Big Sister's Page

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIII, Issue 62, 9 February 1933, Page 5

Big Sister's Page

BIG SISTER'S LETTER. Dear Brothers and Sisters, Did you see the huge ’plane as it circled overhead on Saturday afternoon; did you see it outlined against the_ sky, its silver wing greyed by the falling rain? How magnificent it looked when, like some giant bird, it appeared out of the misty rain with wings outstretched, and its powerful engines rearing. It roared and swooped above the town, proud and triumphant, and swept on to the Aerodrome. And didn’t it make you feel a bit sad to hear that the beautiful machine had crumpled part of its graceful wing and broken a propeller? But soon it will be mended, and the famous Southern Cross will again take the air as before. Did you ever think of the joy of circling high up in the sky? The sun glints on the silver wings, and the wind screams past. Oh, what fun it would be! Then to look down (a little nervously at first I should imagine) and see the Manawatu all topsy-turvy and cut up into little squares of dark and light green, “with a ribbon for a river, and humpties for the hills.” And away in the distance we would see (if the atmosphere were clear) snowy Mt. Egmont and, yes, Ruapehu —wouldn’t that be lovely ? And the sea, too: I wonder how that would look? Would we see the ocean, cairn and azure blue—and would we see the lacy scarf of the foam near the shore ? How frightened the birds would be at the ’plane—you can just imagine how terrified they would feel at seeing a monster silver bird with the roar of a dragon! 1 have published the second and third awards held over in both senior and junior divisions of the Competition for which, you will notice, points instead of marks have been awarded. The Ladder Competition has recommenced in earnest and I hope it will be as keen as last year’s. I want you all to try ever so hard to get your names on the Ladder. Those who so far have q.ne step on the Ladder have gained their marks through points (five of which are required to gain a Ladder mark). But I hope to see a good many more names on the Ladder very shortly. Very commendable were the entries of Snowflake and Star (juniors) and in the senior section, the entries of Button, Mervyn Dalefiekl and Topping. The latter’s was very 2)rtistie, but spoilt by its brevity. Are you ready for another Competition ? I’m sure you are, and I’m looking forward to lots of interesting stories of “My Favourite Hero.’’

Love from, BIG SISTER.

G.P.O. LETTERS TO BIG SISTER. THE CUB.—Your puss is becoming a very cheeky fellow, and I laughed at the little incident of which you wrdte; he sounds very knowing, tool Yes, some words are lovely, and just seem to “fit the bill.” So your favourites are dingles, pearled, musk valley, fade, realms, etc. They are certainly expressive. My favourite wal'd is “luscious,” and it always reminds me of purple sun-kissed grapes. Another pretty one, I think, is “crunch”—can’t you imagine it? BUTTON.—It’s such a business, getting ready for another year at school —with a certain amount of excitement,

apparently, for you. Yes, it was a great pity auout cue aeroplane, bo you are going to two picnics as wen as swimming sports soon. j. Hope you are lucky m die "oitl urns’ “ rave, write and ten me how it went on. Love to you, aiid tnaniis lor tne contrioutions. tieliN it ST Alt KaNGKR: Thank you for your contributions, iou ceitunny nave a nail' lor composing poetry, my bister; “Dawn” was very piettny written, and 1 like that ime, “New washed meadows, daisy covered.” Keep on writing, for i think you should dvi very wen. Tiuuik you lor your luce letter, Lone Star; love and best wishes to you. WILD ULAC: Yes, little Sister, your guesses were quite right, and you iiavo another point added to your rapidly growing score. Do you like writing to Big Sister ? I hope you get as much pleasure out of it as I do reading your letters. POLLY PLUM: So you are quite better now? Influenza is not at all a welcome visitor, 1 agree. I am glad to hear you have passed into Standard VI this year; and you will have to work hard —you are a real “senior,” too. Those Brothers and Sistei's who at-' tempted the puzzle you sent have guessed it correctly. I hope 1 shall hear from you again, quite soon Polly Plum, and I send you my love. LITTLE LADY: Do you like doing homework? 1 didn’t when I was a little girl! Sometimes when you want to run outside and play the sums just won’t come out right and all the history i dates get tangled up—it’s not nice doing homework then, is it? I am pleased that you passed your examination; have you made many new friends in your new class? You have one point for solving the puzzle. MANY HAPPY RETURNS. , To JOHN BALLANCE, who celebrated liis birthday last Friday, February 3rd. Big Sister, and all your other Brothers and Sisters send you greetings, John Ballance, and we hope you had a very happy time. LADDER COMPETITION SENIOR DIVISION. “A SPRING MORNING.”

