Gladness Page

Manawatu Times, Volume 60, Issue 175, 27 July 1935, Page 16

Gladness Page

UNCLE BOB’S DREAM. The sound of feet I heard, going up and down the sitting room-tramp, tramp, tramp. Being a good, liousewito ■with a great dislike of worn out carpets, I went in to see just what all this noise was about. Such a picture of woe met my eyes. Uncle Bob was stamping up and down and at the samo time running his lingers through his hair till it stood on end. His face was white and drawn with a pathetic pucker around his mouth. The usual gladsome whistle was not at all in evidence. His whole aspect was one of worry written large and blacic. .Not knowing quito how questions would affect the present mood —Uncle Bob is given to throwing things when he gets like this I hid as much of myself as 1 could behind a n.ce fat chair and set out to find what all the trouble was about. “Uncle Bob,” 1 asked beseechingly, “What is the matter?” “Matter!” said he. “Everything’s the matter.” Ho spoke with such force that the roof seemed to riso and come down again—bump! Heeling really scared by now 1 tried to get down lower behind the chair that didn't seem quite so substantial as before. In a meek little voice I asked again. “Well, Uncle Bob?” “Well, it isn’t well at all, Aunty Bob.” Then suddenly, like the gathering of a terrible storm Uncle Bob began pacing up and down the room again raising his arms above his head and shouting in a very loud voice: “Woe is me!” “Woe is me!” He started striking his chest with clenched fists so hard that the vibrations of tho thumps mado the windows rattle. But Bogs, 1 was so glad 1 was behind tho friendly chair and it didn't budge an inch—well, perhaps it did, just the teeniest bit. 1 tried once more to fathom this mysterj because now tears wero streaming down his poor face and my carpet seemed to be getting a little damp as well as worn out.

“Do tell me, Undo Bob, please,” I said, bat tho air was rent again by that dreadful “Woe is me!” until at last ho said “Woe is me, Tho Hub has had another idea.” I was quito overcome. Perspiration beaded my forehead. I went weak and wobbly in tho knees. Tho chair seemed not to bo there. Aly poor Bobbie seemed on the verge of collapse so i rushed and tried to support him by putting my back to his, but we wero so weak and exhausted by now that we slid down on to the iloor on tne backs of our heels-thump! I closed my eyes and tried to think but 1 am not like The Hub —1 don't get ideas as easily as that. After resting awhile 1 opened my eyes and beheld a cupboard door opened by our combined bump. There on the edge of the second shelf sat a little imp swinging his legs and laughing heartily. He pointed at 'us and broke into fits of laughter again. He seemed to say, “Oh dear, this is too funny.” i really thought ho would fail off the shelf, he laughed so .ucli. I put my h.md back and tweaked Uncle Bob’s ear and mado him turn round, f pointed at tho imp speechlessly. Uncle Bob’s mouth flew open and he just stared at tho rascal on the shelf. We looked at each other and then turned to sec what would happen next. Tho imp beckoned us. We got on our knees and hobbled o.er to tne cupboard and by this time Mr Imp was dancing about on a largo red volume called the Concise English Dictionary. Seeing us ready, he mado signs to us to take out the book and open it. Wo turned over the pages, but tho imp excitedly waved us to hurry'. When we got through as far as (I ho became more excited and we both had a feeling that something was going to happen. Behold, when we turned the next page there were more imps. They' -waved then joined hands and danced madly round and round, laughing and singing. Uncle Bob began to look quite cheerful and kept time to the dance by' nodding his tousled head. There was something so very infectious about their movements. I wondered who they could be so looked closer to see. One 1 found named “Glad,” another “Gladder,” still another “Gladly” and tho next ‘‘ Gladsome.” They all stopped to watch a fifth little imp who had something crackly in his pocket. He brought out a paper headed “Manawatu Daily Times.” Tne others ran to help him turn the pages till at last the little fellow jumped right into the middle of one and so gladness came to the Cogs' Page. He scampered about and turned head oved heels and then they all played leap frog and ran races. Then ail at once in one corner, poor little “Gladsome” tripped and fell and the others ran to see what it was. Of course, it was one of Mr Puz’s puzzling puzzles. Just then we noticed other people arriving on the Page and they were calling one another such strange names— “Who-am-f,” “Red Wing,” “Powder and batches,” “King Justus ” and “Mountain Alaid.” There wero dozens of others. They all seemed to be watching the lady with them and they called he- “The Hub” Beside the latter was a nice little gin whom they called “Rebecca Am.*' and she would keep on whispering in Hub’s ear. I hope she wasu’t '.oiling tales. She looked such a giaasomc young thing I expect they wero quite nice tales. Still these people came and spread themselves all over the Page and were having a marvellous time toiling one another ail they had been doing lately. Soon older peop u called “Page Personalities” arrived and they gladly joined in the tun A little dog came running and barking and they called him “Pido! Hide.” The poo* tiling got frightened at so many voice? and ran away and hasn r been neard of since. I thought the paper would, tear with so many people dancing oil over it, and then a sour 'ookmg individual called “Printerman” came up with a shoehorn and tried to lever some of the imps off the Page. But they just laughed and pushed him away. Then Hub said sho had had enough gladnes.. for ono week and Mr Printerman stalked off with a satisfied smirk .in h.s countenance. The imps took hold of t..four corners ol the Page and folded it over themselves like a sheet to disappear from view. Uncle Bob and I reluctantly closed the dictionary, put it back on tho shelf and closed the cupboard door. Then he looked at me ana

