, whose names were “called” 31st May 7th and 14th June, respectively, have failed to answer. The marks for the second quarter (6th to 12th Competitions, inclusive) are most interesting:— SENIOR DIVISION. EGO 36 marks. REMUS 28 marks. KIWI 25 marks. JUNIOR DIVISION. LIGHTNING 24 marks ROSALEEN 31 marks MERVYN DALEFIELD 25 marks RONNIE DALEFIELD 24 marks HENRY MacARTIIUR 22 marks

Then next a fair Eve-Fay made meek address, Saying, “Wo bo tho handmaids of tho Spring, In sign whereof, May, the quaint hroideress, Hath wrought her samplers on our gauzy wing. We tend upon buds’ birth and blossoming; And count tho leafy tributes that they owe As, so much to the earth so much to fling In showers to the brook so much to go In whirlwinds to the clouds that made them grow. “The pastoral cowslips are our little pets, And daisy stars, whose firmament is . green, Pansies, and those veil’d nuns, meek violets, Sighing to that warm world from which they screen; And golden daffodils, pluck'd from May’s Queen; And lovely harebells, quaking on the heath; And Hyacinth, long since a fair youth

In the Senior Division, Remus and Ego have gained 52 marks cucli during the first six months of the year. Ego made a wonderful recovery from last quarter, when this member only earned 16 marks. Rosaleen is leading by 9 marks in the Junior Division, and Lightning comes next. Lightning is to be heartily congratulated upon his outstanding work during the last three months. Peter Pan says: “Let me congratulate littlo Scotch Bluebell on her story. Do you know, you could almost dispense with the services of the seniors since the junior division contains so many stars !” Congratulations for recent prize winners from Lily Maxwell. “Thanks to all nephews and nieces for wishing me to return,” says Weeping Willow. "I would like to shake hands with you all. Sunbeam, what beautiful verses you sent in ‘My Mother.’ My sympathy goes to Kiwi who lost his mother. Some day, Kiwi, we will all go to .join our loved ones who have travelled on before.”

seen, Whose tuneful voice, turn’d fragrance in his breath. Kiss’d by sad Zephyr, guilty of his death.”

A brief contribution from Fuzz Buzz:

Teach mo to feel another’s woe, To hide the fault I see, That mercy I to others show, That mercy show to me. —Alexander Pope.

Peggy Newlands writes; “Will you congratulate Eileen Pycroft for me, please, and all other recent prize winners. ‘The Trick Come True,’ by Billie Boy, was very good, indeed; she must 1)0 talented to be able to do such good work.” “I am glad you gave poor little Weeping Willow a chance ,as I am she did not mean to copy the story.” These are the remarks of Audrey Drummond. A new member, Coleus, says: “I read your Family page weekly, and I think it the most improving and interesting piece of work 1 have ever read. 1. therefore, wish to join your Family. The juniors, I think, do very good work; especially little Rosaleen, who is only eight years of age.” Another new member, Abelia, writes: “I wish to join the Family. 1 read your page weekly and I think it is very interesting. It is gradually improving. I tako a delight in reading it.' I think Rosaleen’s stories are very good for her age.” “Please will you thank Valentine and Kat for their willing help,” writes Shylock. “I have already procured one of the books and. am so far pleased with it. It is ‘The Strange Case of Mr Jocelyn Tliew.’ I am also on the track of ‘The Great Princo Shan.’ Please give my deepest sympathy to Kiwi in his sad bereavement.”

ROLL CALL: William Farquharson,

“OUR MAIL BAG.”

