Happy Cogs

Manawatu Times, Volume LV, Issue 7294, 2 August 1930, Page 17

Happy Cogs

TO COGS.

All correspondence from Cogs should reach the Hub by Thursday mid-day of each week.

FROM THE HUB

Dear Cogs, There has been quite a lot of news in the letters this week and ever so many Cogs have had interesting things to tell about —snowballing and the fun of making snow-men, to say nothing of t.heir jubilation over the Test match. I have been very pleased with the nice way in which many of the Cogs' have expressed their appreciation of what the matron and nurses did to make last Saturday such a really happy day. We must have caused thorn a lot of inconvenience and they had gone to so much trouble in providing nice things and making the tables look so gay. And then thero were other kind ladies who brought along their cars, and cakes and sweets —we wore really very fortunate people. Now I think it would be a very good idea if all the Cogs wrote a little essay about the party, and the best ones will be published in the Cogs’ page. What do you think of that? I shall have some more to say about all the gifts next letter, but I must make mention of a lovely big box of shells sent in from Foxton, by Margaret, Gordon, Dick, and Lewis, who are Cogs-to-be. Myrtle and Doreen, who arc also Cogs-to-be., sent in some cards, which I think was very kind of them all. The mail bag this week has been so heavy, and such a lot of Cogs will have to be patient and wait for their letters to appear. Now for some announcements: —Will Carnation, Longburn, please write to Lydia Thessman, Bainesse, and will Myrtle Dodd write to Myrtle McGill, Purcell Street, Foxton? Reg Johnston would be a nice pen friend for the Elk, Apiti. Thank you Henry for the cigarrette cards, and Evelyn, and Nancy, and Audrey for the charming snaps. I shall soon have a lovely collection. There are too many new Cogs this week to mention by name, but wo give them all the very heartiest welcome to the happy family and hope they will find that being a Cog is the very best thing of all. The competitions this week have brought forth some good work and the judging has not been very easy. Mr Printer-man is calling out very loudly, so good-bye. With lots of love from r THE HUB. Shannon. Dear Hub, I have been reading the Cog page for a long time and have always wished to join your happy band. I am ten years old and in Std. V. My birthday is on October 30. I am enclosing 3d. for a badge. May I have Silver Bullet for my pen name. We have two pet lambs, Billy and Bonny. It is a good idea having two pages for the Cogs. Well I must close now with best wishes to you and all the Cogs, Alee Davcy. There is already a Silver Bullet, can you think of another name you would like? I am so pleased to have you in the big family. Linton. Thank you very much for niy badge. I am glad the flowers were fresh. I think the Skilltcst was very easy this time. I have a little calf which I call Cathie. My brother has just taken it for a run around the orchard. My little sister is going to join the Cogs this time-. Our rhododendron trees will soon bo eovdred with pink flowers. Well, Hub, I must closo now, so give any love to all the Cogs and yourself, I remain your loving Cog, Elsa. The rhododendrons arc lovely when they arc all in flower. I once saw a rhododendron grove all in flower —it was beautiful. It is to bo hoped Cathie won’t pay your tree a visit.' , Kiritaki. Dear Hub, : I am sorry I didn’t send my full address last week, but I hope you know mow, so I can get my badge safely. I em going to try this week’s Skilltcst. I’ve found 47 names but. I still think there aro more. The painting is rather hard, but I shall have a try at it. Wo arc having bad weather just now, but I hope it soon becomes flne. My two sisters and myself arc going over to a neighbour’s to hear the children’s session on the wireless. As news is scarce I am sorry to say goodbye. Best wishes to you and the Cogs, Moonbeam. Dear little Moonbeam, even now you haven't sent your name and address. Woodville. Pear Hub, Excited as I was about the party, I think I was more excited when I opened the paper to see that I had been one of the lucky prizp winners. I’m sure Mr Printer-man was kept very busy that morning, and as for Mr Puzzleman I’m quite sure ho must have puzzled himself a little when ho wrote that letter. I wish they’d write every week becase* their letters were so interesting. Uncle Bob was very kind, too, and so was the Big Chief. About the party, Hub, I’m quite sure it is the nicest one- I have ever attended, and if every Cog enjoyed it as well I did they should be ever so happy. Do you know, Hub, it is much easier to write now I know who you are. I think Mumsy must have -known, but wouldn’t let me share her secret. Well, dear Hub, the bed is calling me, so I suppose I’ll have to toddle off. From your loving Cog The Nymph.