SECOND AWARD (3 points.)

Tlio first award entries in both senior and junior divisions were published lust week, the following being the second and third ones

Let us imagine that it is spring time and one morning we venture out somewhat earlier than usual to view the countryside. The first thing we see on coming out into the open is the fresh green grass with its glistening dew spangled blades shining like so many precious jewels. Further afield is a clump of wild daffodils waving in the cool morning breeze, and looking like tall spires among the grass. As we watch the horizon we see the long red streamers that herald the approaching day, slowly light up the East, making the sky look like a soft rose tinted veil. Then slowly old Sol climbs into the heavens. With a rush and a whir of wings a lark circles into the sky, pouring out a pure sweet melody which fills the air with gladness, giving us a thrilling feeling that makes us jaunty and happy. Slowly we wend our way to the farmyard. Hero we are met with ! a variety of sounds —the squealing of J the young pigs; the clucking of the broody lieu as she struts round the fowl-yard with her twelve little chicks running at her side, waiting for some tit-hit from their mother; the calling of the cattle and the barking of dogs.

Across the paddocks are some sheep and young lambs. Just watch them. One old sheep lines up all the lambs and when they are in line the old sheep gives a sharp “baa” and then oh go the lambs down the paddock, bouncing up in the air every few yards and thenlong tails bobbing up and down. \ve now return to the house and orchard. The latter is most picturesque to behold, rlie white blossoms of the pear tree mingling with the delicate pink blossoms of the apricot trees. The apple trees are snow-white with blossom, making a striking contrast with the green of the macrocarpa hedge round about. Thrushes sing sweet songs from the tree tops, while others are seen gathering straws for their nests. After gazing for a.while we return to the house having spent a long time in inhaling the beautiful spring morning zephrys. TJS RA Ut’Alt AH A (age 15 years.) THIRD AWARD. (Two Points.) “Goodness Gracious me!” said Mr Blackbird when he awoke one morning. “What is the matterr 1 ” asked Mrs Blackbird very sleepily. “It’s spring, bless my soul,” replied Mr Blackbird. “Spring!” cried Mrs Blackbird, wide awake now. “OJi, how nice.” “To think 1 should wake up and find it is spring,” mused Mr Blackbird. “So nice,” cooed Mrs Blackbird settling herself in her nest. “Now for that egg,” she added. Mr Blackbird gazed about him and once more marvelled at that wonderful season in question. “ I think I’ll take a stroll,” he said to his wife. • “Very well, dear,” she answered. Let us accompany Mr Blackbird. And now I shall tell you what we saw . . . Mr Blackbird hopped into the garden and examined the bulbs. “They will soon bo out,” he exulted. One little snowdrop was out, so he waved lus hand to her, and we stepped outside the gate. Wo entered a paddock and once more Mr Blackbird halted. Under our feet was a carpet pf rich, green grasses, and upon the hill, a sprinkling of lambs played in the sunshine. Here and there over the field wo saw a spot of yellow, or one of pink and white, and' the buttercups and daisies nodded to us in greeting. But Mr Blackbird was going on. Round the hill we went and here Mr Blackbird stopped again, and gazed about him. In front of us was a brook, a chuckling brook, a laughing, gurgling brook, and as we gazed, there came the sound ot elfin laughter—the brook was very happy. Then Mr Blackbird turned and flew home, leaving us to follow more slowly. But when we arrived Mr Blackbird was sitting on a branch of his home-tree singing, singing the praises of spring, and telling to his little wife in his music, all he had —THE CUB (aged 14 years.) JUNIOR DIVISION. “A DAY BY THE SEASIDE.” SECOND AWARD (3pts.) Father said we could go to the seaside for the day—we were so excited to think we were going to spend the