said:. “Wasn't that a .wonderful idea

“GLAD” CONTRIBUTIONS JUDGED. After careful thought, Tho Hub de cidcd that tho best entry for this special Pago was “My Thanlt-you,” a poem sent by Bonnie Dell, Kopane, who is 12 years old. This Cog also iscnt another poem to bo commended, Bonnio Dell’s work is thoughtful and refreshing, and I am glad to award lior a prize. A small prize will also no sent to Rising Sun tor a pleasing littio entry, and to Woo hand Whispers, who lias bright ideas. 1 cannot resist awa'dlnc a tiny recognition to Mama’s Mato who is only tight yeirs old, and who wroto a neat and happy letter. I want all other Cogs who sent contributions ro snow that they were appreciated, and that I was glad to receive them. Othe? poems sent reveal eu good ideis, but tho metro was a little astray in some of them.

“MY THANK-YOU.” Best Entry. (Original, by Bonnie Dell.) Eor all Thy wondrous gifts to me, Lord, 1 offer thanks to Tliee. rho little birdies on tho wing Unto Thee sweet praises sing. The locusts in tho forest dell in harmony, a chorus swell, And the little honey bee Hums a tune oi praise to Thee. How then, could I o’er be sad, When Thy creatures all are glad? Thy loving kindness is so great; Eor mortal man Thou did create, Creatures large and creatures small, Wo have dominion over all. Lord to me, a chu-i, reveal Words to express tne joy I feel, The joy of living ?n a lana Pilled with gifts iroin Thy dea- Ir Eor ail Thy wondrous gifts to me, Lord, I offer thanks to Thee.

DAFFODILS. (Original, by Bonnio Dell.; When I planted in my garden Choico daffodilly bulbs, To caro for them constantly Was the theme of my resolves. I laid them down so carefully In their neat little bed, And made them ail quite cosy. Then over them I spread A covering, lino and loamy — A sheet of mother earth. 1 tucked them in so snugly, And bade them sleep till birth. I whispered, “Alother Naturo Pulsate their hearts, I pray.” And then I left them to her, To care for, day by day. When they heard her calling— Urging them to peep Into a world of splendour — They awakened from their sleep. They grew up very quickly, - Watered by dewy showers. Now buds appear, tiny buds— Soon they’ll be golden flowers. My heart will fill with gladness i When I behold tho face Of a golden-yellow daffodil, Dressed in filmy lace. Daffodils have a mission; They retire to earth When their flowers are faded, To sleep beneath the turf. Their mission is to cheer the sick, Bring pleasure to tho sad. They reflect God’s goodness. They try to make us glad. And down through the ages Until the end of time, They’ll sleep and work rotationally, Their life’s akin to mine. God grant that I may also bring Pleasure to the sad. May 1 shine liko tho daffodil, And make my kindred glad.