If you enjoyed the party then wc art ever so pleased. Yes, weren’t those nice letters wo had on Saturday. "We „pnui9t_.p.eisuad»..onr “Heads" to write again. A

THIS WEEK’S COMPETITION Tho winners of tho No. 1 Competition are:Agnes Tennant, Bainesse, and Ronald Weallcan, Colyton, who divided the first and second prizes. Mariana Iwikau, Tikorangi, Halcombe, 3rd. No. 2 Competition: The Tcsult of t,b is competition will bo announced next week »s there arc so many late entries. birthday GREETINGS. Many happy returns of tho day to: Frank Algic, Beryl Sibbin, Stewart, Molly Loamy, Lydia Thessman, Eric Carry, Eric Bortahn, Leila Powell, Eona Russell, Len Stevens, Rhona Klink, Joyce Mclntosh, Jean McFarlane, Joyce Osborne, Frank Thomas, Lucy Elliot, Donald Astwood, Constance Morrison, Jean Garlick, Bryco Clapham, Marjorie Eglinton, Rea Thompson, Desmond Naish, Molly Conchman, Ruby Sutcliffe, Nadia Morine, Iris Markham, Audrey Kregcr, Evelyn Boyce. Rangiotu. Dear Hub, I must write and thank you for the lovely party you gave us. Tell Mr Puzle-man that his letter was a real tongue-twister. Will the photographs bo in this week's Cog page? I hope the little children liked the balloons. I did this week’s competition: May .1 have Christmas B’ells for a pen name? We are having a fancy dress ball in about three weeks’ time. I am acting the part of lady-in-waiting in a play called “Tho Sleeping Beauty.’’ Well, dear Hub, I must close now. From Christmas Bells. I think we should try and find something to puzzle Mr Puzzle-man—put on your thinking cap. You have lots of fun ahead of you with your play and fancy dress ball. Foiiding. Dear Hub, I enjoyed myself very lurch on Saturday and I hope you did also. When I saw the cot I thought it was very uico and also tho little boy in it. I thought it was a good idea to have a little party like that between the Cog children. I have boon pressing my name on some paper, but it docs not show up plain enough. I was very sorry wc were not allowed to go and sec the children in the room opposite the children’s ward. They wanted all the Cogs to go and sec them but they wore too ill for anyone to sec. All the children seemed to have liked their balloons but I bet there would bo a noise in the hospital when they burst. Well I suppose I will close now, love from Joyce. I am glad you enjoyed last Saturday and I am sure the sick children must have enjoyed it, too. There would bo a great noise when all the balloons popped off. Shannon. Dear Hub, May I join your happy band of Cogs, please? I shall bo 12 years of ago on October 25. Wc arc having our term examination next "Week and I hope I shall pass. I am in Std. IV now and hope to be in Std. V. next year. I enclose 3d. for tho badge. I must close now with lovo to you and all the Cogs. Please may I hav ( . Red Eagle for my pen name? Goodbye. I remain yours truly, Allan Bell. A warm welcome to you, Allan, and wc will call you Red Eagle from now. I hope you do well in your examinations. Nopane. Dear Hub, Hasn’t the weatherbeen terrible this last week! I was glad to hear all the Cogs enjoyed themselves on Saturday \ and I was sorry I could not come to sc-o the Cogs’ cot. I was looking forward to New Zealand winning tho third [ Test, and they did, too. There will be i seme excitement when the British and New Zealand teams play their final test on August 9. I know the girl who wroto tho piece of poetry for last week’s page very well because sho comes in the bus with me. Her name is Betty, and I think her very clever for lier age. I am not sending in this week’s painting competition, but I am doing the word Skilltcst. Well, dear Hub, as it is bed time I will close. With love to yourself and all the Cogs, Hazelnut.

