Happy Cogs

Manawatu Times, Volume LV, Issue 7009, 19 November 1932, Page 11

Happy Cogs

TO COGS

Cogs please wnte your full names and addresses on both letters and Skilltests. Marks and prizes cannot be awarded unless you remember these instructions. All correspondence from Cogs should reach the Hub by Wednesday mid-day of each week.

FROM THE HOB

Dear Cogs, What a sad story I have to relate this week! Through trying to read Cogs' letters written ever so faintly with pencil and in topsy turvey order, Mr Printerman and I have had to take to glasses—great big horn-rimmed ones, too! What do you think about that? Dears, do try to remember that your letters must be written clearly and on one side of the paper only. You don’t realise what puzzles you give us sometimes, to say nothing of the trouble of finding page two. The Skilltests were very interesting this week, and quito a big number sent in correct solutions. That meant having a dip in the bran tub again. Will you help mo please, by answering some of the numerous questions that have been asked about pen friends and addresses, and all the other things. We have a number of new Cogs to welcome in again this week, and Horace, thank you for the dear little slippers. All our garments and bed spreads have been handed to the Mayoress now, so we can now concentrate on the Treasure Chest for the Hospital children. Have you noticed how generously the cabbage trees are flowering this year? They are a wonderful sight in the Square gardens and the scent from them, particularly in the evenings, is lovely. A good friend who makes a special study of our native trees tells me the cabbage trees have not flowered so prolifically for twenty years. That is interesting, isn't it? Well, deairs, examinations are in the air, so work hard and do your best. Your tests will soon be over and then you have so many lovely things in front of you. Lots of love from your friend, THE HUB. i

Woodviiie. Dear Hub—l think I forgot last week to thank you for my prize, vmicn I received safely, and thank you ever so much. Oh, Hub, do you remember my dear old dog, Sandy, that we have had for ten years? Well, last Tuesday he died, someone poisoned him. Poor old dog! he deserved a better end. We all miss him so much. He was so faithful and would never leave Dad. He could almost talk, and knew every word that was said to him. Weil, 1 must stop. Love from your Cog, All Blacic. I can deeply sympathise with you, All Black in the loss of your dear dog, and hope the person who poisoned him will be severely punished. Cheltenham. Dear Hub, —I found the Skilltest quite easy. We are having our examination test soon and I hope to pass and go into Std. VI. We are having our school concert on December 16. Don’t you wish you could come to it, Hub? Have you been for any swims yet? Well, dear Hub, I must close, hoping you and all your loving Cogs aTe well, Love from Trixie. I would certainly like to be at your concert. No, my dear, I haven’t ventured in for a swim yet. Good luck for your examination

COMPETITIONS

SKILLTEST WINNERS. This week’s Skilltest winners are:— Beatrice Salmon, Cunninghams, R.D. Elsie Walters, Fcilding. Correct solutions wore sent in by B'. Thomson, Ina Parlane, N. Christensen, Franeio Mason, Jessie Clark, Wallace Cook, Joan Corpe, Joan Eglinton, Marjory Eglinton, W. Giles, Doris McFarlane, Sybil Young, Peggy Corkhill, Margaret Dermer, Clara Clark, France® WaTd, Horaco Jefferies, Bill jLoiitk, Kathleen McDonald, Trixie Corkhill. The answers were: Penguin, harrier, fantail, bittern, bellbird, morepork, rifleman, dottrell, parrakcet, albatross, kingfisher, saddleback.

HaJcombe, Dear Hub, —You must surely think that I have forgotten your happy band but I really meant to write before. I am sitting for my proficiency, on December 12 and so it will be a busy day for me. I was not fortunate enough to go to the show, although we had a holiday from school, but, Hub, you can’t guess what I found—two, four-leaf clovers! In our garden the air is filled with the perfume of beautiful, vclvotpetalled toscs whose various colours add to their beauty. Our pussy has two, soft, fluffy kittens whose colourings are the same grey *nd blaek as herself. We have 22 little calves to feed and it is so delightful watching the merry twinkle in their eyes, and the Carefree way in which they indulge in their play. One of my school friends is leaving next Thursday to live at their new farm which is on the other side of the Manawatu Gorge. I have knitted myself two borets; a pink with a band of grey to match my scarf, for school, and an orange with a light brown brim for best next winter. I am also going to knit myself a jumper to match. We have six little goslings and three tiny brown chickens, and also three yellow ducklings. Well, Hub, as I cannot bo too greedy and take up all the space, I will close, wishing you overy success for your happy band. Dimples. It was good to hear from you once more and read of your happy doings. What a thrill to find some four-leaved clovers- You must be quite an expert knitter now.

