HAPPY COGS

Manawatu Times, Volume 64, Issue 111, 13 May 1939, Page 13

HAPPY COGS

MONEY IN SHARKS The shark is a most valuable fish. Several grades of fine leather are made from its skin; oil similar to cod-live; oil is made from the liver; glue is made from tho head and smaller fins; the large fins are sun-dried and sold to the Chinese, who eat them with relish; Iho bones are used as fertiliser; and tasty dishes are prepared from its flesh. A 15-foot tiger shark has a 200-pound liver. Members of the cat-fish family can kill sharks; after being swallowed whole, they gnaw their way to freedom. RIDDLES Q. When does a butcher rob himself? A. When he steels (steals) his own knife. Q. When is a black dog not a black dog? A. When he is a greyhound. Q. What fruit is on a penny? A. The date. Q. A riddle, a riddle, a farmer Q. What docs a ball do when it stops rolling? A. Looks round. —Copied by Jewel. PAN, THE MUSIC MAKER Pan, a Greek god, was the protector of shepherds and huntsmen, and looked after their floc.ks and herds and all wild beasts and fish. He was said to have invented the flute with seven reeds, called tho syriux or “pipes of Pan,” and be is often depicted playing this. He is usually represented with tho head and body of a man, and the legs, tail and feet of a goat. He has also a goat’s beard and horns. The word “panic” lias been derived from the god Pan. Any sudden, unreasonable fear was said to have been a result of his influence, and was therefore called “panic.”

rimmed hectaclcs—l mean sporn-rim-med hornicles—bother it, I mean licckrimmed spornaclcs—” Shopwalker; “I know what you mean, sir. Mr Black, Show this gentleman a pair of our latest rim-sporned hectacles. ” “Your brother doesn’t play fair,” said Tommy. “He won the walking race three times running.”

THE BIRD WITCHES A delightful work is being carried out by members of tho Association of Bird Watchers and Wardens. No nest of a rare bird is safe from the ruffians who steal eggs to sell to those oncmies of Nature, the collectors, so the associates of this body map out nesting areas, and when the birds arc brooding their eggs' they are watched day and night to prevent their being destroyed. We hope the work may extent from end to end of the country, so that, no matter how desirable its eggs because of their scarcity value, any and every bird may be safe to add to our stock of happy life and song. Feilding. Dear Hub, —I am not going away for uiy holidays, but lam having good time at home. We have a little puppy now and he is very playful. We cannot leave anything about or ho will tear it to pieces. I like reading Naughty Marietta’s letters in rhymes and all tho other letters, too. I rush out to get the paper on Saturday to read the Cogs’ Page. I must close now as it is my bedtime. Little 80-peep. I think a holiday at homo can be great fun. I would like to see little puppy. What do you call him? The Page provides lots of interest, doesn’t it? JANE’S SCHOOLDAYS One day in 18S5 little Jane Wilson attended St. Paul’s Church of England School at Hendon, a part of Sunderland, in the North of England. She was a new girl, and if she had ever paused to think about it at all she would certainly have imagined she was beginning a few years of schooling. She could not have had any idea that she was not to leave school for over 50 years.

But that is what happened. Jane was first a scholar, then a pupil teacher, and after that a qualified teacher, and she remained at St. Paul’s for 53 years. She has now retired.

Slow Waiter: “Did you ask for anything, sir?” Angry Diner: “Yes; I asked for hotcross buns; but that was so long ago that you’d better bring me a Christmas pudding. ’ ’

