Competitions

Manawatu Times, Volume LIV, Issue 7191, 24 June 1933, Page 11

Competitions

SENIOR COMPETITIONS POINTS Rebecca Ann S Mavis Micrs 4 Hoathcr Maid 3 April and En Z .1 each SKILLTEST Last week Yvonno Prostling should have been included in the Skilltcst winners. This week’s results will be announced next week. Kimbolton Dear Hub —Were you surprised to see my verse, and arc you wondering who I am? Weil, I'm not going to tell you, but I am a Cog alt right.. Joined some time ago. Mikl Kuelii is a Cog too, I know. Isn’t it cold, Hub? Oh dear! J. shouldn't say that, because it makes you colder than ever. I’m sitting by a lovely warm tire, anyway. There, does that make you feel warmer? I’ve been reading quite a lot. Do you like reading? Excuse one blot up a line. Evcryono seems to have colds now, not excluding me. I wrote two rhyming letters today and despatched them both to the fire. I’ve had a try at the Skilltest, but I’m afraid it’s beyond me. Where is Rebecca Ann? I didn’t see her name in the Pago today. It is not often she misses. Hullo, Rebecca Ann, arc you there? Kimbolton calling. I wonder when it will start snowing up here. It usually snows a bit. I hope it. docs soon. Great fun snowballing. Wc’ro getting a new cow. A black one. Wo can think of lots of names like Topsy and Dinah and Darkio but want something unusual.. Please could you think of anything? Did you go to see “The Sign of tho Cross”? I did so want, to go, but unfortunately I could not manage it. Pleaso excuse -blots. Now, with a request, I leave you, having nothing more to say except love to everybody from your happy Cog,

Mystery Would “Chloo” do for your cow? Linton Dear Hub—Here I am again once again and I am sorry I haven ’t written before. I came fourth in my class with 259 marks and there wore eight pupils. Did you go to the Show, Hub? I did but I thought it was rather poor. I suppose you saw the talkie pictures if you went. A girl fell off her pony in the Open class jumping. My brother won a first prize for intermediate Ted mangolds. My two cousins, my brother and I went to the Show together. There was a side-show with a peg standing erect with three balls-packed around it. All you had to do was to hit one ball and the peg would fall over. We all had a trial shot. The man that was running it said: “I will be easy on you and if you all put in sixpence and anyone of you knocks the peg over you will all get a box of chocolates.’’ We all put in sixpence and not one of us knocked it over. I called to see you on Friday but you werent’ in. My fathfer lias just come out of Northcoto,. hospital after an operation. My auntie had a painting in the Art Gallery at the Show. I didn’t solve the Slrilltest this week. I remain, yours truly, Tom Thumb It was hard luck, losing all your sixpences, wasn’t it? I am sorry to have missed you. I think your auntie had more than one picture in the art exhibition. I hope your daddy is better.

“So open wide your inner eyes, so much below the surfaco lic.3. You need not stay with murky things, but mount in thought on Vision’s wings, to foreign lands or moor or sea, while Winter-bound you still may bo.” —Sent in by Rebecca Ann

Apiti Dear Hub—l am not enclosing the Skilltcst this week, as I have not solved it. However I thought I would write something for the Winter I’ago, as I did not write anything for the Autumn Page. This is to make Mr Printeiman shiver. If ho can imagine anything colder than pulling turnips in the snow, he can come and pull some, then tell me what’s colder. Wlmt cold, snowv days wo are having now. Tho last ten days have been anything but fine. I don’t think tho ducks like it, while the hens —they aro really funny. They stand and look at it for over so long*, then they take a wild fly, landing and sinking in the snow, then they lift ono foot ever so carefully, aud place it on top of tho snow, and, as they put. some weight on that log they sink. Tho sparrows sit on the henyard fcnco and clothes line, eagerly watching for Mum to feed tho hens, so that they can get something too. The first two-and-a-half inches of snow froze, and wo had lovely sunshino days, but the snow took nearly a week to melt. As soon as it did go, though, tho second lot came down. Old Man Winter is certainly here. “Isn't the weather cold?” we ask each other, as, with our poor fingers and toes tingling, wc gather around the blazing schoolroom fire. The other day we put the Piug Pong tabic down at school, and played Ping Pong at dinner time. Aren’t tho trees pretty, with the freshly fallen show on thorn, but get under them when it’s thawing, and you can get a lovely shower bath. Rac and I set oil for Sunday School this morning warm, but by the time we got there our poor fingers and toes were tingling. What a different atmosphere outside to inside theso days, and what a cold draught is let in'when the door is -opened. When