Woodvillo. Dear Hub—Next Saturday my brother and I will bo going to the contest with the rest of the band. On December 1, I am going to have my examination. When my brother and I go to the contest, my brother will have to bo dressed in long troousers and a snir white collar. I can recite the piece o. poetry. On Wednesday, November 16, we are boing to have a church concert and I am to be in. a play. Well, Hub, as news is scarce X will close. Cheerio, and love from Laxey. You are very young to be taking paTt in a band contest. What do you play? Your brother will look very fine, I am sure. Makino. Dear Hub,—l would like to join your happy band of Cogs. I am nine years old and my birthday is on February 13. We have a big patch of onions which I have been helping Mother to plant out. Wbat do you think about Granny Bonnet for my pen name? I remain your loving Cog, Lqrna.

I am happy to welcome you dear, and you may be “Granny Bonnet.’’ Send three penny stamps for your badge.

Woodvillo. Dear Hub,—lt is such a long time sinco I last wrote to you that I hope you will not think I have forgotton you. lam writing this in bed, so please excuse inc doing it in pencil. I have dono the Skilltest and think it quite oasy. - Mother is still in Napier, and is enjoying herself so much that she does uot want to come home, but wo are all quito pleased because the sea air will do her the world of good. It is my brother’s birthday on the 16th and he will bo 11 years of age. I am still staying with my grandmother, and I love it, for it is so nice and quiet. Mother has sent us a lot of shells which she picked up off the beach and there are some very pretty ones among them.: Granny had 12 little chicks, but sue bus only six now. Thero are some beautiful roses out in the garden at present and they are a rfal picture. Just fancy, summer is hero again, with beautiful, gay coloured gardens. Why, Christmas will bo here before we know where we are! Everybody seems to have enjoyed show week, and X think that tho so of us who did not. go missed somo very interesting things. I did not go, as I was ill in bed at the time. Swimming has started again, and wo see such a lot of people going and coming from the baths. I think that it is just lovely to see the wee lambs frolicking about on a hot .summer day, but all too soon they will be grown up like their mothers. Our Bible class is ending the season with a social. Well, Hub, as this is all my news I will close with best love to all tho Cogs and yourself, from Ocean Spray. I am sorry to hear that you have •been ill, Ocean Spray, and hope that you arc well and strong again by now.

Fcilding. Dear Hub,—There is not much news about, but I have a little news to tell you and the Cogs. Last Sunday was the anniversary of our Sunday school, and on Monday we had our anniversary tea. Tho man who took our Sunday school was Mr Eade, who has come from India. He left Fcilding a long time ago and has been over there for six years. He told us some vory interesting stories, too. May I have Buffalo Bill for my pen name, and will you please find me a pen friend? Our little kittens have their eyes open and they crawl about. We are all looking forward to the Christmas holidays. One day I may come in and see you when J am in Palmerston North. Well, I tviil have to say goodbye to you and all the Cogs, because I have to get something for the bunnies to eat. Leo.

You must have had a very interesting time at your anniversary. Very well, you may be Buffalo Bill. I shall look forward to that visit, Leo. Dear Hub,— As to-day is wet and I cannot go out to play, I decided to write to you. I cannot send the Skilltest as the paper got burnt. We are practising for our school concert which is to take place shortly, and also learning fancy dances for our big evening which is to be hold here in the hall on Christmas Eve. lam entering for. a painting competition and I hope to win a prize. Our peach tree has a good ■many peaches on this year, which is a great surprise, as we haven’t had any of it for years. I must thank you for giving me the address of a pen-pal. 1 wrote to her to-day, too. Well, Hub, as news is scarce I will have to close now, hoping I will find more news next time. Love from May Blossom. You will have many interesting events to relate after your concert and dance, so don’t forget to tell us all about the functions. Kaitawa.

