HAPPY COGS

Manawatu Times, Volume 64, Issue 171, 22 July 1939, Page 13

HAPPY COGS

THE SKILLTEST The skilltest must have been to your liking this week because all those who tried it found the solution. What was I to do to award the prize? The o n;y solution to my puzzle was once moro to choose the neatest, so Donna McDonald, Ivimboltou Road, Feilding, and Rae Jensen, Table Flat, are the winners, but congratulations to the others as well. SOLUTION TO BOOK TITLE'S 1. Duke of Wellington. 2. Horatio Nelson. WELCOME TO Barbara McKenzie, Bunnythorpe. I Sylvia Husband, Palmerston North. Eileen Wildbore, Apiti. Muriel Mcllrov, Marima Mangamaire. Mabel McNicol, Apiti. Rona White, Fcilding-Apiti R.D.

Maharahara West. Dear Hub, —Just a line to accompany the skilltest which I am sending in. To-day at our place it is very cold and there is a cold wind blowing off the Ruahines. The other night I received six letters from Australia from penfriends so now I am having quite a busy time answering them. Well, Hub, as there is no more news I will bid you adieu for the present. Little Qnccn. The Eauhines arc very beautiful when all snow glad, aren’t they? but I- know how cold it can be over your way. You should pass on your Australian news to the Page.

f Apiti. Dear Hub,—May I join your Happy 1 Band? I read your Page eacli week 5 and I thought I would like 'to see a ' letter of mine occasionally. The weath--ler up here now is very chilly. We have had two or three falls of snow already ■ this winter, and tho Rangers are all ' snow-capped and sometimes I only » wish I was in a warmer region for it is very cold. I am knitting myself a jiftnper for the summer in a very stitch, the colour is salmon pink and white. May I please have for my penname “SnoAV Queen?” if it has not ■ been taken. Eileen Wildbore. Welcome, Eileen, to the Big Family, but you must choose another pen-name as wo have a Snow Queen. Send three penny stamps and your badge will be forwarded.

Palmerston North. Dear Hub, —Just a few lines I can write to you because I have not much news. But perhaps next week I shall have a lot of news and be ablo to write a nice long letter. I listen in to the “Mutiny of tho Bounty” which is on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Funny Bunny. Your story is much enjoyed, Funny Bunny, and we shall look forward to a longer letter next time. The Mutiny of tho Bounty certainly makes a thrilling story. Apiti. Dear Hub, —May I join your happy band of Cogs? I am eight years old and in standard 1 at school. I would like “Lazy Bones” for my pen-name if it is not already taken. I enclose thre A -ence in stamps for my badge. ■ Eona White. Welcome to tho happy family, Eona, and “Lazy Bones” you may be, only I hope not really, but only in make believe. Watch out for your badge. Colyton. Dear Hub, —I am sorry I have not written before but I have been in the hospital. I am sending in a piece of poetry. I was in Palmerston North last week. It lias been very cold here the last few days. We had a few flakes of snow here the other day. Wo have two little calves now. I have been away from school five weeks but I think I am going back next Wednesday. There are a lot of Cogs writing in, aren’t there. My little brother will bo nine in throe moro weeks. There are not many going to school in the bus because there are a lot sick up this way. Well, Hub, I will close until next week. Sunflower. I am so sorry to learn that you have been in hospital and. do hope the troubles are all over. Thank you for the little poem—it shows promise and you should keep on trying. Little Corky seemed very much interested in Grandma’s hair, which was dressed in a coil at tho back of her ; head. After Grandma had noticed him staring at it for some time she asked, “ Corky, why do you stare at my hair in that manner?” Corky replied, “Well, Grandma, you carry a sx>are, don’t you?”