AUNT AGATHA’S CREATION. Dear Cogs, You will bo sorry to hear that Egbert tho lien has been very poorly He will have to take his chance, whatever that may be, while I write some thing for the Gladness Page. "With the cold weather and the lumbago it is hard to think of something these days but I think all the Cogs will like to heal about my frock for tho Charity Ball. I did not get to the ball as it happened but that’s a longer tale. The frock, such a sweet one, was of bright green and yellow striped windswept satine with broad cerise band on tho bodice and crimson collar, cuffs and arm bands. With this I intended to wear a turquoise-bluo coatee with rabbits’ fur to tone. The finishing touch , was to have been a yashmak. Everything was ready and you can have no idea how thrilled I was, for Uncles Jaspei and Bob were to have taken mo to tht dance. If I am not disclosing any secrets, they aro two of the brightest sparks in the village when Tho Hub and Rebecca Ann are not about, and they agreed to take part in a dress rehearsal the night before the dance. They arrived in all their war paint with their hard shirts, sprigs of vodka in their buttonholes,. and with their tail-coats dragging on the ground. Unfortunately Murgatroyd tho cat came in with them and when Murgatroyd caught sight of my frock he arched his back, spat and disappeared through the fanlight over tho conservatory door. Alurg hasn’t been seen since, but that is by the way. What 1 cannot under stand is why Undo Bob and Uncfl Jasper backed out of the room witli tho remark that they would let me know about tho dance. The next da} I was sorry to hear the poor dears had influenza and that they would not be going to tho dance. However, Cousin Boris has promised to tako me nesi year. AUNT AGATHA. “1 am glad because spring will soon be here, i'hen it will be warmer, anu we shall be able to go for swims ” —Sky Pilot.

of The Hub’s for a Gladness Page? ’’ Yours in gladness,

AUNTY 808,

“BE GLAD FOR A MILLION GOOD THINGS” SAYS UNCLE HORACE COGS: Bo glad for a million of good things in life; laughter and tears mingling, smiles breaking and fading; sunshino in April, a clean sweet wind in December; blossom springing in orchards; dew spangling tho meadows; a new day dawning, or an old one dying in beauty; a great storm raging boisterous through the woods; a wee stream murmuring over listening stones. Bo glad for your own thoughts surging through you liko a torrent, cherish them; be glad for others’ minds drawn for you in words; bo glad for sounds of town and sight of hilltop reached; be glad for friends and families, and other curious folic who help to make the old world gay and glad. And now at last be glad to know that UNCLE HORACE isn’t really quite mad.

"Written your spark of gladness yet, Jasper?” It was that bumptious young Horace minding someone elsc’s business again, as ho so often does. I put my feet comtcmplatively on the HEATER before I deigned look over at Uncle Horace shivering by the DOOR. “Precious little to be glad about when I have you to put up with every day,” I told him with a candour that matched his rudeness.

"Not every day,” ho reminded me. “I’ve just had my holidays, so that, if you wait 3GO days for me to go away again, gladness will.again bo yours. I’d tell tho Cogs about it, if I wero you.” And deciding that discretion was by far the better part of valour, he sauntered off to borrow a match from Aunt Agatha with which to light his pipe. Aunt Agatha always carries her matches lose, she doesn’t need a box to strike them on. (Remember the face she told you about once?) Well, you know, it was plain impudence of young Horace to suggest it, but I believe I will shout for joy on every one of those 3GO mornings, glad in the knowladgo that it is a morning nearer to Undo Horace’s departure. So that, after all, there is still something to be glad about for. Uncle Jasper.