Dear Hub,—Thank you very much for printing my last letter. Also thanks to Cogs Who sent in the names of the poets. Examinations this week! . I won’t be having mine yet a while, though. Our wee kitten, though only four weeks old, plays and runs about with its mother. It is very amusing to watch. Hub, is “Hinemoa’s” name Peggy Corkhill? In her last letter she just signed herself Hinemoa, and I write to five “Peggys,” so I am not

quite sure. Will you please tell me . “Irish Rose ’s’’ name. Is “Soapsudsand “Ladybird” tho one and the same? I am rather busy at present ‘swotting’ < for my examinations, so penpals would you mind waiting awhile?. I have been making Christmas presents, and I sent some very pretty Maori postcards to pen-pals in England, Canada, _ Newfoundland, New Caledonia, Straits Settlements Africa, India and Italy. I m not sending my Australian pen-pals any yet awhile. I am just dying for the 2oth. to come, for then the Women’s Institute is holding its birthday party. Last year it was a tremendous

success. Wo have items, games, and dancing, and, of course, a delicious supper, provided by the ladies of the district, who are known for tho sumptuous suppers they put on. Isn’t it exciting to think that it needs less than a month to breaking-up day? Will you please tell me your favourite shade, Hub? Last week my sister and I had a few good games of tennis. I am learning to signal in Morse, now, in tho Guides, and it is most exciting. Are there any Cogs who would be wiiling to correspond with me, writing half theiir letters in Morse? It has been most interesting, working for my “second class.’’ My sweet william plants are all beginning to peep forth in Ted, pink and other shades. They look quito pretty in a mass. I was very pleased to receive a letter from Betty Clapham tho other day. In the Skilltest on native birds I had them all but three, so I won’t be sending it in this week. lam learning such a pretty piece of music now. Hub, don’t you think it would bo lovely to have a Guido and Scout corner in our page? Well, as it is lunch time I must close. Hoping you and all the Cogs are in the best of health, I am, your’s

sincerely,’ Mavis. Another nice letter, Mavis, and now for* all those questions. Peggy Corkhill’s pen name is “Pussy Willow,’’ and not “Hinemoa.” I will look up the names and addresses of Hinemoa and Irish Roso for you. You seem to have guessed “Soapsuds’” secret. My favourite shade is blue. I like your - suggestion about the Guide and Scout corner, very much and will see what we can do about it. What a lovely lot . of. Interesting, letters-you must receive fEOffl. abroach

Mangawhata. Dear Hub, —I had a great adventure on Sunday as I was going to Sunday school. I jumped off my pony to shut >a gate, and when it was shut my pony would not come up to it to lot me get on, for ho was rearing. My father being near, ho came over to help me on, and on doing this he told me to smack the pony, and I did. Ho must have got Ibis feet tanglod in the grass, for lie fell over on his back with mo underneath him. I was uot hurt, but all I cared was not to let Tim get away. Marjory had gone on, and when sue saw what had happened you could havo heard her laugh a mile away. She said ho just looked like a cow which had been bunted into the drain a Tittle while before. The othor night as we were coming home from school we found a rabbit that had its leg broken. It must havo been caught in a trap. Having caught it, we brought it home and had it for tea On Saturday we went out to tea and hud rooster pie, and both got a wish-bone. We have been asked out to a party on Saturday, and our Sunday school anniversary is on Sunday, so wo are having a hectic time lately, aren’t we? Well, as there is no more nows I will close, with love from Rising Sun. You are certainly having a gay time, Rising Sun. That was rather an unpleasant adventure, I think, and I am glad that you did not get hurt.

Ra.ngiitanc. Dear Hub—l have not written to you for weeks, so I thought I had better write. I am glad the summer is here. On Sunday it was very cold, but not for mo as I was in bed all day. On Friday we had a holiday from school to go to the show. Florry Carson and I went to see my aunty and she gave Florry some plants. Florry lives in the house that “Orange Blossom” used to live in, and sometimes, if it is a fine week-end, we go for a picnic. I must close now, with lovo from Sweet Briar. Send your full name and address, my dear, and another badgo will be sent. This is lovely weather for picnics, isn’t it?