Bunnythorpe. Dear Hub, —May I join your band of happy Cogs? If so, may my pen-name be “Hinemoa,” or if that has been taken “Silver-Shoes” will do? I live on a farm and go to the same school as Bubbles. Last Tuesday I went to Wanganui and had the time of my life. I am eleven years of age and in Std. 4. Now I must closo hoping that you and the other Cogs are well. Barbara McKenzie. Hinemoa you may be. I hope you will enjoy doing the skilltest and writing to the Page. Watch the post for your badge. Parewanui. Dear Hub, —Nearly every night after school I have some of my girl friends in to play so I have not written to the Page for a long time. We have quite a lot of little calves now and my brother and I are going to put one in the calf club again this year. We have folk dancing at school now, and use the gramophone for music. I must go to bed now so I will writo again soon. Pinky. It would not do if all the members of the family neglected to write, would it? However, so long as you don’t forget us altogether all is well. Folk dancing is great fun, isn’t it? Pat the calves for me. Marima. Dear Hub, —May I join your happy band of Cogs? lam eleven and I am in standard four. Naughty Marietta’s letters are good, aren’t they? I have a pen-friend in Palmerston North whose name is Beryl Russell. I have read the Pago for a long timo. May I have “Golden Kowhai” for my pen-name? Funny Bunny’s letters and stories are always very interesting. I am enclosing threepence in stamps for qiy badge. Muriel M. Mcllroy. Welcome to the happy family, Muriel, and “Golden Kowhai” will do very nicely for your pen-name. Watch for your badge. Apiti. > Dear Hub, —How is the happy wheel of Cogs revolving? It is a very cold day here and. looks very much like snow again. We havo had three falls this year. The first was two inches and the second 10 inches and the third throe inches. The Manawatu trials were held at Feilding. As I have no more | news I will close till next week. I Tornado Tex. j I think the wheel is revolving very happily, Tornado Tex, but we need every member to keep it moving. You would be pleased with your brothers’ success. Did you have any snowballing? Palmerston North. Dear Hub, —I only joined last week but I intend to keep in constant touch with you. The last week I said I was in standard G but I ain really in standard 5, I got mixed up with the Roman figures. I am sending in a true story of our bicycle tour of the South Island, of which I will send in an episode each week in my own words. I hope you enjoy it. Weary Willy. Thank you very much, Weary Willy, it is nice of know your good intentions W T e shall look forward to the contributions. DO YOU KNOW Q. What room is it impossible to enter? A. A mushroom. Q. What mau is always making faces? A. A watchmaker. Q. What tree does a hungry boy liko best? A. A pantry. Q. Which was the last animal to leave the Ark? A. The elephant, because it had to pack its trunk. Q. What stands on one leg and has its heart in its head? A. A cabbage. Q. What most resembles half a cheese? A. The other half. Q. When havo kittens eight feet? A. When there are two of them. Q. What do wo see twice in a week and only once in a year? A. The letter “E.” Q. What does a ship weigh? A. Its anchor. Q. What fish is most valued by a married lady? A. Herring. Q. Why is a caterpillar like a greedy boy ? A. Because they both make the but-ter-fly. Q. Why is the letter “E” like London? A. Because it is the capital of England. Q. What colour is a crow flying over water? A. Black. Q. Why is a dog with a broken tail lucky? A. Because while every dog has his day, the one with the broken tail has a we(a)k-end. Q. What would happend to a dog that swallowed a thermometer? A. He’d die by degrees, Q. Why did the jam-roll? A. Because it saw the apple turnover. Q. Why is the letter “V” like an angry bull? A. Because it comes after “U” (you).