Napier. Dear Hub, —Here I am holidaying at Napier. From the hotel where I am staying I can look out over the Marine Parade and tho sea. This morning the fishing launcEes arc visible. At Port Ahuriri I went on board one of tho fishing launches and had a good look at it. The Marine Parade is a beautiful place at night with fairy lights twinkling in the dark Norfolk Island pines. I think the most marvellous thing is the coloured fountain which, at night showers its rainbow-tinted spray into a pond around it. I like to watch the children skating on the square, especially provided lor that purpose. My next want will be a pair of roller skates. Then I expect thero will be gome skinless knees. I am glad some of the Cogs enjoyed my description of the Gala Day. It seemed a shame everyone could not see the gala. Tarawcra Scout. How lovely to be holidaying in Napier. I quite agree that the parade and particularly tho fountain is a lovely sight at night. Aorangi. Dear Hub, —My cousin is Daffodil, I am tho leader of a patrol at Guides. I was twelve on April 29. lam in standard five at school. We have a dear little kitten, she is grey and white. I call her Pet. She is very wise, she knows when the butcher comes bccauso he gives her meat. I think I am going away for the holidays. At school we are waiting for Mr Lang to tell us who won the competition in plot judging. Our plots have been judged and I won by one point. Our records have not been judged yet. I will close now with heaps of love for all the Cogs. Autumn Loaves. I am sure you find great fun in the game of Guiding. Pet must be a dear little companion. I do hope you have that holiday. Umutoi. Dear Hub, —Here I am writing once again. I received the skilltest money and thank you very much. We have our cows in once a day now and they are milking very well for this time of the season. I will have a two week’s holiday from my school work, but I don’t like too long a holiday because you seem to get out of the routine of work. We have had plenty of mushrooms. I like mushrooms, do you, Hub? I always look forward to our Pago on Saturdays and I particularly like solving skilltests. This was the first one that I have ever won and now I have been a Cog for sis years yesterday, and I think it was because I changed my name from ‘ ‘ Hobnail Boots” to “Russian Ballet.’’ 1 can almost ride a bicycle now. Tarzan’s brother taught me in Apiti. I now think that practice makes perfect. Russian Ballet. I think your new name is certainly the nicer one and I am glad you have at last carried off a skilltest. Keep on trying. Isn’t it fun riding a bicycle? Yes, I do like mushrooms, my dear. Whakarongo. Dear Hub, —I am not worrying about tho skilltest this week as I have just recovered, from ’flu and lam not too happy. The competitions are on now, and I suppose some of the Cogs are taking part. The girl I sit with at school is in them, she learns dancing. I hope the child who receives the bed-socks will like them as much as you and Aunt Betty, Hub. Well no more news so I will close, wishing you all the best of luck, and no coughs and colds such as I have had. Dixie. Poor Dixie! lam sorry you have had that nasty complaint. You must just take great care for a little while. I ani sure the little girl who received the socks was delighted. RIDDLES When is a tap not a taj)?—When it is dripping. Why is pastry like the sun?—Beeauso jt is always light. Nutty.

AUNT BETTY’S HOLIDAY AT NEW PLYMOUTH

For our last day at New Plymouth we had planned to give the bach what we called “a good clean-up” so as to leave it spotless for its next inhabitants. Afterwards we intended to visit Pukekura Park, of which we had heard so much.

I rose early and went for a walk, being very thrilled with the beauty all around me, in the sea and sky. At last hunger made itself known and I returned to the bach. The others insisted on helping to cook breakfast —and w T hat a breakfast it was, Cogs! Bacon, eggs, chips, fried tomatoes and apples, followed by bread and jam, and a choice of tea or coffee. It was a wonder we were able to set to work house-cleaning, but believe it or not, wo did. Many hands made light work and we completed tho tasks we had set ourselves in record time, and when lunch was over, off we went with a clear conscience.

We went by tram part of the way and as we passed through the street, we watched the shop windows with interest. We were pleased when Rebecca Ann suggested that we walk back that way and have time to see them >yOn entering the park gates we discovered that a cricket match was in progress, but wo did not spend long watching it but hurried on to the main lake where was exhibited the enticing notice “Boats for Hire.” We at once saw to it that our names were added to tho list of those waiting for a boat. Rebecca Ann’s friend, named Blythe, was the only member of our quartette who could row, and I must confess I was rather worried at the thought of trusting myself to her tender mercies. I was rather afraid she might get us out to the centre of the lake and not be able to get us back to land again! I had no wish to be marooned with such crowds of holiday makers looking on. Till our boat arrived we wandered about the lovely park with its beautiful tree ferns and its gay little red bridges. But we were disappointed at not being able to see the mountain at all, for we wanted to take a “snap” of it from there. At last we stepped into tho little rowing boat and Blythe took up the oars and began to row with such skill that I was soon at ease and greatly enjoying the delicious motion. Wo spent a very merry half hour gliding round amongst the stately swans before the clang of a bell told us that our time was up. Of course Rebecca Ann was not satisfied till she had attempted to row, with such disastrous results that we had to beg her to give back the oar.' to tho trusty Blythe. Although the sun was still shining when we left the park, we did not feel very bright for Dorothy and I were thinking of the journey home which was drawing so near. Even our tea with its party touches of jelly and grapes was not successful in cheering us, aud wo gloomily packed our suitcases. Dorothy had b&en very keen to hear a play on tho wireless but, when I reminded her of it, she said “I don’t want to listen to it now —music is more cheerful.” At last it was time for the taxi and we trudged down the drive in the darkness. One last backward look we had at the bach—and then off we went — bound. Pahiatua. Dear Hub, When daylight fades And skies grow blue, When tiny starlets shine From high above, I feel her love Warm, Bweet and divine Come stealing down My troubles down For assuredly ’tis mine. Although I never fathom Just why I feel it near, I know ’tis so Where I go, Becoming even more dear. I’d little faith To guide my steps, Death made it real for me, My one great aim, Her love to claim In Eternity. But how I miss The tender care, Devotion sweet I knew Just showered on me So liberally And so gladly, too. But time has wrought Changes now, And we must carry on Without the smilo ’Gainst many a trial And brave faces don. ’Tis not for me To kick against The pricks—He chose and planned, Some future day f humbly pray That I may understand. But Mother’s day Has brought me grief, For in the years now passed, Some gift I’d buy, Had I known ’twas the last. Some fragile thing She ’d admired, l gave with utmost joy, .Kind eyes would shine, Laugh into mine The minute sweet enjoy. So full of thanks For smallest things, But oh! her love slipped by. Unnoticed, too, The years -just flew, And now tho shops So full of gifts All labelled gladly “Mother.” Oh! I would give .Toys yet to live; Privileged to buy another, The days are fair, The sun quite bright, At evening to sink low Midst distant hills Where setting spills A colourful, soft glow. The land is green And to the eye A very pleasing sight, One ventures forth • ►South or North, Green pastures left and right. I, too* would say, Thanks to the Cogs Who wrote in praise of me, ’Tis nice to feel That I appeal, And their remarks to see. Cast week I had the chance To visit your fair clime. But I must close,

