A Letter from Alice

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXII, 26 November 1938, Page 12

A Letter from Alice

Dear Bays and Girls, “Why, Alicesaid White Rabbit in surprise, coming into the office a few days ago. "You’re wearing a new dress ” “Don’t you like it?” Alice wanted to know anxiously. “Well . . . it’s a little bright, isn't it?” “Oh, but I feel bright. That’s why l bought it. When you feel happy you should always buy a dress that feels happy too, and then you’ll stay happy,” exclaimed Alice airily. White Rabbit gave her a worried glance. “You’re — you’re sure you haven’t any spots or a temperature , Alice?” Now what do you think of that? Alice was very indignant. “The very idea,” she declared . “I buy a pretty frock because / feel happy and want to celebrate, and then yon suspect me of getting —” “Not at all, not at all ” interrupted White Rabbit hastily. “But I would like to know what you are celebrating.” Alice stared at him in amazement. “Have you forgotten the Show?” White Rabbit shook his head mournfully and gazed at her in reproach. “How could / Possibly forget the Show?” he asked, “when my ice-cream melted all down the front of my new waistcoat and I was sea-sick on the merry-go-round?” Alice brushed his troubles aside with an impatient wave of the hand. “I’m not talking about trivial things,” she explained loftily. “I’m thinking of our Wonderland members, and of how they distinguished themselves in the School Work section.” White Rabbit arched his chest with pride. “They certainly did remarkably well.” he agreed , strutting round the office importantly. “Of course I knew they would.” “That’s why I’m wearing a new dress,” Alice pointed out gently. A horrid thought occurred to White Rabbit. “You’re wearing that bright striped frock because our members did so well at the Show?” he asked in a faint voice. Alice nodded. “Then — then—does that mean you want me to wear a striped waistcoat?” Poor White Rabbit. He is so proud of you, girls and boys, but he just couldn’t bear the thought of a striped waistcoat. So we won’t worry about it, will we? But at the Show he was as excited as Alice, looking for the names he knew. “Look at this,” he would exclaim. “Phil Cederman has a First here , and here too, and there.” Then there was Mavis Krammer, and Rona Hyde, and Pat Wilkes , and Gladys Deer, and Joyce Ruff ell, and Sheila Reay and Monica Sargent and Ortna McEwen and Joan McKee, and some splendid exhibits by other member who, while not amongst the Prize-winners, certainly did very good work. To all of our members who won prizes Alice and White Rabbit offer their congratulations. To the others they say, “Never mind, better luck next time.” And as we all know so well, it’s the striving to do better all the while that really counts, not the reward to be gained when you have excelled. Now Alice must Put on her hat and go out to help White Rabbit choose a new waistcoat (but not,a striped one). So cheerio until next week, boys and girls. — ALICE.