“THE TALE OF THE MAGIC RING” Princess Yo-San and everybody aro now happy again, for the magic ring is no longer lost. Everywhere there is a bustle and a hurry, for on the morrow the prince is coming to claim Princess Yo-San for his bride. At last, all is quiet and peaceful. The princess and her household are fast asleep; but flitting around the palaco are fairies, sent by the prince to keep guard over his beautiful bride. They are placing fairy lights about tho palace, for when the sun sets again there is to be a splendid ball, and by then the prince will have married the princess Yo-San. At the first cock crow, the fairies disappeared, and once again the palace became all bustle and hurry. Soon the prince would be arriving. Three trumpeters were on guard at the palace gates to give warning of the approach of the prince and his suite. At last, the trumpeters blew their trumpets. Tho palace gates were thrown open wide, for the prince had arrived. As the gorgeous carriage of gold, drawn by the little elves, passed through the gates, everybody cried, “Long live the prince and princess.” Then the prince stepped out of his carriage and saw his bride coming to meet him. They fell in love with one another at first sight, and everybody agreed that there was such a pretty princess and such a handsome prince. The prince asked the princess Yo-San to be his bride. Then he called Bentback to him. “My faithful friend,” said the prince, “in all things, for many years, you have served mo faithfully and well. In giving the magic ring to the princess You-San, you have shown your great wisdom and judgment, for never have I seen so charming a princess. I promised you that no reward should be too great for you. All that now remains is for you to claim your reward.”

“Most noble prince,” answered Bentback, * * that I should have lived to see you married to such a beautiful princess is my reward. All that I ask further is, that I may continue to serve you both till the end of my days.” “So you shall, my faithful Bentback,” said the prince. “I should like to give you some reward, as a token of my great friendship for you, ” said the princess and she kissed him, and everybody cried “Long live Bentback.” I’m Bure Bentback was tho happiest of all the prince’s wedding guests. So under the blossoming cherry tree, in the grounds of the palace, the fairy prince Brighteyes placed the magic ring on the finger of his beautiful princess; and the princess Yo-San, princess of Dolland, became his beautiful bride. The end. A BICYCLE TOUR ROUND THE SOUTH ISLAND (Original and true.) We left our homo in Charleston, a little pla»ec on the West Coast on Tuesday, December 38, 1034. We started off in a car with two bicycles on the luggage grid and the luggage in the car. The luggage consisted of blankets, tent, two air mattresses (lilo’s), enough food for two meals, cooking utensils, and tent poles of iron piping. We arrived at Greymouth and pitched the tent. Here the car left us as we unpacked our luggage. That evening wc went down town to get the things needed and also to get the lilo’s blown up. After that we went to bed for a good night’s rest. Weary Willy. (Continued next week.) Pobangina. Dear Hub, —I suppose it is time I wrote again. We have just finished our half-yearly examination at school. This year I went in to the root crop competitions and got first in our school with ninety-one marks. We have our -rat wee calf and its a heifer. The violets and snoivdrops are out here. When the weather was so cold last week there was snow on the Ruahines which looked so pretty. We do not get much snow here but we do not go without frosts. We are getting quite a number of eggs now. I like the Page and the stories in it. Isn’t “Tho Magic Ring” a good story? At school we play rounders. As there are only seven girls that play, the game is not perfect. There aro ten girls but three do not play. Well, as it is nearing bed-time I must close. Pink Sugar. Well done! Pink Sugar, you did splendidly in tho crop competition. Poor little calf must think she has come into a very cold world. Old Mau Winter is making up for lost time, isn’t he? It is hard when you cannot make up teams for games. Feilding. Dear Hub, —I wrote about two weeks ago and asked if I could become ‘‘Wa ’ Scotch Lassie. ’ ’ The Cogs ’ Pago was destroyed and I did not see my letter so I am writing in to see if I cau become that pen-name. I am sending in the Skilltest. Tho last skilltest I sent in was won by Paulino McLean and I. We will soon be having our examinations at High School. I am listening to a Scotch programme on the wireless but it is not coming over very clearly. Is Naughty Marietta trying to beat “Powder and Patches” at rhyming? Are wo going to have u spring Page this year? I must close now so au revoir I bid you all. Brown Butterfly* “Wa’ Scotch Lassie” you may be, my dear. Powder and Patches is not trying to beat Naughty Marietta for that is the namo she changed to, but we are asking her to change back nr. we all like P. and P. tho best. Good luck in your examination. Awahun.