THE BINGHAM SCHOOL PIRATES (A Picture Serial). (13) Paradise Island was quite close to the shore, and from there they suddenly heard a very energetic voice well known to them all. “Great Scott! That is the headmaster,” whispered two of the more courageous Pirates to each other. “What is going on there?” the voice demanded. “Victor are you the leader of this scandalous assault?” The chief of the Pirates came forward politely and stammered a feeble “Yes, Sir.” (14) The voice continued, “I car. see you quite well, even if you cannot see me, my friend. Will you and the other four ruffians get into your boat. Get back to school immediately. You can wait in my office until I return.” The Pirates, previously so bloodthirsty, presented a sad sigh. Pale and bewildered they got into their boat and sailed away. (15) In the meantime Ben had succeeded in ridding himself of the gag which had prevented him from speaking. He was more than perplexed by t.he turn of events, and when he gained t.he use of his tongue again he said, “What is the idea? Why does the headmaster let those fellows go without freeing us.” The voice sounded again, but this time quite near. “Keep cool, old boy. Father will soon be with you.” Ben had been surprised before, but now he was speechless with amazement. What a remarkable tone from the headmaster. There was more than met the eye in this affair. There was! But what was it? Read mext time fof the solution of the mystery.

TO RAISE A SMILE Son: “Daddy, may I ask you a question in arithmetic?” Father: “Certainly, my boy.” Son: “Well, how many times what makes seven, daddy?” Lady: “How long will the next train be, please ” Porter: “One engine and two carriages. ’ ’ Lady: “Smart, aren’t you?” Porter: “No, ma’am. Smart’s just gone home to dinner—l’m Jenkins!” The train crawled along as usual, and then stopped dead. “Guard,” shouted a joval passenger, “may I get down and pick some flowers?” “Afrafcl you won’t find many about here,” said the guard, good-humouredly. “Oh, thero will be heaps of time,’ > said the jovial one; “I have bought a packet of seeds!” A COMMON SAYING We often refer to a thing which is of no use as a white elephant. This originiated from the white elephants of Frdia that were kept as sacred animals to be of service only to the priests. Anyone found in possession of these sacred animals was tortured and sometimes even put to death. Because of this, anything that is more bother than it is worth is called a white elephant. THE DUTCHMAN AND HIS DAUGHTER A Dutchman who had a fat daughter, Took to feeding her only on water, Till one very hot day she melted away, So he took a tin can and he caught her. Primrose.

The evening goes, And yet I sit and rhyme. I’ve plenty of little tasks To do, ere I lie down, I And journey gladly onward I To good old sleepy town. Naughty Marietta.

A THEATRE FOR CTHILDRBW A pioneer in children’s theatre production in New York is Mrs Clare Tree Major, who for the first 15 yean has been director of the Children ’§ Theatre, of New York, which she founded. Mrs Major is a grandniece of the famous nineteenth-century English actress Helen Tree, and gave up a career as an actress herself to experiment in an untried field—that of producing plays for boys and girls. A mother herself, Mrs Major believed that a good theatre for children was needed. - Although theatrical people looked upon her enterprise as a hazardous venture, she organised a group of Broadway actors and actresses and gave Saturday morning matinees for New York children. Although the cast was largely composed of people engaged in other plays, they found time to rehearse for their Shturdav morning appearances. From that first group of actors the Children’s Theatrs has grown to have six companies, visiting 33 States last season. Each unit travelled in a car and a specially designed truck carrying scenery, and each was equipped to play on tho stages of metropolitan theatres or on the stages of village auditoriums. Mrs Major is a graduate of the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London, of which Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree was head. When a descendant of the famous stage family of Tree went to him to study he was especially interested in her career and wrote the preface to her first book on # tho development of voice and personality. GREASE THEIR WINGS You all know how long-distance swimmers grease their bodies. This is not an idea known only to man. Birds have their way to greasing themselves, too, for a swim. Ducks have used it through the ages. A duck rises from the water as freely as a land bird from the ground, and wet wings would be a serious handicap, as you can imagine. So the duck keeps its wings dry by the use of grease, and carries its own grease pot at the base of its tail.