A BOY'S SELECTION

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXX, Issue 21456, 1 April 1933, Page 4 (Supplement)

A BOY'S SELECTION

By HUGH FLEMING. Grand Vue Road. Manurewa (age 17). t First I place Miss Morton'f, article, "Pioneers of Fiordland," telling as of that great-hearted man Andreas Reischek. In a few short lines is told that thrilling story of his fight for life against hardships and misfortune. Nothing can be more interesting than such a story of real life. Then Gloria's poem of The Lutle Greenstone Tiki." This poem stirs the imagination and leads one to fill out ami add to those pictures painted by our gifted fellow-member. The third is the article called "Chimpey." It provides us ■%vith an interesting insight into itae lile and habits'of one of our own native birds., the fantail. My fourth choice is the,essay "Can We Improve New Zealand. In it wo have the interesting views of a girl of to-day on our country's problems, and, strangely enough, find them more practical than those of a boy. Fifthly comes the poem " How Did You Die. It is indeed a stirring poem, and gives us a standard to live up to. It rouses the most manly feelings within us. Lastly I have chosen the poem "The Socialist. have pictured in it one of the little interesting dramas of life. Such an event has befallen many of us, no doubt, and how could we " turn the mother-cat cut in the day." Our spirits answer to the poem as if the happening pictured was being enacted before us.

No. I. By MAVIS VIOLET ARMITAGE, SVaimauku (age 16).. 1. " Gifts for the Soul." I have chpsen this essay as the most interesting item in Boys and Girls for th© depth of thought so beautifully portrayed by Gilmour. It should be an inspiration to every reader with its urge to make spiritual progress. 2. " Can We Improve New Zealand?" ins a fellow competitor in "Views of Youth" I would like to congratulate Ethel on her splendid effort. Although my views do not coincide with some of hers, this essay shows considerable thought in practical ways, dealing almost entirely with external thiugs. 3. "Gloria's Book." I am sure that all readers share my keen delight in the knowledge of the publication of Gloiia's book of poems. This special announcement is a very important feature in our page. It is splendid to think that a member of Boys and Girls is so talented and distinguished. May we all help to make " Gloria's Bock" a real success! 4. " A Southland Holiday." Miss Morton's article is a graphic description of the adventures of a pioneer, Andreas Reischek, accompanied solely by his faithful dog Caesar, in one of New Zealand's most beautiful and remote parts, Fiordland. This account of his various experiences is not only particularly interesting but educational to me, for I know so little of the wonderful Sounds which our editor has been so fortunate to visit. It is astounding to realise the hardships those brave colonists endured in their quest to discover unexplored country Our every-day difficulties seem to fall into insignificance in comparison to such pioneers as those. 5. " The Little Greenstone Tiki." Gloria has many times chnrmed us with her truly delightful poems. Such a one is this. She is gifted with a flowing, graceful style of writing, unbroken by anything jarring. Her latest poem clearly depicts ancient Maori scenes and shows a vivid imagination.

6. " Chimpey." The simplicity with which this story of a courageous little fantail is told makes Bpecial appeal to me. The writer expresses herself in beauti-fully-worded phrases. ■ showing an intense love of nature. May I conclude by saying that I found the selection of articles much more difficult than I had anticipated. The judging required much thought and rereading of pieces to arrive at my final decision.

No. H. By THELIIA HOPKINS. Highlands, Waimiha (age 16). 11 " The Little Greenstone Tiki." by Gloria Rawlinson. This is my first choice, bec&uee it is eo well written, and there is so much scope for imagination in it. One can almost see the little , greenstone tiki—not vury pretty. The young chief going hunting, and one can almost see and hear all, just as the little tiki did long ago. 2 " Pioneers of Fiordland," by Miss Morton. I think that this is the second most interesting. It gives cno such a clear impression of the bravery and hardships suffered by brave Andreas Rsischeic in the beautiful wild country, full of clangers, in Fiordland, and of the wonderful intelligence of Caesar, his dog. It makes us think how unworthy it is for us to grumble at our small hardships after reading of those of Reischek. 3. "The Reward," by Nellie Donovan. This one comes third because it is like a true New Zealand story of the present times. The endurance and hardships eufiered by the man to fulfil his father's dreams ana for love of the land ended in the farm becoming a heavy burden. He was rewarded, through his toil, by a rich uncle. > 4. " Can "We Improve New Zealand." by Ethel M. Baker; " Gifts for the Soul." by Gilmour McConnell. I cannot decide which is of more interest, so I viil say they are both of equal merit. 6. "The Socialist," by Euthyn. This one interests me because it explains a cat very well. One could easily see her toiling down the hill through the brambles, with thoughts of the hearth firm in her mind. Then silently, as if from nowhere, to walk in as proud as Punch, with her four kittens. After-laying them down she would look up. but say nothing. They would bo such dear little things, and the cat with such a soli light of joy in her eyes tiat no cne could turn them out! No. m. By G"WEN EVANS, 28 George Street, Dominion Road (ago 18). 1. " Pioneers of Fiordland." The"story of brave Andreas Reischek exemplifies the tremendous hardships and the amazing courage and determination shown by the pioneer explorers of our own New Zealand. They alone, at the cost of much suffering, and even death, made possible the freedom and privileges wo enjoy to-day, and for this reason I think they should ever rank, first. 2. " The Little Greenstone Tiki," by Gloria Rawlinson. A charming poem, vividly expressed, into which is delicately woven tlis romance, folk-lore and history of Maoriland. Told in its author's inimitable dainty style, it will appeal instinctively to all. 3. " Can "We Improve New Zealand." by Ethel M. Baker. "We are all desirous of improving New- Zealand to the beat of our ability, and to see that our people, as well a-s our land rank second to none. The writer of this article reveals a wide vision and shows a true appreciation of the essential material improvements necessary to further this end. 4. "The Reward," by Nellie Donovan. A simple and true story of the neverceasing battle against nature in the backblock districts of New Zealand. Not all are as fortunate as the principals in this story, yet our settlers fight cheerfully on, anticipating no reward other than the little improvement bliowq in the land each year, and the knowledge of doing something truly great for their country's sake. 5. " How _ Did _ You Die?" by Ronald McNeiL An inspiring poem which could well be applied to present-day conditions. We are not wholly responsible for the trials and setbacks that hinder us at every turn, but it is the spirit in which we meet our difficulties that will determine the character of the people of New Zealand in the future.

6. " The Socialist." by Euthyn. Appealing verses by a well-known, author that will find an echo in the heart of every animal lover. Animals, to a greater extent in the country perhaps, figure largely in the life of every New Zealander, and the little kindness we can show to them is surely little in return for the lifetime of jdevotion they accord us.