Mum opens it, Inn goes over and bangs it shut, saying as ho docs it: “Cold, cold, cold.”' lan is standing by me, bumping my elbow and every time be bumps it. iio laughs. Wo have some young pullets laying now, so wc still get. fresh eggs every day. Today has been one of those misty-rainy days, and the snow is disappearing very quickly. Well, as it is time I was finishing this Winter letter, I will close, hoping that I will see Mr Printcrman pulling turnips shortly. Love to you all from

Mountain Maid Wc will all be pleased when spring comes after this cold spell, and I an; sure no one will complain of the hc.it in the summer time.

Dear Hub —Several moons Lave waxed and waned since last I wrote to you, but I am just going to tell you about a little experience I had tho other day. It all happened because it is winter-time. I went for a ride in my motor-car, and as my number plates happen to be the wrong colour now, I kept to tho back country up among the hills. I visited a friend, and would you believe it, when I camo out again, the car wouldn’t go. Simply wouldn’t. You see, tho oil had frozen in one of the hubs, and it was so cold that the cogs wouldn’t go round. “Haha, up to your tricks, eh?’’ I thought. Of course, had it been autumn, or springtime, when tho cherry blosoms arc out, or April, or even May, this would never have happened. There I was, stranded. There was nothing to do but wait till help came, so I sat and admired, tho countryside. There was no sunlight, and the dreary prospect of tho hills studded with Scotch thistle and heather made me positively shudder. I thought of my lovely garden at home, full of delphiniums and sweet lavender, and I wondered if I should ever sec it again. And a rabbit and even a bare popped out of tho hedge and stared impudently at me. But finally that girl I told you about once (the one with the ginger top who lived nearby) and her brother Ralph tho rover happened along, and in a twinkling the old cnr| was "fixed up with their help. Away Ij sped, still shivering, and it was so latej that the moonlight was flooding tho hills before I got safely home. Ugh! what a lot, of soapsuds it took to clean up the grease I had collected while trying to fix the car. But I am nearly better now, anil will come in to sec you some day, Hub.

Uncle Jasper How many Cogs’ names have you hidden in your letter, Uncle? Really, I don’t think you know much about motor-cars. Apiti Dear Hub —Thank you vefy much for the badge. I am knitting myself a green and fawn jumper and then I am going to knit my little brother a jumper. After I have finished my own. On Saturday I went to town and went to the dentist and had four teeth out and got threepence. I bought a new pair of shoes. Margaret Beard went to the fancy dress ball on Friday and went as Carillon Days. I had two rides on her bike. Love from Tulip It isn’t much fun going io the dentist, is it, but I’m sure tho new Show made up. jor it.

Ekctahuna Dear Hub —It is a very cold day hero today, and the Tararuas are capped with snow. W e had a little sleot here today. The Nircaha Hoc key Girls did not 1 play hockey last week on account of bad weather, but we met Hukanul oil our own ground and defeated them by three goals to two after a very poor game. The Wairarapa Representative football team came to Eketaliuna last Wednesday to play Bush, and were victorious in winning by 11 to S, and in the evening the teams were entertained at a ball which proved a great success, tho hall being filled to overflowing. The Nircaha footballers were defeated by Hamua by 22-nil on Saturday. A ell, Hub, I must ring off, as I am in a hurry to got to work. Love from

Buster The nip in the wind reminds us that tho hills are snow-capped Buster, but I expect you think this ideal football weather. Ilalcombc Dear Hub —I am just writing a few lines once again to you. Several weeks ago it was raining, but now the ground is covered with white frost, which makes everything look very cold. The ponds and tins of water aro all covered with ice. Most of tho trees round hero have lost, their leaves but still there arc some that have not. In our garden there arc a few delicate violets and primroses peeping out. AA e had a holiday for the Show on Friday, but I did not go to it. Love to all from Ring-Dove Don’t you think the violets and primroses arc bravo to conic out in a cold miserable world, but perhaps they hopo to cheer us up. Rangiotu

