Chums Treasure Hunt

Otago Witness, Issue 3808, 8 March 1927, Page 79

Chums Treasure Hunt

By

Em. Shaw.

Copyright.

NO. 3. V hat with the excitement and the gentle swaying of the ship the two little pals soon began to feel very drowsy, and it was not long before they fell ft ot asleep. How long they slept neither could tell, but they awoke feeling very, very hungry. . “By jove!” said Jolly, “ I could eat an ox!” “ Well,” responded his shipmate, ‘‘they don’t seem to keep them aboard this ship, so we will have to find some + h_ng else.” They searched around among the barrels and boxes, and eventually found a tin of biscuits. “Ah, now we won’t starve,” said Teddy. They found that they were net the omy oc?cpants of tu > sk'p's hold. Bats scampered everywhere. “ Don’t be afraid,” said Golly, “ let’s share our biscuits with them, and then they won’t bother us.” So they gave the rats one or two of their biscuits and were soon on the best of terms, and had many jolly games of hide and seek among the boxes and bales. , (To be Continued.)

The harvest up this way is early. Part of our crop is stacked. It is the first in the district. IVe are having cold weather. The Behoofs up this way have been closed with the measles and mumps, but are supposed to re-open to-morrow. About a fortnight ago my two brothers, sister, and myself were capsized out of the gig, but as I was driving I was the only unlucky one. Hockey has started here once again, but I am afraid we are rather early, as they are still playing tennis in other pldtes here. I hive not Been Mack's Lullaby writing to your page for a long time. One of iny mates has gone to Dunedia to work. I miss tier very much. My sister is writing to you to-night. On February 9 my grandfather died, and- we all miss him very much, as he was such a nice old man. I think Grandad’s Little Help will miss him most, as she always lived with him. Fondest love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self.—Yours truly, DIAMOND PRINCESS (Kelso). [You were not hurt when you were tipped out, were you, Diamond Princess? I am sure you all miss grandfather. Will grandad's Little Help live at home now?—DOT.] Dear Dot, —There was a big dance at the hall on Friday night, it being the opening of it. It is a lovey hall. I enjoyed myself very- much, and I hope to go to another one soon again. There are pictures in it on Monday night, and a dance on the 11th. I think I am going to both. I like out in the country very much. Town is very nice, hut one spends all one’s money there. I like Dunedin very much. I had a good look round when I was at the Exhibition. I suppose Dunedin has quietened down a good deal since then. All the flowers are about dona now. We have some lovely roses out. Do you like flowers? It was my nineteenth birthday last Thursday. I will soon he an Old Writer. The page is growing larger and larger every day. We all went into Wyndham last Saturday, and had a good time. Ws went to do some shopping, but ended in going to the pictures. I trust you and all are in good health.—Yours truly, STAR GAZER (Southland). [The opening of a new hall is always an important event, Star Gazer. I like flowers, but think they should be left in the garden and not put into vases. —DOT.] Dear Dot, —This rain is very welcome, and will do a great deal of good to the gardens and lawns, which are beginning to look very dry and parched. We have had a good summer here, and the beaches have been packed with people. Excursions have been held to the various bays, and have been well patronised by both visitors and local - residents. The band contest was held last week, and some of the music was very good. The quickstep contest was held at Athletic Park on Saturday, and there was a big crowd present. Ths roads are in very good order at present, and have enjoyed a number of motor rides during the last fewweeks. Last week-end I went to Tatahi Bay, about 15 miles from here by rail and motor. It is a very nice bay, and sheltered. A good view of the South Island can be obtained. Hundreds of cars go from town, and the

beach is packed on a fine Sunday. Preparations are well in hand for the royal visit, and ths town should be well decorated and illuminated when the Duke and Duchess arrive. I am going for my holiday at Easter, and I am looking forward to a visit to Dunedin and Invercargill, where I have friends.—Yours trulv, EN ZEDDER (Wellington). [The beach is the coolest place on a hot

day. I have entered you in the book, En Zedder I do not know the bay you speak of, as I have not been to Wellington.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —Time has flown since I last wrote to you. I noticed that my sister, Lucy Locket’s Mate, has written to you lately, so I think it is time I appeared. At Christmas I was at home for a holiday, and had a lovely time. About two weeks ago I went to an excursion from Waikaka to Riverton. The train left Gore at 9.10 with a train full of happy picnic people, with the beautiful holiday resort as their destination. When we arrived we had lunch, and my two mates and myself went around the rocks. When we had seen all we could see, we' came back, and went for a ride in a motor launch. By the time we arrived back it was time to go to the train. We arrived home tired after our day’s outing. Love to all the Little Folk and yourself.—Yours truly, A BUNCH OF BLUE BELLS (Gore).