"Tho Linotypery,” “Times” Offlce. Dear Cogs, I really must excuse myself for putting my nose into the Page like this, and probably squeezing out some really interesting Cogs’ letters, but as a matter of fact 1 am doing it entirely under compulsion. You see, Tlio Hub has funny ideas about these things. When I heard a determined cough behind my machine this morning, I knew at once who it was and what she wanted. Nor was I. wrong. "You,” quoth The Hub in a voice like Mussolini declaring war on Abyssinia, "aro going to write a letter to the Cogs' Page. O-o-h yes,” as I raised a feeble voice in protest, "I know all your excuses. And I also know that you are NOT too busy and there is PLENTY of room in the Page for your letter and you know COLUMNS of things to write about. And besides, this is our Gladness Page, so snap out of it you miserable, snivelling worm! Pull yourself to pieces, take a hitch in your bootlaces, and try to be GLAD about something, or else, by Jove! I’ll make you dashed sorry for yourself!” So here I come sneaking into tho Page, Cogs, and though "I’m all of a dithery fluster, And the old bus is going like mad, With work inundated and quite saturated With writing that’s awfully bad. Though reporters and editors bluster, Even printermen, haggard and sad, If we really do try it (we cannot deny it), Find something which which to be glad.”

And hang it all, why not? It's Friday and pay-day and the week’s work’s finished, so hey for a happy week-end! Yours cheerfully, MR PRINTERMAN.

Dear Hub, —Just a few lines to help l fill our Gladness Page. Oh, it was | such a lovely day here to-day! The sun was shining brightly and made one: feel glad. Wo have a few violets out j now; they will soon all be out. Do you like wattle, Hub 3 I do. It is out thick here. It always reminds mo of little golden chickens. It is a very pretty thing. Enclosed you will find a piece about our school. My sisters, brothers and I all went to it. Would you please tell mo how old you have to be to join the Cogs? Yes, Eebecca Ann we certainly shall have to look to our laurels and not let the Pago Personalities and Mr Puz beat us at being glad. Your loving Cog, Flax Flower. I always brighten when I see a lovely gold tree of wattle. There is no fixed ago for joining the Cogs; anyone may become a Cog as soon as he or she can write or print. SMILE, SMILE, SMILE. (Original, by Bonnio Dell.) When I travel through life, if I come to a stile, I’ll try to climb over, and smile a smile. Obstructions I know I shall surely meet, But tho warmth of a smile will make them fleet. And so 1 shall always try to bo glad, For what is tho use of being sad? And ere life’s Idssons all are done, I’ll think of Hub and the Cogs, everyone, And remember this, our Gladness Page And I’ll surely bo glad in my old age And this I know: If I smile a smile, It will help mo .qvgr tho. last big stile;

Foilding. Dear Hub,—l would liko to join your happy Page. I would like my penname to be Narcissi please, if it is not taken. lam ten years old and in Std. -1. I have been away two weeks with tho ’flu and it has not been very pleasant. Wo have a black kitten called Tim and ho is a littio mischief. We also have five bantam pullets and a bantam rooster and yesterday we got an egg—tho first for a few months. I am enclosing threepence for a badge. As news is scarco I will now conclude. I am your truo Cog, Narcissi. Welcome to you, June! Tho penname will do very well, and I shall send your badge. Y r ou can be glad you are better now, and I suppose you wero glad to find that egg. Stroke Tim for me.

Papatawa. Dear Hub, —Alay I beeomo a Cog, please? I -would liko Boronia as my pen-name, if it has uot been taken. I am eleven years of age and in Std. 5. I do enjoy reading the Cogs’ letters, especially Powder and Patches’ rhymes. We have quite a few spring flowers out. From now on tlio gardens will be very interesting. I am enclosing three penny stamps. Would you kindly send me a badge, please? Well, Hub, as this is my first letter, I will close with very best love to you and all the Cogs. From . Boronia. You are very welcome, Aluriel, and may use that pen-name. I will send the badge. Thcro are spring flowers peeping out everywhere now, aren’t there?

