Noises at Night

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23850, 28 December 1940, Page 3 (Supplement)

Noises at Night

|) EAR ANNE Sll I RLEY,—One night recently L heard a snuH', simff, snufing noise outside. Being inquisitive. 1 went to investigate. The night light was too dim to see far, so taking the torch I started on a hunt for the cause oi my disturbance. Soon I came upon two hedge-hogs on the front lawn. They were not very frightened, for when I stroked them they did not curl up as .1 expected. Although hedge-hogs are rather spiky, they can be stroked easily, if taken the right way. Then i Went inside again, and to my surprise, 1 did not hear them grunting any more. A few weeks ago my sister and I were each given a rabbit. Daphne's rabbit is a ginger one. lie is very pretty. We call him Ginger. Mine is a grey colour. His name is Rabby or Bunny. They are lovely creatures, but require a lot of feeding. Tommy, the cat, loves watching them. I am sure he thinks how nice and tender they would be to eat, for they are very young yet.—Alison Ray (12), Waikeria.

Christmas Memories J) EAR ANNE SHlßLEY,—Christmas is a time we all love, but it would not seem so much to us was it not for our families and friends and, as well, our many pen-pals who help us to remem her that happy day long ago. As we look back over past seasons there are incidents which stand out, particularly so the funny ones. At our house one Christmas Eve we discovered we still had a little shopping to do. So grandmother and I went one way and mother went the other, as agreed. The stores were crowded, so wo just had to select our gifts and then find a clerk to complete the .sale. We bad picked a china tea set for mother and 1 had my arms full of dishes, when suddenly, 1 looked up right into mother's eyes. When grandmother saw what had happened she pushed me back and made ti lace at mother, who was several counters away from us. I wished then that I had been Tom Thumb size. Soon we were served, and cm our way home. L did not see mother in town any more, but it had lie en a narrow escape, so I resolved to try to not wait so long another Christmas. This is to wish you one and all, a Merry C'hristrnastide, And bring to each peace and joy, as tfie friendly door swings wide; As we light the Christmas candles in the season of good cheer, Arid our hearts sins out with gladness, may it last throughout the year. I cannot wish for all of you across the sea a greeting that expresses niv thoughts more than my verse above. May the coming year hold for you all everything good.—Sincerely, Julia Pace (10). Natchitoches, La., ij.S.A.