There will be great excitement on August 0, and I think it is a good [thing we didn’t choose that day for the Cogs’ party. T am glad that you know Betty and that you arc interested in her poems. Jfakino. Dear Hub, This is just. a. few lines to send in with the Skilltos?.. I managed to get 35 words. I hope I am one of the lucky ones because I have never won a Skill* test yet. Now Hub, I must thank you for the good time you gave me at the party. I enjoyed myself so much that I would like to sec it all over again. I thought the cot was beautiful, and tine little boy- was sweet, wasn’t he? My word, aren’t the days cold, and over at Jtaumai it i\*ns snowing. I was very much taken with the big machines which print the Cogs ’ letters and other things, etc. We have no baby lambs or halves yet. We have a car called Overland Whippet- and they are very comfortable to travel in. We have a hew teacher coming oh Friday from the South Island. Last Friday I went to the picture called Disraeli and I liked it very much. Give my love to all the Cogs and heaps to yhurself. I remain your loving Cog, . " Disraeli. The happy faces of the Cogs last Saturday were sufficient thanks to all the staff. I am sure, and we were only sorry that we hadn’t more time. The arrival of your new teacher will be your next excitement, won’t it?

Cheltenham. Dear Hub, How are you getting on. I hope you aro well. I suppose you thought that I had forgotten you, but I haven’t. I am always one of tho first up on Saturday to get the paper. I am not going to send tho Skilltest in this week because I cannot do it. Do you liko the cold winter mornings? I’m sure I don’t. It is terribly cold in tho mornings when I have to get up and milk the cow. I think I will be glad when spring comes. I am in Std. VI. now at school and wo arc going to have a calf club, and Dad said that I can have one. I went in for the mangold plot and I was very lucky because I came first in tho Palmerston North Show in the championship class and I cams first in our school. Well, Hub, I am enclosing three penny stamps for a badge becauso I have lost mine. Well, Hub, I suppose I had better say goodbye now because it is bed time. From Joyce. I am glad you have not forgotten the Hub. Let me know if you get your badge. It is wonderful to be a champion mangold grower. I think you must be going to be a farmer. Cheltenham. Dear Hub, I have done the Skilltest this week and I hope to wiu a prize. Tho Ruabines arc covered with snow to-day. Wo had a frost this morning and it was cold, too. It is good to be sitting in front of an open fire, don’t you thing so, Hub? Tho ball was nice, and I suppose you saw the account of it in the Times. It was a good night, but cold. It was a good thing it was on a Friday night becauso I did not get up till late next morning. Well, dear Hub, I must close as there is not much news. Love from yoour Cog • Yvonne. Your ball must havo been a great success with all the lovely decorations and pretty dresses. Yes, I do like a nice open lire, especially in the cold winter. Foiiding. Dear Hub, . I shall put sixpence in with this let ter for two badges, one for Keit.h and one fo.r myself. It has been raining here and the ground is saturated. We have several small calves now and they afe very full of beans. Keith and Ailecn (my twin) aro boxing in tho passage and I can hear peals of mirth opining from that direction so nobody is yet knocked out. All our four cats aro snoozing on fouor different chairs. Here they are; On No. 1 chair lies Peter Jink, on No. 2 is Blackits, on No. 3 sleeps Grandma, and on No. 4 snoozes Ginger, so there you have them. May I havo Winkle for my pen name, please? Well, Hub, the best of luck from Lucy. I do hope the badges arrived safely. Your description oof your pet oats made me laugh becauso that used to happen in my home and I do love people who spoil their animals. . Kopua, H.B. Dear Hub, I am just writing a few linos to send with tho Skilltest. Wo had a very nice rido homo from Dannovirko in the car and we arrived homo at exactly nine o’clock after a very glorious day out. Wo wore very tired and Daddy had a nice fire ready for us. I enjoyed reading tho letters written by the Puzzleman, and Big Chief,. Undo Bob and the Printer-man. T enjoyed most of all tho trip to the hospital and seeing all the dear- little children in tho cots, and I think that our Cog cot is lovely. Before closing my letter I must not forget to thank the matron, sisters and nurses for helping to make our day out such an enjoyable one, and also, dear Hub, and every one who helped to ■make the day out a success. I must now close with love to all the Cogs and yourself. I remain your loving Cog, " Autumn Leaves.