Hukanui. Dear Hub,—How are you and all the Cogs keeping? I suppose you have nearly forgotten mo by now, as it is guch a long time since I last wrote to you. We have had a beautiful day here today. The suu has been shining constantly, with a light, cool breeze blowing from the south. It really makes one want to plunge into the cool waters of the river on days like these. We have six leghorn chickens out, and they are perfect darlings. We also have another hen sitting and a duck, and a goose with eight goslings. It is great fun watching our calves frolicing about in the fields. Christmas is drawing near and many children are dreading tho examinations. Doesn’t Mavis write long, chatty letters? I wish I could. I have not any more news, so I will close, hoping my Skilltest is right and wishing you lots of love, Billy Boy. It seems rather early for bathing, yet. Old Man Winter made a late appearance again this week. Aren’t the goslings quaint little things?

Foil cling. Dear Hub,—Would you please em<n me as a member of your Cogs? I am enclosing 3d for my membership badge. I shall be 13 years of age on December 30, and for a pen name I would liko “Deerfoot.” I-am enclosing this week’s Skilltest and hope that it is correct. We havo just finished our school examination and I hope I pass into Std. VI. We had a most exciting Guy Fawkes last Saturday night. 1 will close now as it is getting late. Yours sincerely, Bryan Thomsou. Welcome to our big family-, Bryan, and “Deerfoot” you may be. Ido hope tho examination went off well. Write again soon.

Stanway. Dear Hub,— May I join your happy band of Cogs? I am enclosing 3d for my badge. I am also enclosing this week’s Skilltest and hope it is Tight. I have always enjoyed trying the Skill tests every week, and I think they are so interesting. May I have _ Grey Warbler” for my pen name, if it is not already taken? I am nine years old, and my birthday is on June 30. I will write more news in my next letter but will close this timo with lots of love to yourself and all the Cogs, from Margaret Dermer. I am delighted to have a “Grey Warbler” in my family and you arc very welcome. Write again soon, my dear.

Feilding. Dear Hub,—We are getting ready for our examination now. If I pass I shall bo in Std. VI. How time docs flyl It doesn’t seem long ago smeo 1 was in Std. 11. I like reading the Cogs’ letters, especially the ones who live a long way away from hore. Well, Hub, I cannot find much news this time, but there might be more next time, so cheerio for now. Love to you and all the Cogs, from Charmaine.

Examinations aTO in the air and I do hope tho members of my family come through with flying colours. Marton. Dear Hub,—l am sorry I have not written before, but the timo flies, doesn’t it? We are very.busy on the farm now. W 6 are milking over 130 cows and have got in about 44 acres of ensilage. Wo also have 13 darling little chickens. When they are small they aro like little balls of yellow fluff, aren’t they? My brother is going to sit for his proficiency on the 28th. We came down to the show on the Friday. T was coming to see you but I-did not seem to be in the city. Did you go? Aren’t the flower gardens looking lovely? Our school is putting on a play at the end of this term and it is called “The Knave of Hearts.” We have a lot of fun practising for it. I must close now, as this is all the news. Love to all the Cogs and yourself, from Adohl.

What a busy time it must be for you all on tho farm! lam glad you were able to visit the show but sorry to have missed you.

Gloa Oroua. Dear Hufy—3/ am homo from school and on the sick list, so I am spending the afternoon writing to you. First of all I will givo you a description ot what I saw at the show. At 1.30 p.ui. wo watched tho procession come around the Square and then wo went along to Cuba street to see it thero and afterwards followed it to the Showgrounds. Whon wo went through tho gates 1 saw a beautiful rockery that was decorated with beautiful ferns and it had a waterfall flowing down on to some rocks. Then wo walked ou into tuc sheds and saw all the stalls exhibiting radios, sewing machines, milking machines, and furniture. When we came to the stall were some women were weaving we stood watching it for some timo. It was vccry interesting to see a girl niaking a curtain of cotton or wool. When wo saw tho Manawatu Hosiory Milt’s exhibit we realised wnat slow and tedious work the hand looms must be. We saw the models of the steamers aud aeroplanes. There was a real Moth aeroplane and around the sides of the stall were large photos oi famous aviators and aviatrices. We wandered On, glancing at the cooking, ice creams and brushware stalls, until we came to the school work. After seeing theso things we went outside, rather glad to get somo fresh air. After two rides on the merry-go-round wo went back to the gates to meet Dad. By that time we were ready for home. I had a very enjoyable time at the Royal Show. On Novcember 11, Armsticc Day, at twenty minutes to eleven, at night, 2YA broadcasted tho Armistice service from London. We stayed up to listen to it and the reception was very good. At 11 p.m. wo heard “Big Ben” strike, and the Wellington town clock struck with it. Well, I think 1 will finish off now, so cheerio till next time. Much love from your loving Cog Forget-me-not.