Dear Hub—Thank you for my badge, which I like very much, .it is very cold these mornings. Jack Frost has come in real earnest. lie makes our toes and fingers sting. Do you like cows, Hub? I do. I would l>k° to learn to milk, but Dad is afraid I will get kicked. A uioc big half persian cat came here a fortnight ago, and it is verv quiet, and has made itself very much at; home. Please may I have •‘Skylark” for my pen-name? I must close now. With love from Mavis Hnzlitt

T do like cows, but only to look at and in the distance. You may be Skylark.

Palmerston North Dear Hub—How arc you keeping these winter days? I did not see you at the Show, though I searched the crowd ou Thursday night. What a miserable night it was too! As we stood about, looking at the side-shows etc., my feet were gradually chilling, until at length I am sure they . must have reached freezing point, for they were like blocks of ice. I wasted a. shilling letting a lady judge my weight, but as he was only two pounds out I did not. gain a box .of chocolates, much to my disgust. I thought tho needlework was beautiful and tho prize-winners must have spent hours and hours in stitching their garments. The cats wero my favourites. Two little persian kittens marked “sold” were trying to reach cacli other’s paws through the corner of the compartment, and took not the slightest notice of all the admirers assembled by the cage. A hugo tigerish bcastie glared ferociously from a satin cushion. I did not thrust my hand in this cage. Well, the Show is over for another year, Hub. Let’s hope we will have better weather for the next. lam enclosing a verse for the competition, but am afraid this is the last I am capable of composing. At least, that is how I feci at present, but still, I suppose tho next rhyming competition you have, an an entry will come from mm (that is, of course, if I have collected some ammunition). Tho Skilltost has beaten me again, I think Mr Puz. might have mercy on us and remember we are not all as clever as he is. lam afraid news is scarce, Hub, but will write again soon. Love and best wishes to yourself and Cogs from, yours sincerely, Cherry Blossom Thank you for the verses, CherryBlossom. There were over so many interesting things at the Show, but it was cold, wasn't it?

Palmerston North Dear Hub —I hope that by ommitting to write to your Page for so long I have not forfeited my place among your Cogs. It is almost three years since I wrote last, and although I have been working for two and a half years, I have not lost interest in the Page. If I have not grown too old to remain a Cog I would like to resumo my writing and perhaps, with your permission, send in a story for the Cog Pago. Would you please tell me about how many words one should contain? Bust wishes for tlie Page from Bonnie Jean Welcome back, Bonnie Jean, and 1 shall be delighted, to receive a storyj

Ashhurst Dear Hub—lsn’t the raiu horrible? It just makes ono feel like blowing everyone elsc’s head off, doesn’t it? Wo have had some frosts up here, and it has snowed a little too. Tho Skilltest is very hard this time, isn’t it? I have been puzzling my brain over it for a long time, but uni unable to solve it. Have you many Cogs now, Hub? you must have a terrible lot as there arc always new ones joining. Don’t; Mavis, Rebecca Ann and several others write beautiful letters, and isn’t Mila Kuelii a mystery. I suppose ho (or she), is very amused at some of the guesses as to his identity. lam going to begin knitting some peggy squares very soon, to keep some little boy or girl warm. Unluckily I have been unable to knit anything lately, as about five weeks ago I broke my left arm falling off my pony. It is nearly better now though, and I am returning to school tomorrow, tho first time this term. Do you get chilblains, Hub? I have a few on my hands just now, but thank goodness I don’t get them very badly, they must be horrible. On Saturday I journeyed to Apiti to watch a game of football. It' was a very exciting game as the two teams were fairly evenly matched. What kind of things do you put in the Treasure Chest Hub? Woollen things? Could you please find me a correspondent, preferably between .11-14 years of age. Well, Iho fire is crying out for some more wood, so I must close, Your sincere Cog,