You would have a lot to tell Daddy when you were in front of that cosy fre and I do hope you were not very tired. The matron and nurses were wonderfully kind to us, weren’t they? Kuawhata. Dear Hub, Well, I haven’t written for a good while and I cannot make this a very long letter. Mother is in Hastings at present and I am not quito sure when she is coming home. My two sisters have lost their badges and would they be able to come with us? Wo are milking many cows and wo will have to leave Palmerston early if wc are to got home in tome to milk. Well, Hub, I can't think of any more news. Wc are enclosing a few cigarette cards. From your loving Cyg, Doris. Thank you for the cards, Doris. I dc hope you enjoyed your day out on Saturday. Your Daddy appreciates the help you give him when he made it possible for you to como to the party. Ruawhata. Dear Hub, Here I am at last! I don’t think of writing to you till I am in bed. I had just settled down by the lire and begun to road a book when Boris said, “It’s time to write to the Hub." This reminded mo so I set to work. It is growing near eight o’clock, which means bed-time. Dad has just told me to go to bed, but I told him I had only finished one row. I remain your loving friend, Alec. Not very much news, Alee, but I liked your little letter. Glen Oroua. Dear Hub, May I join your happy band of Cogs? I have enclosed 3d. for a badge. May I have Blue Bantam for my pen name? I hav'o two kittens and they are always playing together. Well, as 1 have no more news I will close now with best wishes from Jack Sullivan. Welcome to the Cog family, Jack, and you may be Blue Bantam. Tokomaru. Deair Hub, I ani sorry I have not written for a long time so I thought I had better write now. Wasn’t it a cold day yesterday, Hub? We were glad we had a nice big tire in our school. We will soon have to feed some littlo calves. We can see that the days are getting longer and the nights shorter. That nleans that summer is approaching and winter is dying out. I enclosh some riddles and jokes. I remain your loving Cog, Dick. Old man winter is finding it hard to die out., don’t you think? but as you say, summer is approaching and we have that to look forward to. Thank you for the riddles and jokes.

Kopua, H.B. Dear Hub, I am just writing to thank you for tho enjoyable day wo had on Saturday and all thoso who helped to give us such a pleasant time. I thoroughly enjoyed every bit of it. The train journey was very slow, but wc ■enjoyed tho ride homo in the car from Dannovirkc. We had a lovely fall of snow here on Sunday night and have had some more to-day. I have a pet bantam, Hub, and would liko a name for it please. Well, Hub, I am feeling tired so I will close with lovo to all the Cogs and yourself from your lov-ir-g Cog, ' / Buskmaid.

You must have been very tired after your long journey, but if you enjoyed tlio day then it was worth while. Would Tiny do for the bantam? Kiurbolton. Dear Hub, I am so sorry I have not written for a long time. I am sorry I could not como to tho party. I enclose 3d for another badge. We went up to Kimbolton to play football. Wo had snow up hero and had a snow-light. Wc arc having a fancy dress ball on tho 22nd. of next mouth. I am your loving Cog, Santa Claus. It would never do to bo forgotten by Santa Claus, would it? Y T ou must have had great fun with the snow. What arc you wearing at the fancy dress ball? Cheltenham. Dear Hub, May I become one of your Companions of Gratitude? My sister Jeau has joined this company and I would like to join it too. I am enclosing 3d. for my badge. With lots of lovo for yourself and all other Cogs, your loving Cog Doris McFarlanc. I am very happy to welcome you, Doris, but please send particulars of your birthday. _ Kimbolton. Dear Hub, I am w-riting to sa.y how sorry wo were that wc could not attend the party. I saw tho account of it in tho paper yesterday. What a lovely time you all -must have had. Wc have had three falls of snow in less than a fortnight and it feels liko snow again tonight. It has been very cold. I am sending in competition No. 2, and Dul* cio is sending in the painting one. It is not very good, but sho wanted to have a try. What a lot of letters there were in the Cog page on Saturday. It was nico having two pages. I liked tho photo of tho cot, and what a dear little boy was in it. I have just finished reading “Beau Geste.’’ It is a very nice book; have you read it, Hub? Well, Hub, as there is no nows is nearly bedtime, I will say goodbye for this week. With love to all the Cogs, also heaps for yourself,. I remain your loving Cog, Amy. Wasn’t it nice having two pages last Saturday and I think we really need them again this week. I enjoyed Beau Geste very much and other books by Wren. Wo have only felt the snow in Palmerston North and have seen it in tho distance. Kimbolton. Dear Hub, I aim sending in the Skilltcst for this week—it passes tho long evenings away trying to think them out. I saw by tho paper that the Cogs who went to tho party on Saturday had a. good time. I guess tho sick children in the hospital were pleased to sco them. Wo had a snowstorm last night, and this morning when I got up tho ground was white. It has been on the grounded day. This afternoon at school tho children made two snow men. It is very cold to-night, but wo don’t want any more snow as it is hard on tho animals that, only havo the grass in tho paddocks to eat. With love to yourself and the other Coas, from Red Shadow. Tho only sad part about the outing last Saturday was that so many_ Cogs wero not able to be there. Tho kiddies in the hospital seemed to thoroughly enjoy the visitation. Bainesse. Dear Hub, I am just going to drop you a note to let you know that I had a good time at tho party on Saturday. The children in the hospital did look nice and warm in their red flannels. The Cogs' cot is a nico one. Tho wind was blowing hard here last night. Dear Hub, will you kindly get mo Carnation’s address. She is a Longburn girl. I got my badge safely, thank you. Jack sa’id iu his letter that they aro having snow at Taihapc. Ta ta; love to all the Cogs and yourself, froom Kia Ora. The children at the hospital certainly did look cosy and happy. I am so pleased that you enjoyed the day. I will ask Carnatioou to send her address.