Dear Hub, I have been home all tho week with a very bad throat but it is better now. I did last week’s skilltest but forgot to send it in. I am sending in this week’s. It was very interesting. A basket of cane and raffia is taking up all my time just now. I aui making it for mother. I am longing for the summer to come so that we cau go for picnics and swims. We are having a persiau cat given to us. Could you suggest a nice name for it, please, Hub? It is white and ginger. Beauty.

I am glad the sore throat has disappeared, Beauty. How nice for you to have a Persian cat. Why not Ginger or would Fluffy or Snowny do? Mr Pristerman said yours was the neatest letter sent in this week.

Paliiatua. Dear Hub, I often wish but all in vain, That more thankful I could be, For all the wonders of the earth Which I pass continually. For sometimes when I stop and think About the good old earth, The different seasons that it has, Springtime and it’s mirth, For many of us fail to grasp The sweetness of each day And we never question How others come our way. The early morn how fresh it i,«, Twilight calm and still; Twinkly stars and cresent moon, High above a hill; The peacefulness of eventide; Birds on homeward flight; Trees, tall and sheltering; Dark shadows in the night. Then, too, the greening countryside I notice as I pass, The drowsy sheep contented lie And nibble at the grass; The timid furry rabbits Bob shyly in and out. I love the cuddlesome wee things And oh! they hop about Like jolly little forest folk, Searching for their tea. I’m glad they hear their.enemies And to their burrows flee. Gee! I’ve seen them in the garden When the day has just begun, But I wouldn’t spoil their breakfast Nor intrude upon their fun. Don’t you love the frisky lambs? When Spring is here again I’ll hope to see them gambol Upon some country plain. Tho way their woolly tails have Of floating aloft, Tho pinkness of their noses, So sensitive and soft. Night is softly falling And I’ve a horrid cold. The thought of visiting, I fear, Does not find me bold. Next week is very full for me, But it will be passed by, Ero you read this letter The next week will be nigh. Thanks Raggedy Ann and Queen Rost For pleasant words of praise. Aud please, Whistling Rufus, One of these fine days I wish you’d convey to me The very pleasing art Of sitting on a moving horse As though I were a part Of it and the saddle, Not bouncing in mid air And wondering when I come down, If it will still be there. When I was young my Father Would never let me ride And that’s the age when naturally Anything I tried. But he would say and mean it That if I did arrive Back home quite safely And most of all alive I would be very lucky. Then I became afraid And from the grazing pony Away I surely stayed Still after much thought, Early this year I mounted our pony, Forgetting mv fear. But the stirrups were lengthy, My feet promptly came out, And on this tricky animal I babbled and bounced about; It cantered round sharp corners Then suddenly stopped stiil, Still I am wondering Why I didn’t take a spill. This went on for say three days, Then neighbours peeped out doors. And I became quite nervous, As you may guess because I was not efficient And sadly homeward turned, Wishing that whilst younger This thrilling sport I’d learned. But sorrow came my way then, Nothing tempted me, For everything seemed useless, Days were grey as could be, Mv thoughts never wandered To mounting once again The huge slippery saddle, And the horse waits in vain. But I must close this letter, My kind regard I send, To every reader who endures Phis letter to the end. And once again as always This not the postman catches I’ll sign for those who wished it. Yours ever

Powder and Patches. P.S. In a weak moment I have begun To knit myself a cosy frock, But when will it be done? We welcome your decision, my dear, and it is good to have our old P. and P. back in the Page agaiu. Some weeks on a farm anrl a nice quite horse would soon make a horsewoman of you. Palmerston North. Dear Hub, —Will you please enrol me as a member of the Coglct family? I do not go to any school just yet because my brother is not properly over the chicken-pox but when I do go I will go to Terrace End school. I am in standard four and I am 32. I am sending a very interesting part of our life which I have named “A Trip to Mount Arthur.” I will send you more of this story next week. I thiuk that is all .the news now so I will close. • Freesia. Welcome to the Big Family, Sylvia, and Freesia you may be. Thank you for tho story which I am sure will be very interesting.