day at the beach! There was a hustle aim a bustle until, at last, we started. It did not take long to get there, but, oh, we did have some fun! First we had a swim and then we played at building sand-castles till mother called us to dinner, and wo were so hungry it did not take long for us to come. When dinner was over we went to see the fishermen hauling in their nets of fish. When we got tired of watching the fishermen we went for another swim, then gathered some shells and took them home because baby loves playing with them. After tea I went tor a walk over the sandhill while mother packed the things in the car ready for home. I enjoyed that day’s outing very much. —LITTLE LADY (age 10 years). THIRD AWARD (2pts.) One morning at five o’ciock my mother came into my bedroom and, waking me, told me to get up as we were going to the beach for the day. Full of excitement I dressed in my best clothes and ran down to breakfast. After that we bad to catch the train and so we hired a taxi in which we soon readied the station. On arriving at the seaside the day was so fine that the blue, calm water spread out in front of us quietly. After dinner we asked permission to go far a swim. “Yes,” answered mother, “but don’t go too far out.” Alter a delightful bathe we went for a walk over the rocks. It was a beautiful scone, as we looked down at the pretty, blue sea. We found lots of mussels and queer things stuck to tlie rocks. Finishing our walk we thought we would like to catch some crabs, and when we had and tired of ' that we found a shady I nook in which to rest and read. At hi o’clock our train came in and so ended our happy day by the sea. WILD‘LILAC (age 10 years).

Competition Ladder SENIORS. Marks. Te Rauparaha 2 Silver Star 1 Mother’s Help 1 Lone Star Ranger .., 1 JUNIORS. Marks. Little Lady 1 Ronnie Dalefield 1 John Ballance 1

The following Brothers and Sisters have points to their credit, received for sending in contributions guessing puzzles, etc., and require one, two three or four more points to gain five points, thereby making one Ladder mark :—-Star, Old King Colo, The Cub, Vera (four points) ; Silver Star, Robin Hood, Tickles, Snowflake, John Ballance, Polly Plum, Button, Wild Lilac (three points) ; Rosebud. Tui. Little Lady, Mervyn Dalefield, Mother’s Help, Minnie Ylou.se, Cinderella, Dream Lady, Lone Star Ranger (two points); Topping, Mocking Eyes, Lorna Doone, Wendv, Brer Rabbit, Eairv Fay, Freckles, Sunbeam and Laughing Water (one point).

A GIFT FOR THE HOSPITAL. The postman brought me a neat parcel tne other day, and I unwrapped it quielv.y wondering who could have sent it, and what was in it? Weil, it was tlie loveliest scrap bok from T-tIH Cull, and this is what she wrote:—“l am sending a scrap book of poetry, stories, riddles and pictures, lor the ucue children in hospital. \Yould you take it up lor me '( it is more lor older children, but I think (and hope) they will line it. lr they enjoy reading it as much as 1 have collecting it, I am sure they will bo home, web and strong within a week!”

Such a lovely book it is, and The Cub lias pasted in a number of stories, pictures, etc., from “Big Sister’s Page,” and it looks very nice indeed. Thank you very much, Cub, and i know all my Brothers and Sisters join with me iu so saying. A POEM. BUSY WILLIE WIND. Who is it that sings in the tree-tops? Who throws all the nuts on the ground, And scatters the leaves all around? Whoooooooo? Willie Wind. Who, snatches away my umbrella And gives me a terrible chase? Who dashes tlie rain in my face? Whoooooooo? Wiliie Wind.

Who is it that calls down the chimney? He’s boist’rous and merry and wild. That frolicking, rollicking child. Whoooooooo? Wild© Wind.

Who blows in the face of my wind-mill And turns it around and around. With such a dear iiuminy-hum sound? Whoooooooo ? Wilde Wind.

Who carries my kite to the heavens, And steadies it high in the air ' While it’s soaring and beckoning there? Whoooooooo? Wiliie Wind. Who whispers so softly and kindly And puts happy thoughts in my head When I’m all alone in my bed? Whoooooooo? Wiliie Wind.

Though sometimes he plays rather 'roughly We know that his kind heart is true, We children all love him, we do. Whoooooooo? Wiliie Wind.

—Carrie Leighton Adams, in “Think a Bit.”