Palmerston N. Dear Hub, I havo not written to you for two weeks so I will make up for it by writing a longer letter. I have saved my “swap’’ cards and I will be sending them, most likely, next week. I don’t want to make the envelope too bulky so I will postpone the sending of the cards. I have about 2,500 cards and about 30 sets, with many kinds of cards with just one or two short of the set. About two weeks ago I went for a'trip to Wellington and looked over the city. I went up to 2YA where wc could sec the city and the harbour. The “Maori’’ was in port and there was also the “ Eangitikci ’’ at one of the Wharves. The Eangitikci is a twofunncllcd ship which sails from England to New Zealand and vice versa. When I was at Wellington I saw the show but I was very disappointed as time would not allow me to see the zoo. I have been away from the Technical school sinoo Monday. I bad two teeth extracted, and the next day my checks were ail swollen. One side of my face was worse than the other and I looked very lopsided. I kept liko that tilt Friday when it went down to almost normal. It is unusual to have snow just by Pahiatun and also over ar Kimbolton. There will be many happy boys making snowmen and throwing snowballs at each other. There was a good amont of snow on •the hills as wo could sec as wc passed some of the stations nearer Palmerston North. Fancy ‘finding gold in tho hills near Tokonia.ru! It was very surprising to see in tho paper all about the claims. Tho man who found them must have been used to seeing quartz. Sonic of the farmers will be lucky if there is gold to be found on their properties. I havo thought that seeing as most of the Cogs have pen names I would liko to have one. May I have Kookaburra for my pen name, as I am very fond of tho laughing jackass, as this bird is commonly called. Thero is one thing in particular that the jackass does to help men, and that is tho killing of snakes. They named it jackass because its laughing song was liko the braying of an ass. I have not told you very much about one of my favourite games—football. When I went to Wellington I saw Athletic Park, whero the Maoris played against Britain. It was a very big ground and I looked from the top of tho scats and anybody down in the ground scorned very small indeed. On Wednesday Palmerston Tech, beat Mastcrton Tech, by 15 —0. Tho ground was very muddy and before the end of the game one team could hardly be distinguished from tho other because of the mud oil their trousers and shirts. About a fortnight ago I had a very good game of football. The match was P.N. Tech, town boys v. P.N. Tech, country boys. I was playing half and wo (town) won by (I—3. Well, Hub, I think I must closo now. I remain yours truly, Kookaburra. What a nico interesting letter, Kookaburra. I am sorry it had to be held back last week. You must have had a lovely visit to Wellington, but I am sorry to hear about the swollen face and'hope it is ail better again. I think tho Kookaburra is a most fascinating bird. Manawatu Heads.

Dear Hub, Thank you very much for tho badge which I received last Monday. I will not be at the party, but I will look forward to the account of it in the paper. Wo are starting to play basketball down here and I liko playing very much. We havo two or threo jonquils coming out. Wc arc starting our second term exams in two weeks’ time, and I don’t know whether to be glad or not. History is my favourito subject in school, and I mean to bo a tourist when I grow up, if I can. I am not doing the Skilltest as our teacher is showing us for the first time and then wc can do the rest ourselves. Well as my nowsbox is empty I must close. From your loving Cog, Elizabeth. It was a pity you couldn’t como to the party, but there will be many more. There is nothing liko making up your mind early as to what you intend to do and no doubt you will do it. Don’t forget to tell me about the basketball and how your garden progresses. Karcwarcwa. Dear Hub, I am writing to ask you if I may join your Companionship of Gratitude. I like reading the lottcrs very much. I am in Std. IV. and am ten years of age, my birthday being on August 7. May I please havo Aloha Oo for my pen name? It is taken from a song which I like very much. It is snowing quite heavily here. W© have had threo falls in a fortnight. I am enclosing three penny stamps for a badge. Hoping you will receive me as one of your Cogs, I remain yours sincerely, Audrey Ivrcger.