’’THANK YOU” A MESSAGE FROM THE NURSING DIVISION Dear Cogs, My grateful thanks to you for the further lot of peggy squares and little garments. Tho dear little handkerchief purso (sent by Dancing Daisy) is going to the Hospital for a littio sick girl to make her glad. We shad soon havo another quilt mado from peggy squares Cogs have knitted. Superintendent. NOTE. —The above letter is an acknowledgment of tlio contribution scut by Cogs last week, which wero handed over to the Nursing division (St John’s Ambulance). The superintendent brought in a lovely cot quilt mado from peggy squares knitted by Cogs, which will keep some new baby warm. Sho said that the contributions you have sent so far have mado many people glad. The Hub. CALL. Why are wo weary? Why arc we sad? Why is our world so grey? Laughter is calling, rising and falling. Colour gleams on tho way! Sorrow wc sco in life all around. Yes, but wc aro its cause. Cowards, wo weary, life becomes dreary, weakness ' calls for a pause. Blindness brings shadows; bright be our eyes, lighting the clouds for the sun. See, it is peeping—why arc we sleeping? Sunshino -waits to be won! Lift up your head, friend; gladden your heart. Beauty is all around. Press onward singing, set the world ringing. Joy, oh joy, make abound! Rebecca Ann. Apiti. Dear Hub, —I should like to become a member of your happy band of Cogs. May I have Robin Redbreast for my pen-name? I am seven years of age and my birthday is on Juno 19. lam sending threepence in stamps for a badge. Robin Redbreast.

You aro very welcome, and "Robin Redbreast” you may be. I hope you will enjoy being a Cog. Write again

A “WELCOME-IN.” Something else yet to be glad over! That is to welcome the following new (! ogs this week: — “Gladness,” Ridge road, Apiti. “Boronia,” Papatawa. “Narcissi,” Feilding, “Robin Redbreast,” Apiti. THE HUB REPLIES. JACK O’ HEARTS.—Mr. Printerman has had such a job to pack everything in lately, that your letter- has been squeezed out. Queen O’ Hearts said you had the ping pong set, and it must be great fun. Thank you for “If”; I liked it very much and will publish it as soon as possible.

TULIP.—What a lot of love and kisses you sent me, Tulip! Read the answer above. Your brother must be proud to bo able to knit; has ho done much more to the juniper? Write again soon.

“Ono of the things that makes me glad is to feel that winter is nearly over, and spring is on the way.” —Minstrel Boy. Apiti. Dear Hub, —Please may I join your band of Cogs? I am ten years and in Std. 5. May I have "Gladness” for my pen-name? I am sending a Gladness contribution. I am enclosing three stamps for my badge. I remain, your loving Cog, Gladness. I am glad to welcome you, Gladness; I like your pen-name. Your badgo will be sent.

GLAD WORDS FROM MR PUZ,

Dear Cogs, I’m very glad to greet you gladly on this day of gladness. And I’m also glad to say that gladness is tickling mo to death. Why, can you imagine me being anything else but glad, when The Hub and Rebecca Ann aro throwing the glad-eye and Uncle Peter giving tho glad-hand and chuckling with gladness at tho thought of Uncles Bob and Jasper and Horace and Mr Print feeling glad about winning first place in tho search for gladness competition. Gladness, to my glad mind, is a first cousin to a sense of humour, and these two gay friends help you to put in a cold winter by banishing gloom and looking for joy together. In fact, there is so much to be really glad of, that wo should never be anything else. Especially if you aro Scotch because glad ness is that little something which we can all have, can all give, and can still havo plenty of it left to hand on. So I hope you’re all glad to-day, because gladness means smiics, and my motto is always to

Keep Smiling. Though, the Skilltcst may be tricky, and your homework won’t come right, And everything in life seems out of place, And you’re feeling discontented, and wish others out of sight. You must laugh and always keep a smiling face. Seek the gladness of the sunshine, from the shadows of tho trees. .Don’t worry if you never win the race. But you’ll find that life seems brighter and your heart will be at ease. If you’re glad, and always keep :t smiling face. With these few glad words, I will now say cheerio, gladly wishing you glad dreams of glad days to come, and gladly reminding you that when least 1 expected, gladness will come your way. Gladness to you all, Gladly yours, MR PUZ. P.S. Dorry I’be god a gold in my dose, Hub, but I’m glad of dat, ’cos it might ab been two broken legs instead.

HOOAMI WRITES A BRIGHT LETTER Puzzle Town. Dear Hub and Cogs,—As I haven’t written for a while I am endeavouring to do so now. I’ve three ‘‘glads.” (1) I was glad the Hub was in when I called on Tuesday, (2) I was very glad to meet our fellow Cog, Rebecca Ann, (3) and .to peep at tho pages of our Album of Happy Days. I nearly forgot another one—an important one, too. Listen, Cogsl As I was going into Hub’s "den,” a man scuttled away like a scared rabbit. I thought that maybe he was one of our uncles, but he wasn’t. Hub whispered to me that it was no other than Mr Puz. That’s my fourth picco of gladness! Fancy catching Mr Puz! I’m sure he wouldn’t even guess I was a Cog, so I have one over him, to make up for tho puzzles which nearly turn my hair snowy white sometimes..