A very nice account of the show, my dear, and I certainly think you made the most of your visit. You were lortunato to hear that service. I had the privilege of attending that service in London for two years, and it was a wonderful experience.

Dear Hub—Just a letter with the Skilltest, which I found rather easy. I don’t seem to have much news tins week, Hub. As I have forgotten my penfriend’s name, please could you find mo another of my age? “Christmas Bell’s” letter was very newsy this week. Our Bible class is closing for tho summer months and wo arc having a break-up social at the end of tho month. Please may I. havo another badge as I have lost mine and am not very pleased with myself about it. Examinations arc drawing near and I

am dreading the two weeks wo have to spend with papers and hard work. 1 don’t know whether I shall be going to high school next year. Dad says 1 will have to stay at home and nnTk cows, but I do hope it won’t come to that. I see that some of the Cogs have been for swims already. The river water is too cold yet for me, even on the hottest day. We arc having a competition for plot growing. We are given a plot and allowed to grow any vegetables we liko in it, and I am entering to try my luck. To-day my brother and I have been helping our grandad to set potatoes and it is good fun, only I guess I will have backache to-morrow morning. Do you go to the pictures much, Hub? I don’t. I only go to those which Dad says arc worth seeing, and have not been for a couple of months. On Fridays, instead of English we have gramophone records, and they are lovely instead of pages of dry verbs, etc. I don’t like parsing English, Hub. It is one of the icw things I muddle up. I am senumg m a piece of poetry which I learnt at school and like. Dad went to the show but I could not go as it was a schoolday and I was rather disappointed. We listened to the community sing and it was lovely. Were you among the gaycrowd, Hub? Seeing I have not much news I will close with lots of love to my fellow Cogs and yourself, from Soapsuds. Examinations are never as difficult as we expect. Just take them in your ordinary stride and all will bo well. 1 was one of the gay crowd at tho show and enjoyed it all. You must send m another form with your full address, name, and age, if you want another pen friend. Your badge has been sent.

Feilding. Dear Hub—This is the first time I have ■written, I find the Skilltests very interesting. I am enclosing 3d for a badge. I found the show very nice, and tko dogs wore lovely, weren't they? We have had some very fine weather, but to-day is wet and cold. Our examinations will be here soon and I think they will be hard. I must close now as it is getting late. May I have Miss England for my pen name. I remain yours truly, N. Christensen. Very well, by dear, we welcome you in as Miss England. I too liked the dogs best of all at the show. Send your age and date of birthday, please. Cunninghams. Dear Hub,-r-I am going up for my proficiency certificate soon. A family of six children has just come to our school but none of them are in my class. My sister had a party on Friday as it was her birthday. May I have “Apple Blossom," for my pen name? If that name is taken I will choose another. I will have to close .now, as n is time for tea. Love from Joan. Apple Blossom will do very nicely, my dear. We had one some time ago, but I think she has gono away. Kiwitea.

Dear Hub—This must be just a short note as I have not much time. 1 am sending you the picture of the pigs next week. The other day my aunt found,a tom-tit’s nest. This little biru they had often seen but could not find its nest until a day or two ago when they saw" it in a cabbage tree. My uncle climbed to the top of the *ieo to see what the eggs wore like, but when he peored into the nest three large yellow mouths greeted him. Last Friday I went to the show and enjoyed it very much. I must say good-bye now. Love to you and the Cogs, from Honey Bee. I am looking forward to the piggy picture. It is most interesting to hear about the tomtits. I have never seen their' eggs.