A great big welcome to you Audrey and I hope you will enjoy being a Cog. What fun you must bo having with all the snow! Ten is v. lovely age, isn’t it?

Manawatu Heads. •Dear Hub, I am sorry that I didn't write last week. The weather is very ba<d just now. Wo have just started basketball and I was the first to score a goal. Our scores were 3—l. Our teacher has had a very nasty cold the last few days. Our exams arc coming and we are re* vising spelling now. 1 have a sister Kathleen and she is 16 years old. I might be sending in next week's Skilltes't. I wish that I could go to the painty, on Saturday. Give my love to •all the Cogs, Cherry .Blossom. It does give one a thrill to score in a match, doesn't it? I hopo your teacher's cold is better. I shall send along some thoughts to wish you sue* cess iu your examination. Manawatu Heads. Dear Hub, I am very pleased to say I can come to tho party, and I fed so excited fhat I. cannot write properly. My brother Jim has a baby puppy and I think he is calling it Darky. We have just started playing basketball, and it is not a bad game either, is it? There is not much news so I must close now with much love to all the Cogs. 1 remain your loving Cog, Moonbeam. I do hope the party was all that you expected. The little puppy must be sweet; give him a pat for me. Basketball is the best game of all for girls. Manawatu Heads. Dear Hub, May I join your happy family? I am working on a farm and I like it very much. lam 13 years old and in Std. V. May I have Cowboy for my pen name. With love to all the Cogs, I remain your future Cog, Jim Harvey McPhail. A hearty welcome to the family, Cowboy. You will be able to tell us •all sorts of things about farm life. Don't forget to let mo know the date of your birthday. Foxton, Dear Hub, I suppose you think I have forgotten you. It is a long timo sinco I have written. Well, Hub, how aro you all jogging along? May I have the/ pen name of Shimeiene, please? I do hope the British are defeated to-day, don’t you? I have had a shot at doing the second competition and I am sending in the list. I cannot do the first one as I have lost my paints. Well, dear Hub, I will conclude my short note as I am going to the football. Lovo to all tho Cogs, Kcsic. It would sound better to say you hopo Die All Blacks arc successful, don’t you think? What made you think of that pen name? Don’t neglect me for so long or I shall feel that you have forgotten me. Buunythorpe. •Dear Hub, May I become a member of your happy circle. lam very interested in tho Cog page and read it every Saturday and wish to join. I know five Cogs in Bunnythorpe four of whom come to our school and one who does not. I am 1? years of age and in Std. VI. May I have Laughing Lady for my pen name? We had four little calves tho other day and one died. I am enclosing 3d. for a badge. Love to all the Cogs, not forgetting yourself, from Doggy 0 'Donnell. A very warm welcome to the big family, and Laughing Lady will do very nicely for a pen name. It has been nasty weather for the baby calves, hasn’t it? Makino. Dear Hub, I hope you have not forfotten me. My mother has been very ill iu tho Palmerston Worth Hospital. I was away for nearly four months and that was why I did not write to you. I will conic to your party, Hub and I am sending 3d. for a badge. Could I have the pen name of Disraeli, because I see Bluebell has becu taken. I will try to bring some flowers, and if I cannot get any I will bring along some fruit. I went to s>cc tho Gold Diggers of Broadway and I also hope to sco Disraeli. I have three cats called Tinker, Torrid and Kitty. My eldest brother is working in Wellington and my second brother is still going to High School. lam the only sister with two brothers. I used to go ovciy Sunday to sec Mother when she was in the hospital. I also had a little cousin in the hospital with a broken arm and one Sunday I went to see Edith West, but I could not see her. I will write to you more frequently now that my mother is homo again. J like reading the Cogs’ page. It is raining like anything here. Well, I must close now as there is no more news. Give my lovo to all the Cogs and heaps to yourself. I remain your loving Cog, Disraeli.

