MOTHER PAINTS THE HOUSE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20252, 11 May 1929, Page 5 (Supplement)

MOTHER PAINTS THE HOUSE.

By MASTER FRANCIS HANCOCK (ago 13), Pakuranga.

Ono day father mixed the paint ready to paint the house but had the misfortune to hurt his arm, so he could not do it. Mother then decided that she would start it if she could find the time. After finishing her work she began to gather everything together, and then she started on the back wall. The house was not a very largo cne, containing only three rooms.

The back wall was the hardest to manage as it was not one lino but " ins" and " outs." Mother did not mind this because she wanted her home to look neat and tidy. Goi.ig to where the paint was standing she dipped in her first brush, and then began her work. -After doing a couple ot feet she dipped her brush in the can, but, unluckily for her it, was the wrong colour. She did not put this pain* on, for seeing her mistake she washed tho brush and continued the work until it was too dark to work and by this time she had finished two walls. When sho told father of the work he was very pleased and asked if he would be allowed to seo it ? Mother said that he woula be able to see it when she had finished it, but not before. Tho next day was very hot, and at first- mother began to think that she would not be able to carry on in tho heat. But she started off on her work again and by night she had finished the'' four walls, which had been painted in cream. Tho next day tho roof had to be done with tho colour of tiles. The roof took about two hours. Then the shingles 011 tho windows were to be painted with a chocolate colour.

Nov tho house was perfectly finished and father was allowed to see it. He had already seen it but he took fine care not to tell her!

He saia to her, " Well, dear, it is very cle.ver and good of you to do it for me, and I don't think I could have done it as well as -you have!" All tho people that pass by would think it was a well painted house, but, they would never know that Mother did it!

MOTHER. When mother comes each morning She wears her oldest things, She doesn't make a rustle, She hasn't any rings; She says, " Good morning, cbickies, It's such a lovely day, Let's go into the garden Anil have a game of play! " When mother comes at tea-time Her dress goes shoo-shoo-shoo, She always has a little bag, Sometimes a sunshade, too; She says, " I am so hoping There's something left for me, Please hurry up, dear Nanna, I'm dying for my tea." When mother comes at bed-time Her evening dress she wears, She tells us each a story When we have said our prayers; And if there is a party She looks so shiny bright It's like a lovely fairy Dropped in to say good-night, —From Primrose Self (age 9).