ARIEL: No blame can attach to you, so don’t worry—forget it, my dear. You are young t!o have lost all your teeth. \\ hat a lively household yours must be 1 HEFFALUMP: The poem you send for the Literary Corner is indeed exquisite. Can you tell me what has become of Togo? I hope to hear from you again soon. RATA: You have 28 h.c. and c. marxs to your credit. Miko and Lizzie were so pleased with the kisses you sent them! KEITH KITCHING: You are very welcome and your name lias been put on my roll. Four boys! Don’t you wish you had a nice little sister. Love and best’wishes to a new nephew. VERA BUTT : So you claim “Christmas Lily” as your norn-de-plume. As you were first, lam afraid the other “Christinas Lily” will have to clipose another noin-dc-plume. DICK DRUMMOND: Is it the first prize you have won ? Thanks for the nice kisses. WHIMSICKLE: I think Basil is a boy. It was very generous of him to send you the books and magazines. BABY BUZZ: You have 25 h.c. and c. marks to your credit, so it won’t be long now before you will gain ass special prize. KAT: You have 21 h.c. and c. marks now. The fault was your handwriting—l could not read it! CLEMATIS: The kisses were much appreciated. You have 18 h.c. and c. marks. ANNA LEE: A nice long letter, as usual: I have parcelled up the generous slice of love and sent it to my mother in Australia! I don’t think any of my nieces and nephews live near the places where the earthquake was severe. Thanks for the lovely kisses. 80-PEEP: I have sent your love and the big kiss to my mother,' who will be very pleased, I know. SHYLOCK : Kat lias written saying that the correct title of the book is “The Great Prince Shan.”

Anna Lee says: “I was very sorry to hear about Kiwi’s great loss; and I join with you in sending him my sincerest sympathy. What a terrible blow it must have been. Here is a pretty verse: A smiling face gives courage When failure makes you blue, It drives away the clouds of gloom; A smile is good for you. Please give my best wishes to all the Family.” “Would you please congratulate the recent prize winners for me,” remarks Kat. “I also think that ‘Dr. Sidney Fenton’ was very good. I am glad Weeping Willow is coining back.” Whimsiekle says: “I am pleased Weeping Willow has been reinstated. Please send my deepest sympathy to Kiwi in his bereavement.”

Congratulations for recent prize winners from Vera Butt (the first “Christmas Lily.”) Sunset remarks: lam very pleased that Weeping Willow has been taken back into the Family. I look forward to Our Page each week, and hope some day I will bo able to write stories as nice as some of the clever ones.”

EDNA MANION: I am so pleased you have decided to jioin the Family, and your name has been put on my roll. The nome-de-plume you have chosen is quaint. DORIS MANION: You are very welcome, and your name, also, has been entered on my roll. I like the nom-de-plumc 1 you have chosen. So your sister has dark eyes and yours are blue. WILFRED EDWARDS: Your h.c. and c. marks total 26. Best wishes. AUDREY DRUMMOND: In reply to your question—yes, I am the guilty person ! So glad you like the serial. OCEAN SPRAY: No, I returned by the Ulimaroa, and made my journey by the Maunganui. In reply to your questionyes. PEGGY NEWLANDS: No doubt you have received the 5s prize money safely. It was posted about a fortnight ago. INNOCENCE: I made a mistake in adding up your marks. You have 29 to your credit. With my system I don’t think it would be possible to miss any marks. I am glad you wrote me, because I am ablo to explain the “puzzle.” TWILIGHT: I have always understood that the, 21st June is the shortest day. Don’t forget the nice fat chocolate! KIWI: You have my deep sympathy. LILY MAXWELL: I thought you had QUITE forgotten me. So glad to hear that you still read the page. Thanks for the lovely kisses. SCOTCH BLUEBELL: Perhaps you will bo stronger when you get the nasty tonsils out. I am so glad you are going to write another little story. Tell wee Jimmy that I just loved his letter. PETER PAN: Your verse entry is in order. I am afraid it would be very difficult to select the best quotation. Thanks, however, for the suggestion. Best wishes.

Ronnie Dalefiold thanks Mavis Francis, Chittabob and Barbara Woodward for their congratulions. “I just love reading Our Page,!’ says Rata. “How clover some of the children are. I ain so pleased you have re-enrolled dear little Weeping Willow. We all forgive her, I, am sure. I did not quite understand what “unaided” meat when I was her age.” Ariel remarks, wisely and sensibly: “What a few answers you seem to get to your Silent Members’ Competition. I was very disappointed to see this as I thought it was such a good idea. Do not these members realise that the page is their very own to do as they,will with? I think seeing it is in their power to make outpage an even greater success, that they might help—even if it is only a little bit. Some of these members seem to think that one or two clover ones are too clever to compete against, as they win a good many prizes, but do not these members realise that these seemingly clever ones have few to complete against, and also that they are doing double work to keep the page interesting to read. I really made the grave mistake of forgetting to tell you that I for one will joyfully welcome Weeping Willow back again in the Family.” Gracious! My lotters go on like the brook ! » Your loving,