I liopc the badge arrived in time. It is not nice when Mother is ill and you must bo delighted to ltavo yours home. Is your cousin still in hospital? I hope the two brothers appreciate their only sister. Apiti. Dear Hub, Isn’t the weather rotten now, Hub? On Wednesday we had the heaviest, fall of snow that I can remember. It was -Jive inches deep. At the present moment it is pouring with rain. Our neighbours went away for a short holiday and returned yesterday and their children, Phyllis and Liu, who arc both Cogs, stayed down here. May I have two pen friends Hub? If so will you ask a boy Cog who is 11 years old, to write to me. As I have to get the morning-wood I shall close. Love to even-one from The Elk. Your letter was too late last week, Elk. I shall look up some pen friends for you. What a, lot of snow has fallen this winter. Kiwi tea. Dear Hub, May I become a member of the Cogs, for I would very much like to be one. Dad has been very busy lately fixing fences and he has put an extra bail on the end of the cowshed. I enclose 3d. for a badge. We had snow here to-day but. it would not settle. Up in Kimbolton it settled and the people were able to make a snow-man. It has been trying to snow here for two or three days, and it. is great- fun. May I have Merrylegs for a pen name. Well, Hub, there is no more news. 1 remain your happy Cog, Merrylegs. Welcome to the new Cog, and I shall hope to hear from you quite often. It is so much more satisfactory when ■there is a proper snowstorm instead of that nastv sleet, isn’t it?

Palmerston N. Dear Hub, Thank you for the lovely party. It must have taken a lot of time and trouble to prepare, and I am sure all tho Cogs enjoyed themselves very •much. Wouldn’t it. be nice if all the Cogs and you, Hub, and Uncle Bob, and Mr Printer-man, and Mr Puzzleman and Big Chief all had a picnic down at the Esplanade in the summer time? The Big Chief could leave his blue pencil home that. day. I think the cot was lovely and such a nice lit He boy iu it, too. T am sending in the •Skilltest which I found very interesting. Well I must close now, thanking you once more for giving us all a good time. Love from Lion Heart. If you enjoyed the party. Lion Heart I am more than pleased. Your suggestion is a good one and we must have a consultation about it. I think Eex enjoyed the party as much as anyone. Manawatu Heads. Dear Hub, I got your letter and the badge. I hope you liked the letter. It was my sister Daphne’s birthday on July 21,' that was on Monday. She is 13 now. Mine is on August 19. It will soon be the holidays. The days go quickly, it seems to me. Lovo from Snookems. I did like your letter, Snookems. We must wish your sister many happy returns, oven if it is a littl elate. Time just flies when you arc busy and happy, doesn’t it? Manawatu Heads. •Dear Hub, We are playing basketball now and I enjoy it very much. I am looking forward to the holidays . We are having very bad weather lately. Some of our bulbs aro coining out now and we shall soon have a nice show of them. I think the badge is very nice and I will take ea.ro of it. As news is scarce I will close now. With lovo to you and all the other Cogs, I remain your loving Cog, Lotus Blossom. I think basketball is a lovely gamo for girls to play and I do hopo you get on well. The poor old bulbs arc having a hard struggle to get out with old man snow making himself so objectionable. Palmerston N. Dear Hub, I am writing to thank you for giving us such a lovely party. I went* with Dick and quite enjoyed it. The children in the hospital all secimcd glad to see. us, too. Didn’t the cot look nice, Hub? Well, I will close now’ with love from Audrey. I think it was a great day for the children in the hospital,' and the cot looked very fine with its dear lit tic boy. Palmerston N. •Dear Hub, I enjoyed the parly on Saturday and I am beginning to save up now for the Christmas presents for the little children. I hope we don’t have any earthquakes here; they aro nasty things, aren’t they? I am sending in. my first piece of poetry. I know a great many Cogs now. Has the Puzzle-man found it very hard to puzzle out a puzzle that will not puzzle us too much this week? Could you tell me a name for my puss? He is black with a little white fur under his chin. I will close now.- as there is no more news. Best love to all Cogs and yourself, Sweet Briar.