Lucky I aui very glad indeed to hear that tho arm is mending satisfactorily. Books, comics, toys, scrap books, and anything which might help to amuse some hospital children go'i: into the Chest. Foil ding Dear Hub—How do you liko these cold mornings? I like, getting up and playing with tho ice, and Granny growls at mo and tells me I will gel chilblains. My Auntie Ruth docs not like getting up. Tom Mix and I have been having lots of fun with our kites. . My kitten is always sneaking in tho dining room and hiding in the cushions, and Alum chases him out. I am working an apron. Wo arc busy doing our flower garden up. Did you go to the Show? Well, I must close now, with lots of Jove to all the Cogs and yourself. Pat rieitt

AY hat a naught,}" kitten! One certainly has to move quickly to keep warm in the early mornings.

Halcombo Dear Hub —Just a lino or two so that you shall know I have not forgotten you. Our Institute (Stanway) is having a wireless old time dance in the hall on Tuesday. I like watching the ‘ ’Old-timers,” but am not much good at doing them. Miki Ivuchi and XI3 are really mysterious, aren’t they? I should think Miki was a happy-go-lucky lad who Is out for a bit of fun, and Xl2, well “it” hasn’t written enough yet for us to imagine who it is. Well, Hub, this is only a small letter and as it is nearing four o’clock I had better ring oil'. Love to you and all the Cogs, Autumn What Jots of fun wo all get out o!' wondering who the mysteries arc—perhaps we pass them in the street and don’t recognise them!

Cheltenham Dear Hub—Please do not think that I have forgotten you, but I have been busy with knitting, and also other things. I have been meaning to write every week, but only remembered wher. it was too late. Anyway, 1 am writing this week, and I hopo all the Cogs arc well. I have had such a lot ot Now Zealand stamps given to me. They are very old ones, and will probably be very valuable in years to come. I have knitted myself a blue jumper with puffed sleeves, and now r I am knitting a dark brown cardigan, with orange stripes. It is very nice so far. Well, dear Hub, I will have to close now, with love from vour sincere Cog, Rita

Thank you for the peggy square. You are very brave to tackle those complicated patterns ami I hope your cardigan will bo a great success. Apiti Dear Hub—Wouldn’t you like to come up here when we have some snow? We have had three falls already this

winter. None of them have been deep, two and a half inches is the deepest dyet. The other morning there were about twenty sparrows sitting on the top rail of a gate waiting for Mum to feed the hens. She says she is feeding a lot of sparrows too, this weather. The trees do look lovely.all covecrd in snow. I am sending you some snaps of snow. Ask Mr Printerman if he can’t make room for them, they would make the Page look so wintry. Well, as it is bed-time, I will close. Wit It love from Mountain Maid tho Second They are beautiful photographs, my jdear, but it makes me shiver to look at iA.li.eu* 4

Palmerston North Dear Hub —I have just finished reading a most delightful book by Mrs Henry Wood, '‘Mrs Halliburton’s Troubles’’. I enjoyed it so much. Yesterday I finished “I Will Repay” by Baroness Orczy. I have read several ol ! her “Scarlet Pimpernel’’ scries, and have enjoyed every one. Have you ever read any of I. M. Peaeocke’s? I have “Ginger,’’ “Quicksilver” and “A Little Bit of Sunshine’’. They ivcre lovely. X have “The Adopted family’ ’. Last week I read Gene Stratton Porter’s gorgeous ‘ ‘Girl of the Limbcrlost' ’. I think it a simply delightful book. Also "Freckles’’. On Saturday I went to see Polly Moran, arid Mario Dressier in “Prosperity,” and screamed and gurgled with laughter the whole way through. I think they’re wonderful actresses. Christmas Bells and I enjoyed the Show very much indeed, especially the footy-match between the Boys’ High School and To Auto College. Wc cheered and yelled ourselves hoarse, and wero tremendously pleased when School won 33-nil. We loved the gorgeous persian cats, dear wee baby bunnies and lovely birds with green breasts and coloured wings; others with blue breasts, and some tiny birds of all shades. The buff bantams took our fancy too, while some speckled fowls caused us much amusement. There were some huge ducks there, too. The produce stall made our mouths water, while the “Blind” stall held our attention for quito a while. Isn't it wonderful how thoso poor, afflieted people make those lovely baskets? Among other things wc noticed was the Women’s Institute Stall; the faneywol'k was beautiful. Wc had great fun going around all the stalls and half way round wc met a "K.C.C. ” member, who added largely to our amusement. Well, I really must close, so "bonsoir, mes antic?,”