'Qjluuu t ENROLMENT COUPON. Cut out this coupon, fill it in, and post to “Aunt Roberta,” cara “Standard.” My name ii Aly ace is \ly Address is My Birthday is I read “Aunt Roberta’s Family” Page. Signature of Parent, Guardian or School teacher Sent in by “Aunt Roberta’s Family” Badge costs Is (stamps or postal note). COMPETITION FOR “SILENT” MEMBERS. A half-crown prize will be awarded to the niece or nephew, whose name is mentioned in the following list of “Silent” members, who writes the BEST LETTER,

15TH COMPETITIONS. CLOSING DATE—MONDAY, 22nd JULY 1929 EACH ENTRY must be on a SEPARATE SHEET of paper (written in ink on one side only), bearing the name, age and address of the competitor. Each entry and envelope must be marked “15th Competitions.” Senior Division. —12 years up to 19 years. . Junior Division. —Under 12 years. FINISH THE STORY (See Aunt Roberta’s letter). Senior Division. —Prize ss, Junior Division. —Prize 2s 6d. Ronnie scramble out of his little bed, and slipped, like a small shadow, across to the window. He rested his elbows on the sill, and, delicate face cupped in his hands, gazed solemnly at the- three big eyes of The Giant Who Lived on a, Hill. They shone forth, very bright and very clear, high up, close to heaven. It was Dot- who had told him about the Giant. Ronnie had a great admiration for Dot, and followed blindly in her lead. She was ton and he was only five, and she could climb trees, play ’ cricket and football, and run liko the wind.

One evening, when it had grown dark quickly, and they were enjoying a last game before it was time to go in for tea,

OUE MOTTO: " CHARACTER AND PERSEVERANCE ”

saying if they still read “Aunt Roberta’s Dot had pointed to the tall hill, where the Family” page and are interested in the lights were springing up like magic mushdoings of members, also telling Aunt Ro- rooms. berta about themsolves. Highly Com- “See those three big lights, right bn mended and commended marks will also the very top of that hill, they are the be awarded. eyes of a cruel giant,” she said in a matAI,L FETTERS MUST BE POSTED ter of fact tone of voice: “Ho has'three TO “AUNT ROBERTA” BY SAT- eyes so that he can see EVERYTHING URDAY 13th JULY, 1929, AND that goes on. Ho sits up there and watches MUST BE HEADED, “COMPETITION and watches . . her voice died away. FOR SILENT MEMBERS.” Ronnie wrinkled his forehead and stared WILLIE MAXWELL, LEONARD Me- rather fearfully at the three gleaming DERMOTT, NORMA PADDON, NANCY lights pointed out by Dot.RAE, ALLAN THOMSON, LUCY WOOD, “I never thought it was a Giant,” lie lAN BLIXT, BLUEBELL COURTNEY, said at length, very solemnly, with a LOIS FRANKLIN, MARIE JARY, queer catch of the breath. LEWIS RAVEN, MAUREEN WHITE- “Perhaps,” ho went on, with a sudden HEAD. brilliant inspiration, “the middle light l —but his nose 1 Don’t LITERARY CORNER. you think, Dot, it looks more liko a nose ’ than an eye—a lit up kind of nose 1” Favourite verses, opinions of various The words came quickly. He shivered a books and short descriptive passages out little. Ho was excited. Ronmo was always of well-known books will bo published m s ° e a sily stirred. , this corner each week. “Pooh! No!’ returned Dot. ‘lts an HYACINTH SAYS: “The following eye—a big, wicked eye! verses are from Thomas Hood’s poem, Ronnie invariably accepted what Dot ‘The Plea of the Midsummer Fairies,’ in said without question, so he smiled rather which are some very beautiful passages faintly, ami said: “I wonder if the Giant Nature”: — will ever come down from the Hill?”

BLACK AND WHITE DRAWING (Suggested by Alinya). Take 6 straight lines, 3 circles, 3 V’s and 3 dots, and see who can draw the best object. Use Indian ink, if possible, on drawing paper. If there is an “extra specially” clever drawing, it will bo reproduced. Senior Division.—Prize ss. Junior Division. —Prize 2s 6d. BURIED NAMES: In the following paragraph are buried quite a largo number of boys’ and girls’ names. How many of them can you disciver Senior and Junior Division and a prize each of 2s 6d. Sometimes an animal in danger nestles —lies among the bushes —the reason being to make itself harmonise with its' surroundings. Some woman or man therefore proposed that warships be painted half red and blue in big patches, nearly diagonal. Of course, the largo markings were not graceful, but the colours mingled with the sun’s rays, and the blue of the ocean, so the camouflaged vessels were successful.