Levin Dear Hub, ’Tis quite a long and 'ventful age Since last I wrote to you, Or even since I read the Page, But my sparo times have been few. Twas just to-day while reading I discovered my long spell, Ho I hope that in the time gone by | The Page has prospered well. I even tried the skilltest, And find my mind needs training, However, I have tried my bo t An leave the rest to Puz’s will, j ’Tis nice to see that P. and P. Still writes her rhyming cheer, Though her name at first quite puzzled me

Till your note did appear. I agree with her the Weather Man Is not of the “bestest” mood, And hope that he will quickly ban The days so cold and rude. There’s hardly passed a tingle day Without there dawns a frost And laden skies will not give way, And stormy clouds get lost. And I sincerely hope that soon We will welcome in the Spring, For then the Dirds will be in tune, And not so dolefully sing. And yet I’m sure I saw a sign, 'Twas a fragrant heralding, ’Twas a patch of flowered daphne, And it’s fragrance made me sing, And crave even for a sweeter smell, That of the violet shy, My joy I’m sure I cannot tell When Spring comes tripping by. I’ve been in Levin, Hub, For nigh on half a year, It may be more, I cannot teJJ, And I’m liking here, I fear. I’ve got a nice position, And have quite heaps to do, It keeps the gay condition And makes some dreams come true. I really think that working Is the freest tonic known, And hope no Cog is shirking When you are able to earn your own. Like I’, and P. I, too, find much To choose to cheer one up, With cinemas and cafes Where one may dance or sup. Or occasionly a bicycle ride When the Weather Man allows, Or tramfling, or just joining In with noon day tea powwows. On Saturday in little crowds We watch a Rugby game, • And have some really rollicking timesj j Though they’re usually the same. On Friday nights we usually have A stirring film to see, "With thrills for all and even much more, So one cannot “left out” be. To-night we go a-dancing, I’m sure that will be grand, For everything* entrancing With Billy Larkins band. We’ll be swinging fox-trots, surd. . And even the “Lambeth Walk.” So we all dress-up demurely With “ cosmelicated” chalk. And other little “nothings,” That is to say the least I’m hoping for a fair time, So better quit the “feast.” “Feast” upon the screen, Hub, Means hurry, don’t delay, So I must close this scribble !And put this pen away. !So cheerio, dear Coglcts, jUntil I write again, Good cheer and brighter weather, With love I will remain. Lily of Laguna. Welcome back, Lily of Laguna. Jt is good to know you are enjoying your work and learning to strike out lor yourself. Dear Hub, —I am writing to the Cogs’ Page again. I tried to do the skilltest but it made me think. I got some sense out of it and I hope it is right. I saw the picture, “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” and thought it was very pretty. To-day I went to town to have a frock fitted. 1 am going to be flower girl for my aunty on July 20. I love reading Naughty Marietta ’» poems each Saturdaj’. I am sending tome riddles to you. I cau send you a lot of these riddles because Dad gets a paper which has a list of them. Now 1 will close my letter, lots of love to all the Cogs and the Hub. Sneezy. How exciting to be a flower girl! You will have to tell us all about it. Thank you for the riddles which I ara sure the family will enjoy. Boys’ High School, New Plymouth. Dear Hub, —Just a hasty note with the skilltest. Last Sunday 1 went over four boats down at the wharf. Mother and father were up to see me last weekend. The weather up here lately ba» not been of the best. Well, as there is no more news I shall close. Gus. I don’t think tho weather has been of the best anywhere, Gus. It would be lovely for you to have the fami v to see you. Feilding. Dear Hub, —On Saturday we went to get my cousin Jack. This morning at half past six he left for Wellington. My eousiu, Autumn Leaves, and also my sister were frightened oftbc hills. When we got there we went to a lady 's place. She had a girl who had been sick all her life. Daffodil. Why was your cousin frightened of the hills? Most New Zealanders live within sight of hills. It is sad to think of anyone not ever knowing good health.