PUZZLELAND. ACROSTICS. Have you ever tried to do acrostics? You have to put on your thinking-caps for these ! Here is an easy one : A flower ROSE Not shut OPEN What a plant grows from ... SEED Finishes ENDS Now see if you can solve this one: — A circus ring: What a horseman does: What Big Sister does: A girl’s name: An Indian province: You see the idea? You must make the words read the same down as they do across. Points will lie awarded for correct answers. And here are the answers for last week’s jumbled fruits:—Cherries, loganberries, grapes, apricots, .peaches and nectarines. Weren’t they easy ? Points for correct guesses are awarded to Lone Star Ranger, Wild Lilac and Little Lady.

A COMPETITION. SENIOR AND JUNIOR DIVISION. “MY FAVOURITE HERO IN HISTORY.” We all have our heroes in history, so I think this will be. within the capabilities of both seniors and juniors. Or you may write about your favourite heroine—either will do, but they must be real people—not fictitious. There are just crowds of heroes and heroines— Grenville, King Alfred, Drake, Bonnie Prince Charlie, Queen Elizabeth; ever so many, so that you will not have much difficulty in selecting a character. Tell me why you like him (or her), and give as good an account ns you can of their bravery, or whatever incident they are famed for. Tlie closing date is February 21, and entries should be sent in as soon as possible before that date.

Please mark clearly whether junior or senior, and also write the name of your particular hero or heroine on the top left-hand corner of your page — and remember, do not write on both sides of the paper. 1 hope you will all try, and good luck to all. IN THE KITCHEN. HOKEY-POKEY. Take two cups of .sugar, one small I teaspoon of cream of tartar, one cup of water, one cup of desiccated dark brown sugar, a lew drops essence of lemon, and two heaped teaspoons!ui of baking powder. Boil water and cream of tartar very quickly till it cracks in water. Take oif and add essence and baking powder; stir slightly, pour on to buttered di.sii, and when cold, store in airtight tins. —THE CUB (1 point). ***** JUST FOR FUN. Mamma had found it necessary to discipline Georgie for being naughty one day, and the usually forgiving nature of the child was held in check until his father came home, when the little boy ran to him and said : “Papa, l want you to do surnfin for me; 1 want you to discharge mamma.” “How many zones nave we, Willie?” asked the teacher of a pupil in the junior class. “Four,” was the reply.

“Well, then, name the four,” said the teacher. “The frigerated, the horrid, the temperance and the intemperance,” answered the little fellow. *****

Little Boy: “Mummie, I heard Father Christmas come last night and he bumped into the table and what do you think he said—?” Father. “Look here, it’s long past your bed-time.” * * * * *

The parson was lunching at the Brown’s. Before starting lie bent his head reverently over his plate when small Jimmy piped, “It’s all right sir, the meat’s quite fresh.”

An idiot asked a clock-maker “How long will this clock go without winding?” “Eight days,” replied the watchmaker. “Then how long will it go if you wind it?” (TE RAUPARAHA, 1 point). PALMERSTON NORTH S.P.CIA. The secretary of the Juvenile League of the S.P.C.A. writes to the Brothers and Sisters of Big Sister’s Page:—Dear Children: Some of you who took part in the pets’ carnival last year must have been thinking about it and wondering when the carnival for 1933 is going to take place. Well, I can tell you. It is to be on March 4, .so you have nearly three weeks to get ready and prepare your pets for tlie parade. There are to be plenty of prizes to compete for. This is tire list of classes: (1) Dog with longest ears; (2) dog with longest tail; (3) largest dog; (4) best “trick” dog; (3) best decorated dog; (G) Lest decorated dog and carriage; (7) smallest dog over 6 months; (8) best conditioned dog other than purebred; (9) best decorated bicycle (boy.); (10) best decorated bicycle (girl); (11) best bird imitation; (12) best decorated pony; (13) smallest pony; (14) best animal exhibit other than in the above classes. We want the parade to be even lietter than last year, so start at once with your preparations. Next week you will hear where and when you ar© to meet for the judging, and we are all looking forward to a sunny day and a wonderful time.

The world’s smallest man is said to lie a native of Bosnia, who is high. He is 60 years of age, and runs a farm, having refused many tempting offers to appear in public.