NEWS PROM "PRETENDING.” Dear Hub, —I really must tell you that wo went celing the other night, but only caught three as the night was too chilly, but wo had ever so many bites. Wo aro going again another warm night, and I wonder if wo will land one as big as “Jack” did a while ago. Well, all the show excitement is at last over, and our noxt thoughts are for Christmas. It is a problem to know what presents to give each year, and I think a trip to your city saves lots of pennies when bargain hunting. I wonder if I dare haug up my stocking this year! I hardly like to as dear old .Santa was so generous last time. X truly hope “Comical Bill” is quite well again and enjoyed his little thriller and lettor I sent him. I hoped to sec a lettor in the page from him today telling us how well ho feels. So out with your pen and ink, ‘Billy Boy’ and tell us how hail and hearty you are now. And before I forget, Hub, please thank “Silver Star” for hpr love to mo and hope she will accept my love and good wishes. Also please tell Kiwi that I hope sho passes her examination. Tile third term is always the most exciting at school, I think. Don’t be surprised, Hub, if you aro called upon to name another kitten. Somebody told me to-day that a lady has promised her a wee kitty. But tell Uncle Bob that if ho even whispers Darkey, Nigger or Egbert, the kitty might vanish away. Nevertheless, “Sweet William’s” Egbert seems to be thriving. Well, I really must bring this note to a close, hoping every one of our happy band is well. Bye-bye for now. Love to everybody and will meet you in print on the Cog’s page next week.

Pretending. This is a lovely game we are playing. How about us all hanging up our stockings this year? The Cogs and Uncle Bob will devour all your messages. How sweet of you to write to Comical Bill. (But you haven’t written to me yet.—Uncle Bob.) Kimbobon. Dear Hub, —Thank you very much for the prize money, which I received as soon as I reached homo from school. I have solved the Slcilltest. Would you please givo us a Skilltest of animals’ names? We have only six pet lambs now; one got blown, and it was a lovely fat one. Our pup, Roy, is growing quite big and fat. Ho does like to bark at the cows and chase the lambs. I have just made myself a dress at school for sewing, and my sister made herself a petticoat. Our garden is coming on well, but the birds will get at the strawberries. I suppose they will soon bo on to the black-currants and raspberries, then to the plums. The roses are all coming out in bloom and the sweet peas are all in bud. Well, Hub, there isn’t much news these days so cheerio, with love to you and all the Cogs, from Cherry Pie. Now, isn’t that just splendid that you can make your own dresses! Everything in the garden seems early this year and perhaps there will be some small fruit to spare for the birds—but they make us cross, don't they? I can picture Roy and the fun ho has with the cow t s and lambs.

Croua Downs. Dear Hub, —Will you please excuse me for not writing sooner; 1 feci ashamed. Our garden is looking lovely now. The other day Dad put 54 aster plants in front of the house. Mavis’ letters are very interesting, aren’t they? Soon we will bo having examinations, and I don’t like them, do you? I suppose I am silly asking you if you like examinations. It was my Brother’s birthday on the Bth of this month. He had twelve friends to toa and a nice cake. Wasn’t he lucky? He found a present behind a photo —a nice silk shirt. Do you like French knitting? i do. For one Skilltcst could we have names of vegetables, please? Well, I will have to go to bed. I would like to have a pen friend. Lovo to you and all the Cogs, from Highland Dancer.

What a lovely show of asters you will have! I wonder if anyone really likes examinations; but they are never as hard as we expect. To obtain a pen friend you must send in your age and full name and address.

Foxton. Dear Hub,— May I become a member of your happy family? I am in Std. V and am 12 years old. My birthday is on December 17. For my pen name may I have h.o.<-e Queen, if it is not taken. Wo have three little kittens, two black and one black and white, two magpies and three little goldies. 1 am enclosing 3d in stamps for my badge. Well, dear Hub, I will tell you more news next time. Hoping you and all the Cogs are quite well, I will close with love from Elizabeth Aldridge. You are very welcome, Elizabeth, and you may be Itosc Queen, but do you know, I like your own name better. How nice to have so many petsl Cheltenham.