At present I can hear a thrush singing, and I heard one before I was up this morning too. Ido love their song. They seem really to talk with their "Pretty bird, pretty bird, cheer up, cheer up” and “Pretty sweet, pretty sweet.” I once heard one which seemed to say “You’re getting pretty near it.” I wondered if it was addressing the words to me, and if so, what it was I was getting pretty near! I wonder how many of the older Cogs have read any of tho "Pollyanna” books? I was greatly interested in Pollyanna’s “glad” game, I wonder how many readers of thoso books play the "glad” game now, which Pollyanna unconsciously taught to so many? I read all four books recently, "Pollyanna,” "Pollyanna Grows Up,” 'Tolly anna of the Orange Blossom” and "Pollyanna’s Jewels.” Have you read them, Hub? I think I saw in last week’s page where ono Cog mentioned reading ono of the books. I hope the Cogs will like my “photo” which Rebecca Ann has pasted in our Album! Thanks Rebecca Ann for your original idea. I like tho now heading for the page, Hub, and also tho idea of tho Gladness Page. Goodbyo till next time. Your loving Cog, Hooami. What a bright letter Hooami! lam glad you wrote it, and so will Cogs be. I often hear birds talk like that too. I am afraid I haven’t read the books. MORNING PACE BA.CK AGAIN. Bluewatcr beach. Dear Hub, lam sitting down writing to you when I have not finished my morning’s work, but it is such a gloriously happy day that I felt I must write about it this very minute before clouds whisk over the blue. July clouds play all sorts of scampish tricks as I guess you know and there is a little grey ono over our hill, like a goblin with a rakish umbrella whom I would not trust for ono moment. Anyway, it is only a little dusting I left and it can wait. I onco knew a person who said she did not believe in dusting urtii she could seo where she had been! But I don’t quite agree with her, do you? It is lovely to see things always clean and shining.

Hub, don’t you think the very gladdest thing to be happy about just no it' is tho spring? It is surely very near to-day. W’o liavo had jonquils, bright golden ones, in our garden for quite a long while now, and quite a few violets. Don’t you love tho breath of violets through the rain? I don’t think there can be a inoro beautiful fragrance anywhero on the earth. Yesterday 1 planted out some carnation slips but I don’t caro to poke about too busily because of tho new bulb spears pushing up everywhere. I have always been glad that wo have trees around our house; we have pines, Australian wattlo and tall gums. Ohl I love the little, gold mimosa trees so dearly. They arc like fairy castles in among our pines just now. The other day when I was over the hill I found a native passion-fruit vine with tiny silver-furred buds. Do you know tho Maori name for this climber. Hub? I have a suspicion that it begins with a “k”; perhaps some naturalist Gog, like Alountain Lily, could tell me? J have always loved tho trees though—even the bare, leafless ones. It is only a trick of the atmosphere, but I have often seen a misted purple glow through the empty arms of our silver birch—a beautiful, dancing thing. I think winter is beautiful, too, a time of spangling frost and rainbows. I can always catch my heart up for a rainbow; they mako mo think of that lovely poem by W. H. Davies: “A rainbow and a cuckoo’s song may never come together again.” Do you like toffee? I love it and the other day I made some honey kind. J. am almost as bad as “Pooh Bear, ’’ when it comes to “Hunny”! Have you met Winnie the Pooli and Piglet, Hub? I do lovo all those friends at tho House round Pooh corner. And toffeo is such adventurous stuff. I remember wet Saturday afternoons in school-day-time wo thought nothing was more exciting and important than making toffee. Now the blue has hidden away somewhere, and I suppose that wily cloud-imp is furling his ’brolly and laughing at me. It is time to say goodbyo anyway. Lots of love, dear Hub, from your gladsome Cog, Morni ug Pace.