Mavis Have you read any of Kipling’s books, “The Jungle Book,” "The Just So Stories” and “Puck of Pooks Hill”? They are all books you can read over and over again. Palmerston North Dear Hub—lt is a long time since I wrote a letter to you. I have two guinea pigs and seven bantams. My sister had a birthday on. Juno 15. She was fivo years old. I am going to the Show today. Weil, Hub, I will close now with love from

Dicky I have sent another badge, Dicky Did you enjoy the Show?

Kiwitea Dcai' Hub —Here I am again with a tiny note for the Page. I was in Palmerston North for the week-end but. was not near the '‘Times'’ buildings. We started basket-ball last week at school. One day last week we had such a big frost that it did not leave the shaded parts of the paddocks all day. From your loving Cog, Honey Bee

I am sorry you were not ablo to call. Everyone has been complaining about Jack Frost this month. How can we banish him? Thank you for the interesting contribution.

Dear Hub—Please will you print the following few lines in your Winter Page. I think they arc very nice, because I wrote them all by myself. Of course, you will have difficulty in believing that in view of their merits, (intrinsic ones). But it's true, really and truly there was nobody in the room when I wrote them, and the writing will convince you that they all came from my own fluent pen, so you sec they must be original. But to prevent- any after recriminations, I must say I wasn’t feeling very well at the time.

Yours sincerely Uncle Horace ODE TO WINTER (With apologies to Nobody). Season of frosts, and ehilblain’d misery, Close frigid friend of the Arch-Fiend Cold; Conspiring with him how to bare the tree, To chill, the young and rlicumaliso the old: To bend with pain the knotted, frosted limb, And coat with rime the knob upon the door; To glass the pond, congeal the. clammy 0020 To crispen fret-ice; to set pouring more And still more, clouds flooding to the brim,

Until we sigh: “Wet days will never cease; Thou art -the season we could afford to lose’ “Begone! that frown which greets the rain that patters down the window pane. .Inst listen to the words it. sings, of tossing seas and spray that stings; of Ocean’s stern, majestic face; of Hun, which In its warm embrace drew up tiro vapour, locked it. fast, in stormy clouds until at last, in passing near some mountain chain, the .-moisture came to -asJLaiiuSY--

‘ 1 QUEEN WINTER” Leaving her silvery, star-shaped throne, Winter, clad in purest white, goes forth with an icy, majestic tread. Stretching .forth her snow-white hand, she waves her silvery wand, and lo! the scene changes. Autumn’s beautiful golden carpets vanish, and arc replaced by -one of purest, virginal whiteness We pause, awestruck by the excpiisite beauty of her artistic touch. Gliding into the scene throng her- many loya) subjects —Jack Frost, that mischievous, sparkling elf, pixies, gnomes and snowsprites, who at her softly-spoken command vanish to their allotted tasks. An icy, biting, southerly wind wantonly blows his hardest, and oh! all tie remaining autumn leaves flutter liko coloured tears to the ground beneath. Chuckling merrily, oil he goes.

Again the Snow Queen waves her glittering wand. A woodland scene is shown, whero tho once bubbling stream, singing merrily, is, by a magic touch, frozen into silent beauty, whereon the tiny snow-folk- skate. The green trees become heavily laden with softly falling snowflakes; birds and animals seek their shelter; vast plains become snowdrifts; mountains glisten like huge icecreams, altogether forming a gleaming coverlet of fairy softness and gorgeous beauty. Soon wc come upon a wondrous sight, tucked away among the hills. Softly, silently, Luna lights the fairy stage, whereon snow sprites, fniries, goblins and