[Picnic trains are usually filled with joyful people, Bunch of Blue Bells. Can ycu row a boat? —DOT.] Dear Dot, —I will have to pen you a few lines before retiring from the Littlq Folk page. It is such a long time since I've written. I shall be an Old Writer in June. I hate the idea of knowing I am ancient, although it’s a thing we have no say in, I love rsading the Little Folk letters. They are so interesting. My step-brother and a friend of his were home for the week-end. It is 12 years since I saw him last. I was simply mad with joy when he gave us a surprise visit. We hardly heard from him. We had almost forgotten him till he turned up. He has bought a large house at Kaikoura. and intends settling down after travelling about in some parts of the world. I teased him about being married. He said he is going to remain a bachelor. He plays the piano, and is very fond of music. He went away -for a trip up Central Otago, and is calling back to see us on his way home. I shall be waiting patiently for his return, and will be looking out for a good time, as he is such a sport. My other brother is home at present. He has not been well lately, but he goes about when the weather is fit enough to allow anyone out. I have been with my cousins, Princess Pat of Persia and Dreamy Twilight, to-day.; They are such good sports, and we have been having the time of our lives. Fondest love to all and vour own dear self.—Yours truly, MOERAKI LASS (Hillgrove). [You must think you have a brand new brother, Moeraki Lass. I am sure he is as pleased to see you as you are to Bee him.— DOTJ

Dear Dot, —My correspondents must think I am dead. It is such ages since I’ve written letters to anybody. The fishing launches were all out to-day, and they brought a failamount of fish in. My cousins are with me to-night. We have been having some good times going to dances. On Friday night we were at a dance at Shag Point, as a lady friend of ours played for it. A car came to Moeraki for the musician, and a number of girls went down. The evening before the hockey club gave a send-off for their secretary, who is leaving the district, and she received ,a gold bracelet and a bedroom clock. I enjoyed myself at both occasions. My cousin, Moeraki Lass, and I have been writing verses of autograph poetry to-day. We composed many pieces, and some of them are lovely. Best levo to all and your own dear self.—Yours truly, PRINCESS PAT OF PERSIA (Moeraki). [lt was lucky that the car was a big one, Princess Pat of Persia, as I am sure you all wanted to go. You want to be very particular what you write in people’s autograph books.—DOT.] Dear Dot,—l am with my cousins tonight, Princess Pat of Persia and Moeraki Lass. They are also writing letters. We have been having some good times lately. To-day we were up to all the dodges one can think off. Two other girls were here with' us. I have been to a great many dances. We have held two dances in one week, and also the pictures. I am very fond of dancing, and all the girls here enjoy the pastime. Tennis is in full swing yet. I hope the hockey season comes soon, as I like hockey better than tennis. Best love to all and your own dear self; —Yours truly, DREAMY TWlLlGHT'(Hillgrove).

[You seem to have bsen enjoying yourself; Dreamy Twilight. Tennis and hockey are good games for you to play.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —Since last writing to you I have spent a week with Hearty Lassie, anti I enjoyed every single moment of my holiday. The day I went in the Mataura paper mills and freezing works were open for inspection, and Hearty took me through both. The paper mills are wonderful. I shall never forget them. Hearty Lassie and I were at ths Mataura Flower Show, and it was good. My sister and I were at a dance last night. An orchestra from Timaru played the music. Pink Honeysuckle went to Timaru a week ago for a holiday. It has been very rough the last

for Dunedin, I don't know how the ret t of the citizens of Dunedin feel, but I fesl quite excited over the thought of the Duke and Duchess’s coming, but I suppose those in the smaller towns will feel more excited, as they don’t have so much to look forward to. Did you go to “Katja” ? I went and enjoyed it very much. The acting was very good, but the jokes passed were even better. Have you read many of Ethel. M. Dell’s books? 1 have read about six ot them, and loved them. I also like O. Douglas's very much. Love to all, and your own dear self.—Yours trulv, IRRESISTIBLE (Dunedin). [I do not read Ethel M. Dell’s books, Irresistible. I did not go to “Katja the Dancer.” —DOT.] Dear Dot, —We are harvesting. Three men e are helping us. There was a picnic from IVaimate to Timaru on Thursday last. We would have liked to have gone, but we could not. I received a manicure set for Christmas. Grandmother gave me a bag with a needlecase and a cake of soap. She crocheted the bag. Lonesome Lass and Dorothy Dimples were staying with us at Christmastime. We have 11 cats round our place. Our asters are cut. My sister and I used to go down to the river on warm days. Now the river is rather cold for swimming. I like reading the Little Folk letters. I was at three Little Folks’ place on Saturday. I am in Standard IV this year. Last year I won first prize for. merit. I was top of the c'ass in the first examination. Three boys beat me in the second examination, and I was again top in the third examination. The name of the prize was “The Big Book for Girls.” Kind regards to all the. Little Folk and your own dear self.—Yours truly, SILVER PANSIES (Waimatc).