We arc glad to find you back again, Morning Pace, and writing sucli a cnarming letter. Yes, 1 havo met Winnie and Piglet; they are delightful. I would like to say more, but Mr Printerman is squeezmgmcoutl GLADNESS. (Original, by Rag.) I’ve gladness in my heart, Hub, My heart, Hub, my heart, Hub, I’vo gladness in my heart, Hub, And I hope that it will stay. The reason why it’s there, Hub, It’s there, Hub, it’s there, Hub, The reason why it’s there, Hub, Is because the lambs play. The littio lambs are playing, Hub, Are playing, Hub, are playing, Hub, The little lambs are playing, Hub, Because spring is here. And that is why I’m glad, Hub, I’m glad, Hub, I’m glad, Hub, And that is why I’m glad, Hub — Sweetest spring is here!

“LADDIE.” VIRGINIA WEIDLER TELLS A STORY. Geno Stratton-Portcr’s famous novel, “Laddie,” which many of you will have read, comes to Palmerston North as a motion picture, and opens its session today. Tho Hub was privileged to see a pre-view screening, and was especially charmed with Virginia Weidler, who is only seven years old, and who played the role of “Little Sister.” You will enjoy the following little story Virginia tells about herself.

“I am seven years old. I have been in movies since I was a baby. I was Europena, in “Mrs Wiggs” for my last work before “Laddie.”

I lovo to play with my dolls. I iovo butterscotch best of the candies. There are six children in our family, and all act in tho movies. At homo wo have our own little theatre to act in. I have a new tooth, my first since I was very little. Tho dentist put it m. Because one night I lost my real tooth. It was in front, too. That was bad luck nigh-;. I fell downstairs first. The tooth that was my own was still O.lv. I was glad. I went to sleep after worrying I was afraid .I’d loso the tooth, and so bo useless until I could got a now one made.

I dreamed after I went to bed. I dreamed I had lost tho tooth. I went hunting for it in tho dining room, i found it, and tried to stick it back with glue. It would not stay in. Ho I cried out. My mother woke, and I woke, and my tooth WAS out, just hanging by a bit of flesh. I cried. But my mother had the dentist make ono real quick, and I didn’t miss a minute at the studio. That made me happy. That’s my best story. It is ail I can writo now. I love everybody. Good-bye.” “Parrotvillo Old Folks,” which is shown as a support, is a delightful rhapsody in beautiful colouring.

HAPPY THOUGHTS OF SPRING. (Original, by Ring Dove.; I think that one or the many things that makes me glad is to know that spring is ahead. When one sits inside watching the rain pouring down tho window, what is better than to think of sunny spring ahead? When l wake up on a beautiful sunny morning and hear tho birds singing and whistling gaily in the trees, or hear tho magpies' wild voices, 1 often think how even happier they will be when they are in tho spring, watching and caring for a nest of fluffy songsters. If I go round tho garden and chance to seo a fresa bulb facing me, it makes me' feel glad, or if I hear the baby voice of a young calf or lamb it makes me joyful, for I know only too well that busy but happy spring is ahead. I consider that spring is tho happiest of all seasons and that it brings joy to anyone if they think of it when perhaps they are not quite so happy.

Hukanui Dear Hub, I’m very glad you scut my book, 1 thank you so muen, too. I’m glad it was a book of verse, And that it was from you. I’m glad that I’m not poor, Hub, And havo a lire’s bright glow To spend my winter evenings by, To entertain or sew. I’m glad I’m getting a new frock To bo a bridesmaid in. I hope that being glad of that Will not be thought a sin. I’m glad that I’ve a pussy cat Who sings and purrs to me, Who loves to sleep and sing a lot

On P. and Patches’ knee. I’m glad our green-sheathed daffodils Are peeping through tho ground. I’m glad they’re heralding the spring

When sun and flowers abound. I’m glad it’s not your Coglet’s turn To get up in the morning, ’Cos I’m afraid there’ll be a frost

When daylight bright is dawning. I’m glad wo get your paper,

Or else I couldn’t seo Tho weekly contributions Of rhymcful P. and P. I’m glad I started rhyming In the long-ago; But that I would write write weekly rhymes I surely didn’t know. Well, I must say, “Cogs adieu, And Hub and all, farewell.” I send my kindest love to you, And hope you all are well. Powder and Patches. A jolly thing is the growth of age, But tho jolliest of all is Die Gladness Page! —Daffodil. I’m glad that “I’m just a Cog in life’s vast wheel,” and to think that “but for me the wheel might slip.” —Twinkletoes. CHRYSANTHEMUM NOTES. Chrysanthemum notes will appear or. Tuesday.