gnomes arc preparing a banquet of: wintry coldness. There are ice-cakes, snow-puffs, freezing lemonade, raindrops, jellies, trifles and fairy fruit. After a while tho guests arrive, arrayed, in snowy frocks. Suddenly a hush falls over the scene of gaiety. All eyes aro turning to meet this wonderful apparition—tho Fairy Snow Queen, who is clad in splendour and glory of her court robes. From behind the queen conics a tinkling of fairy bells, and into tho charmed circle glides a sledge drawn by six bunuics of purest white. In tho sledge is a maguificient Christmas tree covered with sparkling tinsel, gleaming dew drops, and a wonderful array of presents. How their faces light up and their eyes shine as tho queen graciously distributes them, forgetting not one. With tho coming of morning they ois appear as they hear tho. shouts auo laughter of children, whooping down the ice-bound river, anxious not to miss a minute of the glory of this winter’s morn. Tho air is filled with their sh-outs of merriment. How they 1-ove tho suow!

What about the flower folk? Do they like it? Oh no. Not thoyl Let us go to a flower garden where Queen Winter has paid a visit. Here will wc see many summer, flower fairies shivering and withering at the icy touch of the Queen of tho Snows. Miany grumble, but others havo been prepared, for they havo made winter coats, and arc snug and warm. The fruit fairies have disappeared into their treo-trunk homes. In tho early hours of tho next morning Jack Frost paints wonderful scones for all to sec. The trees have not been forgotten, for Jack has decked them with frost crystals, which glimmer and twinkle like thousands of fairy lights. Jack ventures indoors, when the door is left open, hut soon disappears, for tho atmosphere is much too warm. Tho children don’t like him either, as, during his short stay he has bitten their fingers. In tho warmer parts Jack Frost is seen more often than tho Snow Queen. Here ho has a fine time, nipping people's toes and fingers, painting marvellous pictures, and covering the lawns with a mantlo of frozen dewdrops. He brings fine sunny days here, so folk don’t mind him so much. Potatoes, tomatoes, flowers and shrubs ore a prey to this imp of mischief, but he gives tho parsnips a good flavour, so perhaps wo can forgive him. Nature has provided long, furry coats for animals, warm feather cloaks for birds, and put tho bulbs to sleep ’way down in their cosy earth-beds, so she looks after her own during the reign of Queen Winter, and the mystic beauty of the snowy monarch equals those of her sisters Spring, Summer and Autumn.

—Original, by Mavis Alievs THE SNOW QUEEN The Suow Queen rose and walked to the window of her purply-bluo cloud home. Very beautiful, she looked, as she stood there, her soft whito gown falling in long, flowing lines and her eyes gently regarding the world below —a world that looked grey and weary and where a tired breeze stole, sobbing, sobbing— Turning with her face suffused wtih a light of tenderness, she touched a bell. Immediately Iho door opened and a snowflake fairy fluttered in. Addressing her, the Queen said: “Tell all your sisters the world awaits them. ”

A little later the Queen looked again from the window, and she smiled when she saw a tired world sleeping peacefully under a blanket of soft, shining snow. Original—Rebecca Ann WINTER Winter! What a dreary season it is, with its cold, dull days that are so short. The, winter months arc June, July, August and up to September 22. Most people do not liko winter because

i is so cold. Frosts and winds arc some of the disagreeable things that come in winter. There arc leaden skies that help to make the days grey and cold, and most of us arc pleased when we are. able to havo a cheery tiro burning in the grate. Occasionally wc have a line day with brilliant sunshine, but the trouble is that it does not last long enough. The trees shed thenleaves in winter and are bare until the sunny days of spring, return. Flowers are not out either and there are only a few that arc brave enough to venture out in the cold; these are the snowdrops, lavender, carnations and early bulbs. At nights it is very cold and it is pleasant to be able to go to bed with a hot water bottle. The trees that are not indigenous to this country, such as tho elm, willow, poplar, oak and many more, shed their leaves, but the native trees are evergreen. The English winter is a little more severe than ours and the people have snow in their country. The mountains in New Zea-

land are seen with snow on thoir peak-' At school we play games such as bas ketJmll f-a keen m waim