week. I did not have very good weather for my holiday. Your band is increasing every week. There is a factory ball at Brydone on Friday night. I am going, and hope to enjoy myself. What has happened to Primrose, as I have not had a letter from her for quite a while? Love to all and your own dear self. —Y’ours truly, SWEET BLUE VIOLET (Southland). [I do not know what, has happened to Primrose, Sweet Blue Violet. I am pleased that you enjoyed your holiday.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —I was very pleased to see my first letter in print. My sister roads me the Little Folk letters. My sister has three correspondents. Our teacher is sick, and is in the hospital. I hope she will be better soon. Ross is growing a big boy now. He has two rattles; which Santa Claus brought to him. My sister can play the piano a l.ttle. We have a library at school. I like reading. I am reading my prize book ‘Play Box Annual.” It has been raining very hard to-day, and it is needed very badly, as the grass was so dry. Nearly all the harvesting about here is finished now. —Yours truly, OAK APPLE (Gimmerburn). [Ross will be wanting toys bigger than rattles soon, Oak Apple. I hope your teacher is soon better.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —I have just had a delightful letter from Monkey Eyes. She said she supposed I thought she was a boy, but I vhd not. I wish I had a brother like hers. He catches fish, and does shooting. Mcr.kev Eyes herself must be a good shot. She said she put a shot through the handle of a broom. As you said, Paddy was very miscnievous, and always barking, so we sold him. I think I am to have a bicycle. Love to the Little Folk and your own dear self. — 1 ours truly, THE BUTLER (Dunottar). [Boys should always be sports, The Butler. 1 addy should have learned to bark quietly. — DOT.] 1 J Dear Dot,—This year I went into Sandard V at school, and so far have not yet found the work very hard. Ws .have a new teacher, and I like her very much. We haven’t had many swims, as tiie w-sather has been too cold. I am just learning to swim, and can do about half a dozen strokes. Sometimes my sister .ind I go for a ride. Our horse is old but very wise. My little brother and T rode her up the read one night, and she threw us off. We jumped up with a few scratches, but rode Cissy very carefully afterwards. Love to all and your own dear self. —Yours truly, MAID MURIEL (Ardlussa). [You must be careful not to annoy- Cissy, or she will threw you off again, Maid Muriel. I am pleased to hear that you swim. —DOT.] J Dear Dot, —I thought I had reached ths retiring age and would not be able to write till Old Writers’ Week came around, but looking in the page a couple of weeks ago I saw where the retiring age was 21, so I have still another nine months to go, and I will make the best of it. Now that the Christmas holiday days are over I suppose everybody will be looking forward to the Easter holidays. Wo had rather a sad Christmas. Father died the day before Christmas Eve* so it was a very sad Christmas and New Year. All the people here are making ready for the races, which are being held next Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, and for the Duka and Duchess, who arrive on March “9. It rained last Sunday when there were such a number of picnics to be held. The Post and Telegraph had to postpond theirs, and we had to postpone ours, but it did not matter so much sering we needed the rain. Everything was so dry. My sister, Lipstick, and I have been doing quite a lot of swimming this year. There have been a few night carnivals, which causa a good deal of attraction. I didn’t enter for any of the competitions except diving, in which I secured two seconds. Love to all the Little Folks and yourself.—Yours truly, LOVE AND LUCK (Blenheim).

[I am sorry your Christmas was sad, Love and Luck. Christmas should be a happy time. Yes, twenty-one is the retiring age.— DOT.] . Dear Dot, —I am going back to night tech, again this year, as one year of the commercial course is not much good, because with so little knowedge of typewriting and book-keeping it is hard‘to find a position. I suppose all those going to day school will be quite settled down to the usual routine of work. Sometimes I wish I w-ere back at primary school again, as I suppose most do after being away for about three years. The nights are much colder here, are they not? I suppose we should not grumble, as ws have had quite an amount of sunny weather