Tho other day, when 1 opened tho front door and stepped out, I thought, “What a nice day this is!” The sun was shining high in tho Heavens above, and all the paddocks were nice and green. Then I turned, and to my delight I espied something white among some tall green leaves. “Oh, it is a dainty iittlo snowdrop.” As I picked it, I thought, “What a happy world this is!” Oh, I was so glad, for tho snowdrop told mo that spring would soon be here. —Flax Flower. Umutaoroa, Danncvirke. Dear Hub, —Tho Gladness Page is a glad idea. This morning waeu I went out into the garden the sun was shining brightly after many days of rain. That mado mo glad, and then-—suddenly I spied a lovely spike of hyacinth in bud. That mado me, oh so glad, for j. just love hyacinths. This is to be a blue one; last year we had a pink one. Then I noticed our wisteria with loti :f fat flower buds. It will be its first flowers; so -weren’t these glad surprises? I couldn’t tell you how much I Jove ilowcrs. There’s a magnolia tree, too, wifu nice, fat, furry buds —what a nice smell they’ll have. This is my glad entry. 1 hope‘you’ll be glad I tried. I'm glad you thought of such a glad idea. Lovo from your glad Cog, Mama’s Mate “THERE’S SO MUCH GLADNESS IN THIS GREAT BIG WORLD.” (Original, by Mountain Lily.) When you’re not feeling just as you ought to feel, And the world seems to go quite

wrong, Just think of tho wattle that you savin bloom, Or the blackbird’s happy song. For .there’s so much gladness in this great, big -world That there’s always lots for you; If you only take the trouble to remember some That trouble you’ll never rue.

So always try 4 - to think about something that’s glad (That’s an easy tiling to do), For there’s so much gladness in this great big world That there’s always some for you. GLADNESS. (Original, by Morning Face.) I cannot sing like the happy bird In the sunlit wattle tree; Or walk by the path of a silver moon Over the singing sea. I cannot weave little daisies white Across the dew-still grass; Or whisper elfin secrets when The fairy breezes pass. I cannot dance like the flowers in spring, Or sway like the little pink fays that swing Through the apple blossom sea . . . But I’m glad to kneel in the quiet and pray: “Thank you, Lord, for a happy day.” Ono beautiful spring morning, when the radiant sun was casting its golden rays over the earth, I happened to be strolling in the cool bush under the shade of hundreds of trees. Suddenly I stood stocK-still, for I heard a piteous miaow-ailing coming from the heart of the bush. Bushing my way through the tangled ivory vines, I came upon a cat caught by the tail. Imagine my joy when I recognised it as our long-lost-cat, Tiger! As I freed it, I saw five little Persian kittens clinging to their mother. Although I could not persuade them to come home, I felt glad I had saved live baby lives. —Gladness. There is nothftig so wonderful as gladness, as when wo ourselves arc

glad we can try to make other people tno same. I have been happy many times, but I will try to select some occasion which gives me the greatest

pleasure. How lovely is that feeling of riding, almost flying through tho air on a beautiful spring morning. I am on my way to school. Tho clatter of my pony’s hoofs sound on the road, nature is waiving all around me, the young calves and lambs are capering about the paddocks, tho sun is peeping over the gorse-covered hills, while a little further on, I came to a beautiful native bush. Then there is the meeting with all my schoolmates and teachers, with a happy “Good morning!” keen and ready for our lessons, and the sport which follows later. I must not forget any little kindness we may be aide to do to bring gladness to someone eke. To experience the pleasure of helping is a- gieat a joy axil gladness as anyenr could have. Rising bun. PLEASE NOTE. Air Printen.x.ia has allowed us extra space in nnothcr part of the paper.