CHILDREN’S DEPARTMENT

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 7961, 18 November 1911, Page 13

CHILDREN’S DEPARTMENT

THE " BLUE-BIRD CLUB” BOYS and GIRLS desirous of joining this Club must enclose with their application the above coupon. The name and, address of the writer must be given, but wild not he published. “ZEALANDIA ” wiU be pleased to answer any questions on subjects of interest to ‘' BlueBird" Boys and Girls, and invites them to write to her.

Enjoy thy youth, it will not stay, Enjoy the fragrance of thy prime. For 0] it is not always May. [Where do these lines occur, Blue-Birds?]

f All letters must be written on one slide of the paper only. My dear Blue-Birds, — There are so many letters to-day that I shall let you read them at once. Your new comrades ''Emily,” "Valda,” and "Monica,” each write short notes. "Emily” tells me that her home is only a short distance from school, and that "Hazel” is her great friend there. She also mentions that they have had some very heavy thunder-storms. It must have been pleasant to be so near school those days, "Emily.” I hope you and "Hazel” will enter for the scrap-book competition. "Monica” says: "X would like to join the Blue-Bird Club. X walk three miles to school every day with older children. X look forward to the 'Times - ' supplement every Saturday. I read the Blue-Bird letters with great interest and enjoy them.” How well you write for yourage, "Monica.” Will you choose another name for a "pen-name,” dear, as I have one "Monica” already. You will ho able to enter the competition for the best essay on father and mother. It was given out in the paper of November 4th. Sfr * "Nessie's” nice letter runs am going in for the cookery competition. May I go in for the sponge cake as well as for-the scones. Sometimes I see some very old people in the streets and I do pity them. I hope they have a merry Christmas and a happy New Year. I am very fond of reading, and I have read many interesting hooks, some of which are 'About Peggy Savflle/ 'Little Women/ 'Good Wives/ 'Margaret Craven/ 'Nellie's Secret/ and 'The Girls of Cliffe College/ All of these books are very interesting, some are amusing, and the others are sad. Indeed, I have read so many, it took mo some time before I could remember the names of six. Congratulate for me all the prize-winners.” , Yes, "Nessie,” I am very fond of cookery.

—— —J- " - - - ' though I have not much time to devote to it. I am glad you are going to enter the cookery competitions. Yes, you can enter for both, and for the scrap-book competition too, if you wish. I am glad you are so fond of reading, and glad you •were top in your music theory exam, dear. Picture puzzle, right. "Elorrie” writes: "I have got a scrapbook and am busy getting pictures for it. As I was passing the "rimes Office yesterday I saw the three cutting-out competitions you spoke of. X do think they are lovely. I now see where my mistake was/' I am very pleased you in for the scrap-book competition, ".Fiorrie.” "Evelyn” and "Elmira” are going to enter and I hope many others as well, for I do not know any present which gives more pleasure to an invalid or crippled child, than a nice scrap-hook. 1 think it makes them, more interesting if there are little verses, or stories, jokes . and puzzles scattered among the pictures. If the children cannot read themselves, there is always some grownup person who will read to them. X am sure yours will he beautifully neat, dear. "Chrissie” sends me a very nicelywritten Letter in which, she says; ' I am very busy getting ready for my exam. I am so pleased with the competitions, I hop© that all the Blue-Birds are the same. I think that the answer to the picture puzzle is, 'History.' I have been going for such a lot. of rides on my new pony. He is such a little beauty and can trot and jump so well. The other day he jumped over our stable door. Out flowers are looking so nice now. I suppose you are quite proud of having that huge steamer named after you, Zealandia. It is such a nice fine day to-day, but a few days ago we had a storm, we do not get such rough weather hero as they do in Dannevirlce and Palmerston.” What a pleasure your pony must be to you "Chrissie!” Yes, I think all the Blue-Birds are delighted with the

competitions. I hope you are going in for the scrap-book and, perhaps, the essay competition, though i cannot remember just at the moment what your age is—but, of course, ail your ages are entered in the Blue-Bird Club book. It ia nice that the splendid new steamer has the same name—X must be one of those to specially wish her good fortune I

\Elmira” writes; "It is a strange thing, dear Zealaudia, that I was saying to mother just the other day that J would like to send a’ scrap-book to the Hospital. I will compete in both scrapbook and essay competitions. I am glad you got the silver-tree ■ bloom safely. Love to you and all Blue-Birds, dear Zealandia.” That’s right, "Elmira!” 1 am glad to hear you ore going in for both competitions. There is on© very good thing about the scrap-books, they will be given to the Hospital itself, sO that when the little children who are in now are cured and able to go home, others who com© in will be able to enjoy them. "Zeta” writes: "We have not been in Eketahuna very long, and do not know many people. I am in standard 11., but ■we are expecting the- inspector any time this month, so I hope to be passing into standard 111. I can. manage all other subjects except arithmetic. X have only a little sister three years old.” Your answer to the puzzles are very correct, "Zeta.” < I hope you are entering for the new competitions, you will find it very interesting. I expect you are very fond of that one little sister. # * "Veronica” writes; "What a surprise met me in this morning’s paper! I had no idea of winning a prize and I think mine very poor beside those I saw in the ‘Times* window.** Yes, dear "Veronica,” it is quite true that the best cards bv a long way were sent in by boys and girls who were not members —unfortunately for them. You would see that I explained it all to my Blue-Birds in Saturday’s letter. I hope you are going to enter the scrap-book competition? You would- find it very interesting. # "Valda.” Yes, "Valda,” I shall gladly accept you as a Blue-Bird for I see that you like "Monica” and "Emily”

have been reading the Blue-Bird corner for -some time and know that for the honour of the club every member must be gentle, kind and true. "Muriel.” I liked your nice little note of thanks, my Blue-Bird, and have gladly given the second recipe. Thanks for riddles. With love to all Blue-Birds, from your friend ZEALANDIA.