[I hope you win first prize for merit this year, Silver Pansies. You were a lucky girl to have the bag given to you.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —I gained my nroficiency last year, so now I am a “lady- of leisure,” and stay at home to help mother. 1 am veryfond of house work, especially cooking, and although I have had a few failures, I hope to improve as I go along. We have electric light in, and it is lovely. The iron is so convenient too. One can just switch it on when one wishes. Although we have not had it long, I have discoloured it by leaving it on too long, and it became over-heated, but otherwise it is all right. The Duke and Duchess are causing quite a stir in New Zealand at present. It must be beautiful to be able to tour around New Zealand and sse all the beauty spots, and then again it must be tiresome to have to travel when one does not feel inclined to. Our garden just now is very- poor. We have very few flowers out, and one misses them so much, because they* do brighten one up. While working in the garden yesterday- my sister and I found a huge trapdoor spider. I have never seen one before, and 1 do not with to see one again. My brother and father had the magnifying glass on it; but I did not like to risk being so close to it. We have rather a strange cat about the house. She will remain about the house for a while, and then go away. She went away just before Christmas, and last night she ran down the passage, and walked round my brother’s chair. I don’t know whether she hns come to stay or not. Love to the Little Folk and yourself.—Touts truly, DADDY LONG LEGS (Oamaru). [The puss must be bewitched. Daddy Long Legs. You will improve at housekeeping if your persevere. I have not seen a trapdoor spider.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —We had our picnic here on Saturday, and we went to Tahakopa. It was a lovely day. Ws bad races, but I did not win. While we were going down and coming home the mayor came through the train with tins of lollies for the children. When the Duke and Duchess come tc Dunedin the Girl Guides are coming into Dunedin, and will be staying a night, and then again we will be coming in with the school. I have two kittens at home, and I • want to know if you will give me a name for them please?—Yours trulv, MALONE MOLLY (Balclutha).

[Write your auto on a separate piece of paper, Malone Molly. Call the kittens Jump and Jollyboy.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —The swimming season is nearly over. The weather is cold. I have nearly filled my cigarette card album. I will be going for my proficiencv this year. The pantomime I went to in Blenheim was called “Old Mother Hubbard Pantomime.” _ The Duka and Duchess of York will arrive at Picton on March 9, and I think I will be going to see them. Have you read a book called “The Dream Girls’ Garden”? I have read it, and I think it is very interesting. Best love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self. —Yours truly, PUSS PUSSY (Marlborough). [I have not read the book, Puss Pussy. Are you going to have a new album when your old one is full?—DOT.] e Dear Dot, —We have been having great fun at swimming, as the dam is warm every hot day. Every afternoon after echool the children are down and into the water. I am able to -ewim over-arm stroke now, and learning to do breast stroke.—Yours truly, CAPTAIN BLOOD (Arrowtown). [Swimming is a splendid sport for you, Captain Blood. Learn as many strokes as you can.—DOT.] NOTES'. Bob's Sweetheart. —Why do you wan’t to change your nom de plume?—DOT. Merry Snowball.—lvrite to Hibiscus (Millie Bennet, Malifa, Apia, Samoa). The address you asked for is M. Sheehan, 5 Eton street, Kaikorai Valley, Dunedin. —DOT. AUTOS. . Star Gazer (Isabel Gibson, c/o Mrs Hair, Mataura Island, Southland) wishes to correspond with Tomboy'Molly, Betty Jo, C.0.D., A Little Bush Maid, A Hockey Girl, Missing Girl, and Sweet Sixteen. Dreamy Tw’ilight (Queenie E. Hampstead, Moeraki," Hillgrove, North Otago) wishes to correspond with any Dot Little Folk 15 to 18 years of age. Will they please write soon ? Diamond Princess (Florence Barclay, “Toropuke,” Kelso) wishes to correspond with You Know, The Starlight Ranger, and Agnes’s Comrade. Will they please write firsV? Prinosss Pat of Persia (Vivienne Hampstead, Moeraki, Hillgrove Post Office, North Otago) wishes to correspond with any Dot Little Folk 18 to 21 years of age. Will they please write first ? Moeraki Lass (Aimee L. Tipa, Moeraki, Hillgrove, North Otago) wishes to correspond with any Little Folk 19 to 21 years of age. She also wishes to correspond with any Old Writers WiD they please write first? Bob's Sweetheart (May M'Laren, c/o M'Laren Bros, Union etreet. Milton) would like Sunset Echoes, Vale, Lake Rotorua, The Ridin’ Kid from Nowhere, Persepiiine, Scotch Girl, Dot’s Sweetheart, and Secretof th-a Sea to write soon please? I A Bunch of Blue Bells (Nellie Geary, Talbot- street, Gore) wishes to correspond with the Arab Sheik. Will he please write first?

Merry Snowball (Hazel Watson, 278 Kinf street, Tcmuka) wishes to correspond with The Arab Sheik .and Smiler. Lass from the Blue Mountains (R. Keeley* c/o Mrs A. C. Begg, 31 Ross street, Roslyn, Dunsdin) wishes to correspond with A Littlo Japanese, the Arab Sheik, C.0.D., Empire, the Arab Caravan, Valencia Raisin, and any Little Folk willing 18 to 20. Will they please write first? A Pink Carnation Bud (M. Baxter, 370 King street, Temuka) wishes all her correspondents to note her change of address. Will the Office Boy and the Queen of Hearts write again please, also Dunira, as her address is( lost? Maid Muriel (Muriel Keown. Box 6, Balfour) wishes to correspond with Gieeiipurae,