BLOW, BLOW, THOU WINTER WIND Blow, blow, thou winter wind, Thou arc not so unkind As man’s ingratitude; Thy tooth is not so keen, Because thou art not seen, Although thy breath ho rude. Freeze, freeze, thou hitter sky, That docst not bite so nigh As benefits forgot: Though thou the waters warp, Thy sting is not so sharp As friend Tcmcmber’d not —“King Lear” Shakespeare WINTER Tho wintry west extends Ms blast, And hail and rain does blaw; Or tho stormy north sends driving forth Tho blinding sleet and. snaw: While tumbling browu, the burn comes down, And roars frao bank to brae; And birds and beast in covert rest, And pass the heartless day. Tho sweeping blast, the sky o’crcast, The joyless winter day, Let others fear, to mo more dear Than all the pride of May: The tempest’s howl; it soothes my soul, My griefs it seems to join; The leafless trees my fancy please, Their fate resembles mine. —Sent in by Christmas Bolls WINTER From where do you c6me, “Old Winter,” With your gripping, icy hand? Do you lurk iu somo stately forest. Till Dame Autumn has left the land? Oh, how wc dread you. “Old Winter,” And tremble when first, you appear. For we know of tho days that will follow, With chilblains on finger and ear. ’Tis then the. demand is for bed-socks. Our hot-water-bottles wo fill, And it’s often the war, wc arc in bod .a. day— . ; * Because we’ve contracted a chill,

• Well now, all my grizzling and grumh--5 bng, “ s Is not helping matters, I know. ■ -, r So when days arc cold, I will ask vert : bold, If we might have a' slight fall of 3 snow, t i I'm sure Printerman would enjoy it; ’ ■ Mr Puz. would forget days were drear, ‘ And if I rightly guess, they would both - answer “Yes! We want winter for half of the : year:” ; —Original—sent in by Cherry Blossom i —• • How rarely, friend, a good, great man inherits , ~.; , Honour and wealth, .with all his/wortk and pains! . , _ . It soems a,fable from the land of spirits . When any man-obtains that which he ; merits, Or any merits that which ho obtains. . For shame, my friend! renounce this idle strain: What woulds’t thou have the good, great man obtain—- • Wealth? title? dignity? a golden chain? Or heaps of -corpses which his swora i hath slain? ■ Goodness and greatness are not means hut ends. Hath he not always treasures, always friends, The good, great man? Three treasures —Lovo; and life; and calm thoughts, equable as infant’s breath; And three fast friends, more sure than day or night, Himself; his maker; and the angel Death. —From "Mrs Halliburton’s Troubles" by Mrs Henry Wood. Sent in bvMavis. A “CHEER-UP” POEM Why arc your faces dark, brothers. And your dear eyes dull and sad? There’s a spring-time coming soon, brothers, When tho wrokl will be so glad. There’s a spring-time coming soon, brothers, The sun will pierce right through The clouds of darkest gloom, brothers, And reveal a cloudless blue. So lift your heads and smile, brothers, And raise your nice in song, And the road won't' seem so rough,brothers. Nor the wait for spring so long. —Rebecca Ann WHAT’S WRONG WITH WINTER? What’s wrong with winter anyway? Wo hear the Cogs complaining: “Oh bother this old watery nose.” “Oh dear, my poor old feet are froze!” '‘Ouch! mind the chilblains on my toes!” and “Why can’t it stop raining!” But goodness gracious sakes alive/ Suppose instead of freezing, it changed to summer all the year, and days and, nights were dry and drear and no logfires spread blazing cheer, would .that be very pleasing?

If blowflies buzzed and sand-flies stung with deadly drone incessant; if footic wasn’t played at all, and hockey, tramping, basket-ball were chained and held in Summer’s thrall, that would not be too pleasant. No, things are best just; as t boy-are. and we must all confess it. For no-one wants a. burning sky, with withered grass and streams run dry, where thirsty cattle droop and die, as in tho sun-baked desert!

—Mr Frinterruan ESKIMO COLLEGE GIRLS “Girl students wear quaint fur parkas round their heads in order to keep out the cold and snow. A strip of wolverine fur is used in the part of the hood which comes near the face, us is does not collect tho moisture from tho breath and freeze as badly as other kinds of fur. Eskimo student.-, instead of tending to silk stockings, as the European girl, have to lake cure, and hi' careful in keeping the ice (■embed out uf their fur parkas in their extremely cold climate.” ‘-Rebecca Auu