That is a splendid idea, Sweet Briar. Wasn’t it great fun meeting such a lot of Cogs? Your puss must be rather like a tui How would Tui do for n name? Was the poem your very own? Manawatu Heads. Dear Hub, I lost my badge and found it again. I hope you arc getting on well. I am getting on well at school. The infant readier is going away to another school an<l they are going to have a relieving teacher (ill (he holidays. I remain your loving Cog, Fiddle-de-dc. When lessons go well school is a. very nice place, isn’t it? Wo can all make it nicer by working hard. You were lucky to find your badge again. Manawatu Heads. ■Dear Hub. I would like to join, your happy little band of Cogs. I am eight years old and in Std. IL I live at Manawatu Heads, Foxfon bench. I hayc a playmate and hie- comes to play nearly every afternoon after school. I go out felling but only catch crabs. AA e are learning banket-ball and it is very interesting. A\ T -ould you please put my pern name Sing-Sing? I remain yopr little friend, Bubbles Hopkins. T a.m very pleased to welcome you to the Cog family. Do you know I think you might -find a nicer pen name? How would Peter Pan or Wendy, do? Manawatu Heads. Dear Hub. I received my badge last week. I am going in for the Skilltest. I have not tried skipping this winter because I have no rope. I am sorry that I cannot go to the party. AVo are starting to play basketball. I remain your loving Cog, Yum-ium. You will enjoy basketball I feel sure, and I hope you will like the Skill-tests. AVc were all sorry you could not be at the party.

Woodville. Dear Hub, Thanks very much for the badge, I received it a week ago. I am sending in this week’s competition. I have spent about two hours iu painting it and trying to find out how many things I could find beginning with e. Dad is playing the violin with the gramophone. It is rather cold these mornings to go to school. I saw the picture of the cot on the Cog page on Saturday morning. I ani sure whoever sleeps in it will bo very happy. I learn dancing and have been learning for two months. I must close now as it is bed time. Love to all Cogs from Fido. You havo been very industrious, Fido. If you had seen the little boy in the cot at the hospital last Saturday you -would have been quite sure that, he was very happy. Are you learning any fancy dances? AYoodville. Dear Hub. lam 12 and lam in Std, VI. IVlmt a big -fire there was in Palmerston North last Saturday, I would like lo have seen it. It was my mother’s birthday on July 2S and she got such* a lot of nice presents. W,e used to go to Palmerston North on Saturdays, but now Dad and Mum play golf. May I have Kiwi for a pen name I enclose three penny stamps for tho badge. Your loving Cog, Kiwi. I am very pleased to welcome you to tho family and will call you Kiwi. Your Mum must have enjoyed her birthday, but we don’t put mothers’ ages in the paper. Woodville. Dear Hub, I felt so disappointed when I read • all about tho good times you all had on Saturday, but I couldn’t come. The first time I come over I will come and see vou at the office, Hub. It is so cold" and all the hills are white with snow. I have had a try at the names starting with c but I didn't try the painting. Daddy, Mummy and myself went to hear the footy on Saturday over a friend’s wireless. Daddy did enjoy it as it is the first time he has seen or hoard footy this winter. He was pleased that the All Blacks won. Best wishes to ail, All Black. Never mind, All Black, your turn will come one day. I shall look forward to seeing you. All the Cogs will be pleased that your daddy was able to hear the Test match and rejoice with him in the result. Fcilding. Dear Hub, I am sending in the competition tins week. It is the first one I have done for ages. Did you enjoy yourself at the party? I did and I hope all the other Cogs did. W hat beautiful letters Uncle Bob. Mr Puzzle-man, Mr Printerman, and the Big Chief wrote. I hope they will soon write some more. Please, i dear Hub, could I have Buttercup for my pen name? I will close now with lots of love to yourself and Cogs, from . " Joan. We will have to try and persuade tho Chief, Uncle Bob, the printer man and the puzzle man to writr to us more often, but they arc very busy people. Yes, you may be Buttercup. Manawatu Heads. Dear Hub, Thank you very much for tnc badge you gave me. We are starting basketball. We go down to the beach to play. Our side won by three to. one. I am looking forward to the holidays. Well. I know no more news. I remain your loving Cog, . Banjo. How lovclv to play basketball on the beach! Does the ball ever fall into the sea? You must tell me all about the holidays. Manawatu Heads. Dear Hub, I have a great deal of news to tell vou. We arc just starting to play basketball down the beach. I wish I could come to the party on Saturday. have taken my bulb out of the pot and put it in the garden with four others. Ono of them is coming into bud and the others arc four or five inches above the ground. I like the badge and I wear it on my coat. I hope you aro quite well and happy. Well, I must send my love to all the Cogs, your loving Cog . Bodgie. I hope I shall see you playing basketball some day. You will have a brave show when ail your bulbs are flowering. Don’t forget to tell me. I am so glad that you like your badge.