A LETTER.

Dear Aunt Roberta, — I am afraid I am a very silent member, but by no means an uninterested one, and it is with much regret that I have to tell you I am now 19, and therefore just too old to be an active member of your page. It is always with much pleasure that I look forward to Friday night’s paper, because I think as the months pass by the stories and competitions increase in popularity and merit. I certainly have not contributed many items, but then I really have been very busy with my studies, etc. Nevertheless, I enjoy very greatly to see the way in which the membership is increasing and how reliable and loyal some of the members are to their Corner —I congratulate them most heartily. Niow that I have to relinquish my associations with your happy Family, I am glad to tell you, Aunt Roberta, that my sister, lta, wishes to become a member cf your Page, and I hope she will, like the other members of your Family, take a lively interest in all its features. 1 remain, Y’our sincerely, DOROTHY WISG'HENEWSKY. RESULTS OF PREVIOUS COMPETITIONS. HIGHLY" COMMENDED ENTRIES. SHORT STORIES. “THE TRIALS OF SALLY.” (By Phyllis Winn, 17 years.) The house in the small side street commanded your attention straight away. It was large with many windows and a conspicuous clean look about it. It showed up well against a background of buildings little better than barns. Somehow, too, it had a happy look about it —the windows glistened and sent loff warm rays just for all the world .like a kindly person’s laughing face. Altogether it was ideal for what it was —a girls’ lodging-place. It seemed absolutely impossible that sorrow should dwell there in any shape or form. Yet it did. In the top storey of the building a young girl was sitting in a very dejected attitude on the edge of a bed. Every now and then she paced backwards and forwards across the little room, only to sit down again with an impatient sigh. At last she nose, walked over to the window and gave vent to her feelings forcibly. “Oh, blow everything!” A few tears trickled down her face, but she wiped them away impatiently and strode back to the bed.

“Why can’t I get a job when the other girls can?” She spoke to the dressingtable. “I’m just as capable and as pretty, too. I always did have rotten luck. And mow I suppose I’ll have to go back to the country and play simple maiden. Just when I was winning through, too! Oh, blow!” She kicked over a small table, and, breaking a vase, stood looking angrily at the unoffending pieces scattered over the floor. Suddenly she began tp laugh weakly, and soon was half crying. “Oh, well, hero goes,” she said after a while, “heads I go, tails I stay.” She spun the coin and it landed “tails” up. Dozens of times she had done this, always with the same result.

“You’re a friendly old thing, anyway,” she said to the coin. “I must be meant for a town girl, after all. Well, I’ll have tp get a job, if I’m going to stay.” She proceeded to wipe all traces of her tears away, powdered her faco, put on her out-door clothes and sallied forth.

Then came the unavailing Hound of the lubour agencies, and at last, tired out, she sat down wearily at a cheap teashop. Gone was the happy look from her face, and in its place was a dogged expression of despair, which had clouded her countenance often during the past few weeks. “Dion’t I know you? Your face seems familiar.”

Sally looked up to encounter the gaze of a middle-aged man. Ho had a very pleasant face, but Sally was oldfashioned and she did not like strangers, and especially strangers who tried to claim acquaintanceship. Sho had a good memory for faces and never forgot the people she was introduced to. ~

“I’m quite sure you don’t!” she returned coldly. The man blushed and nervously fingered his watch-chain.

“I’m awfully sorry. I thought I knew’ you,” and he turned away. Then Sally’s eyes danced with laughter. Suddenly she found she was not really angry with him. His confusion was genuine, and there was something familiar about him when he looked like that. Sho wondered if, after all, she had met him before.

Back in her room, still musing, she happened to look up at her mother’s photo, and realised with a shock that the upper part of tho face was exactly the same as the stranger’s. “Funny!” she ejaculated. Then she remembered her fruitless quest for work, and straightway descended into the darkest depths of despair. « The next morning sho started out hopelessly. She hadn’t even the strength left to gek into a rage. But at tho very first labour agency she visited the clerk greeted her with the news that he thought he had something for her at last. Sally walked eagerly to the address he mentioned.