Dear Hub, —I have solved the Wkilltest and hope it is correct. It was rather puzzling trying to find out all the names. lam sending in something for the Treasure Chest soon. I expect there are quite a number of things in our Chest now. Wo will soon bo having our Christmas holidays, and I may be going to New Plymouth. Well, Hub, there is not much news about, so I will have to close. Love from Flossy. Most of our Treasure Chest gifts arc in tho making as yet. Yours will be very welcome, my dear. It is lovely to be ablo to plan a holiday a long time ahead, isn’t it? Uncle Bob hopes to be at New Plymouth in January. Cheltenham. Dear Hub,—As I have solved the Skilltest I am just writing a short letter to put in with it. We are working bard at school now, as wo are to sit for our proficiencies on December 7. It is quite interesting to watch the trout in the reservoir jumping out of the wateT to catch insects for their tea. Well, Hub, as it is getting late I must close with love from, Hinemoa.

I shall bo thinking of you all the first week in December and send you my best wishes for success. Did you notice that Mavis is asking for your name and address?

Halcombe. Dear Hub, —I suppose you have forgotten me long ago. If so, I deserve it for not having written to you for a long While. My sister has a pretty little kitten which we call Bolis. He and Wag have a great time together, and they are nearly always . playing, but now and then Wag gets a bit too rough. Next month the Std. VI children are going to Halcombe for the proficiency examination. How wo dread it! The other classes are haying their examinations at present. Rufus has grown a big lamb now and I do believe Patty has grown fatter, while Baby’s lambs aTG quite big and fat. We have my sister’s baby staying with us and he is very interesting. He can walk and is just beginning to talk. Well, Hub, although I have not written for some time, I will close with much love to you and all my fellow Cogs, from Autumn.

I don’t forget mv Cogs, my dear, but it was a pleasant surprise to hear from you onco more, and all the news of the pets, and especially little nephew.

THE POET'S CORNER. OLIVER GOLDSMITH (1728—1774). (Contributed by Mavis Miers.) Widely different from John Milton, both in character and his life, was Oliver Goldsmith, one of our best-loved men of letters. Milton knew, from the beginning of his career that which he most desired to do; Goldsmith was forevor changing his mind, never knowing from one day to another what career he would like to follow. Yet his genius was sueh that he produced one of the best plays, one of the finest novels, and one of the most attractive poems in the English language. Goldsmith was born in Ireland, where his father was a county clergyman. Goldsmith first decided to follow his father as a minister, but having completed the necessary university studies, he thought he would rather be a lawyer,, then a doctor, and a teacher. Up to this point of his life we must agree that Gold-

smith’s career was one neither to b® admired nor to be copied. Ho was, ia fact, a rolling stone. Then suddenly ho found that there was one thing which he not only liked, but which ho could do very well. Ho had kept his eyes open when he was on his travels and had stored his brain with his observations of men and life. Ho wrote a poem called “The Traveller,” in which he described in simple and beautiful language his wanderings. Noxt he wrote “.The Deserted Village,”.a poem which, had he written nothing else, would have been sufficient to bring him fame. It was filled with tender and appealing pictures of the English countryside, and with portraits of the humble people who had onco lived in “Sweet Auburn, loveliest village of the plain.” “The Deserted Village” was written in 1770, at a time when England was beginning to change from an agricultural to an industrial nation. Yields that had been under cultivation for centuries were passing into the possession of rich men, who were building up big estates and using them for their own pleasure. Men who had formerly been engaged in tilling the soil were drifting to the cities, either because they had been turned out of their country employment ot because they were attracted by the wages offered by the factories, and vilalgcs were deserted. This was the theme in “The Deserted Village.” Goldsmith was no less changeable in his literary work than he had been in attempts to find himself a career. When he gained success as a poet, he turned novelist and wrote “The Vicar of Wakefield,” a simply told story which is still considered one of the finest novels in the English language; and having succeeded as a novelist, he became a writer of plays and wrote “She Stoops to Conquer,” one of the greatest comedies since the days of Shakespeare. His friend Dr. Johnson, said of him: ‘f There was hardly any kind of writing that he did not touch, and he touched nothing that he did not adorn.” These words are carved on Goldsmith’s tomb in Westminster Abbey..