“Yes, miss, he’s in. Just c)omo this way,” said the staid butler, and led her into a comfortably furnished study. Seated at the desk was a perfect giant of a man, and he was frowning. Sally felt like a mouse before a lion, and she wanted to run away but the door was closed behind her,

and she felt that if she ran through the hall the butler would never survive the slijock. “Well!” snapped the giant. Sally was nervous, and she was usually as bold at; brass. “Please, sir, I came about the job; the secretary, you know.” ( That was a bad start, Sally knew. Evidently the giant thought so too. He glared at her. “Do you understand you would have tp keep all objectionable people from my presence ? Do you think you could do it ? Well?” - . • “Yes,” said Sally in a very small voice. “Take this down, quick! There’s a pencil. Now, write.” He rattled off a sentence or two. Sally’s hand was trembling and she did not recognise her own writing. “Wton’t do at all! I tell you, you won’i do at all! Do you hear me? My time’s precious. Go on, get out! .Go and get a job as —as a puppy-dog minder!” Sally crept from the room and ran, but spcjn she was crying. Unconsciously she made her way to the teashop, and at the entrance she ran into the stranger. “Why, Sally, what’s the matter?” he asked. “Sit here,” and he drew her to a table nearby.

In a few minutes she had told him everything, and was soon drying her eyes. Only then did she-remember he had called her by her name. “How did you know my name?” she asked. “I ought to, as I’m your uncle, he said.

“My uncle?” “Yes. I thought I knew you, but I couldn’t make out who you were until I looked at your mother’s photograph. Oh, 1 know you never heard of me beflore because all my people thought I was dead. And I’ve had an awful job keeping housekeepers. My last one left a week ago. What do you suy to looking after your old uncle ?”

You can guess what Sally’s answer was. And now she is happy.

“LIGHT AFTER DARKNESS.”

(By Becky, 16 years.)

Kneeling at the foot of a Graven Imagine were the heathens pf a little Island. They were praying to it for deliverance from the white man wlip told them .of another God far, far better than their little Golden linage; a God who healed their griefs and bore their burdens; but they heeded not.

Alas! What hidden fear and torture lurk behind the darkness of the grave for these poor heathen. Their little Gplden God could not —

“Stand within the shadow Keeping watch above His Own."

It could not give them everlasting glory when their walk of life had reached its journey’s end. But they heeded not. Then, like a wandering ray of sunshine from a dark and gloomy sky, came the Reverend Adrian Pedley. To the devout worshippers of the Little Golden God he came as a bright ember in Life's dying fire.

Ho carried the word of the true God in his heart, but the key to the door of the heathen hearts was missing still. They heeded not the word of God; they had faith only in their Graven Image. Adrian took for his text the next Sunday : “God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, and whosoever believeth in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life. An this time they heeded him—nay, heeded the word of God and the golden key was no longer missing. They wanted to know more about the living God. Gould it be true that when the sun of life had set He took them to live with Him in glory for ever ?

At last the word of God had reached their hearts and the Graven Image was cast away. No longer were they 'groping blindly in the darkness,’ but they were treading the path of eternal light. Their cup of happiness was full, and to them the grave was the golden link in the silver chain of life.

But, soon their cup of happiness was spilled. Adrian, their deliverer, the man who had snatched them from the open gates of Doom was about to join the heavenly choir. They prayed to the Lord to spare Adrian, but God’s holy will will be done, and with sorrowladen hearts, intermingled with a ray of gladness, they gave Adrian into God’s good hands.

The Long, long day was drawing to a close; the western sky was a blaze of glory and the last rays of the setting sun glided through the twilight air, but one ray more beautiful than all the rest stole through Adrian’s bedroom window and whispered words lof glory in his car. Down the glorious aisles of sunset angel feet were dancing gaily, dancing down to an island cottage to take the soul of Adrian home. “THE FAIRIES’ COMPETITION.’ (By Rosalcen, 8 years.)’ Each tree and flower has its own fairy, and Queen Roberta every year gave a prize to whoever could write the best story about mortals. On the day of the judging all the fairies sat around the blue-bell dell to hear the stories read. Story after story was read amid cheers, until one was read written by the fairy lof the weeping willow tree. There was a deep silence for a moment, then cries arose on all sides: “It’s copied!” “It’s not her own work, her own idea!”

Queen Roberta rose up and looked sternly at the startled fairy, Weeping Willpw.

“You have broken one of the most strict rules of Fairyland. In the past one or two other fairies broke this rule, and were punished, so you must abide by my rule and leave Fairyland.” Sorrowfully Weeping Willow replied: “Uh, Queen, I didn’t know that I erred. I oidy thought how the story would pleaso my fairy cousins. I accept my punishment and hope you will never again have cause to expel anyone. May my fate be a warning to them.” “My dear Weeping Willow,” said the Queen, “you have spoken nobly. The other fairies I banished gave no reason for breaking my rule. We should always remember that a fault admitted is a fault forgiven, and, as you did not know, I am going to forgive you. What do you other fairies think about it?” she asked.

“I am very pleased you are forgiving her,” said Fairy Anemone. Fairy Wistaria said, “Your decision is most just, O Queen.” The other fairies gave cheer after cheer in favour of Weeping Willow and Queen Roberta, and once more happiness reigned in Fairyland

THE FAIRY QUEEN’S BALL. (By Ronnio Dalefield, 7 years.) “Oh, dear!” said Mrs Hedgehog, “the fairy queen has invited us to her fancy dross ball to-morrow night, and we shall have to stay at homo because we have no dresses to wear. The three little Hedgehogs began to cry, so then their mother said that they could all go as “Eat More Fruit.” At the fairy queen’s ball the next night there were somo wonderful fancy dresses, but the prize for the best family group was won by the Hedgehogs. Mr Hedgehog was covered with plums—they were stuck on his spikes. Mrs Hedgehog had gooseberries stuck all over her; one little hedgehog was covered with blackberries, one with cherries, and the other with raspberries. “Eat More Fruit” won the prize easily. Tho fairy queen gave the Hedgehogs a large tin of dried milk for the prize, because sho know that they wore very fond of milk!

Everyone had a lovely time at tho ball, and the fairies' danced with the frogies, and tho hares, and the hedgehogs. There was a splendid supper, too, with such nice

things to eat. Near morning the ball came to an end, and everyone went home. Thoso threo naughty little hedgehogs ate up their fancy drosses before they went to bed —but Mr and Mrs Hedgehog kept theirs to eat for breakfast! A COUNTRY WALK. The sun was high in the heavens as I slowly wended my way along the dusty road to tho country. On each 'side grew giant poplars, arid in amongst their leafy boughs could be heard the musical notes of the bellbirds and tuis, and hither ana thither across the road ran little grey rabbits. I walked on and came to a paddock of golden wheat swaying in tho gentle breeze. I continued my journey and came uppn a herd of cattle grazing idly in the heat of tho autumn sun. Hero I turned and retraced by steps homeward, and just as I reached the gate tho sun sank behind tho horizon. —-Leo Andrews. Last summer, on a nice hot sunny day, my father took me for a long walk in the country. As we were going to be away all day we took plenty to eat and drink with us. We left homo about nine in the morning, and passing the Esplanade wo crossed a bridge—the largest one I have ever seen. The river looked very nice and clean away down below. We then went up a big hill, and I was very pleased to have a little spell when wo got to the top. In the paddocks on both sides of the road there were cows and sheep eating the nice green grass. Everything seemed so clean and fresh. After walking slowly for a while longer we camo to a lot of trees where we rested for a long time and ate our lunch. Wo had a great day and got homo about four o'clock. Hazel Collins (6 years.)

One lovely spring morning my mother packed my friend and me a basket and tpld us wo could go for a walk through the fields. She said we could have our dinner out of doors. It was a beautiful day. The birds were singing gaily to themselves. We spent about half an hour picking lovely wild flowers. They grew very thickly in the grass. A little further along we camo to a clump of trees and they looked so invitingly at us that we thought we really must cat our lunch. We DID enjoy that lunch. After this wo followed the track that led to the bush. There were so many beautiful things to be seen that we did not realise how the time had passed. We saw such pretty inoss there. It was all soft and springy. We found some lovely ferns in the bush. -They were just as good as tho ones you buy in the shops. Every step wo took brought us upon something more beautiful. We hurriedly gathered a few ferns and made for home/ We arrived just in time for tea. •. Bo Peep (9 years.) MY FAVOURITE AUTHOR. L. M. MONTGOMERY. Although I have read many books and admired their authors, L. M. Montgomery is my favourite. Who has not read and enjoyed her famous “Anne” and “Emily” b|ooks. I have, several of this author’s books which I have read and re-read until I knowy them nearly off by heart. I prefer L. M. Montgomery’s works to these of other people because they are so simple and interesting. One cannot tire taf her amusing vet beautiful stories. Every year I have bought one of this/ well-known author’s books, and I hope to have a complete set of them. Although the books of Gene Stratton Porter and Zane Grey are very much enjoyed by me, I can truly say that L. M. Montgomery ifi my favourite author.

—Ego (14 years.)

CHARLES DICKENS,

I think that my favourite author is Charles Dickens. I have read the works of many authors and authoresses, but I think that his are the best. The greatest reason for my liking him is because of his characters. all of which are absolutely true to life. The sweet “Little Nell,” the sneaky “Uriah Heep,” are all taken from life: Then he lias such a power of description. One can almost see the things. Some people consider Dickens “dry,” but I beg to differ. Once started, his books are hard to leave until they are finished. Then, again, he wrote so that his books can be easily understood. Also, there is usually a good plot running through the whole story. These are my chief reasons fpr considering Charles Dickens my favourite author. —Eros (15 years). HIGHLY COMMENDED. . “THE LITTLE BLACK SOOT ELF." (By Blue Eyes, 11 years). Up in the dark places of the farm chimney lived the little black Soot Elf. He had been there many, many years, and every day when the farmer’s wife lit the fire in the big range below, tho elf danced with glee in the cheerful warm glow. Every day, too, more and more soot elves came to keep him company. Till at last the inside of the chimney was smothered with the • mischievous little imps. “Dear me,”- said Sooty, “this place is getting horridly overcrowded. I really would fly out of the top and find myself a new home, but I cannot bear to leave my playmate Fairy Sparkle. I wonder if

she would come with me. ’ Sparkle, Sparkle,” he called gently. “The wind is blowing hard. Will you fly away with me to make a new home ? . . , , “I> love to, Sooty dear, but—l m fr'g' l *: ened What-would I do out in the cold world without dear Mother Fire to keep me warm.” But at last the Soot Elf’s persuasions overcame her fear, and up, up she flew with the Soot Elf. But what a commotion they caused! Her fiery dress caught all the other little soot elves in the chimney, and with a roar the chimney was set on fITG. , “Fire ! Fire !” screamed the farmer s wife, and rushed for help while Sooty and Sparkle flow on the wings of the wind far away from the damage they had caused. CRISPIES AND RIDDLES. A railway porter dosing by the fire one day suddenly jumped up, seized the cat, opened the oven door, threw thy animat in, and, slamming the door, 6houted, “Right away, guard.” A Highlander was visiting the London Zoo. Seeing so many strange animals he called out to the attendant: “Here, mon . Ye miclit tell me the names o’ the big * beasties.” , “Certainly.” said the attendant. That large black one is a bear.” “And that one with the small horns it a moose.” *’A moose. Awa, man. If that s a moose then what are your rats like ?” Tourist: “Why do you call that little pig. ‘lnk’ ?” Farmer : “Because it is always running out of tho pen.” * * * * Chief Engineer (to Pat who was applying for a job): “What steps would you take if a- ship’s boiler burst?” Pat : “Sure, sir, Oi would take tho engine-room steps six at a time.” (Sent by Betty Wood). Q. : Why do rivers run under bridges? A. : Because they cannot run over. * * V * Q. : Whv are motor cars the laziest things in the world? J A. : Because they are always , tyred. Q. : Why is a plucky girl like good wool ? A. : Because she never shrinks. [ Q. : Why is a jersey like a banana skin? A. : Because it is easy to slip on. (Sent by Flour-de-Lys). Q. : When is the sea fashionable? A. : When it is a. great swell. Q. : What bird carries the heaviest weight? A. : The crane. Q. : Why is a barrister like a beggar ? A. Because he “pleads” for his living. (Sent by Christmas Lily).