COUSIN BETTY’S LETTER.

Southland Times, Issue 19464, 31 January 1925, Page 16

COUSIN BETTY’S LETTER.

My Dear Cousins, — What glorious weather we are having, to be sure—it makes one glad to be alive. How are you enjoying the holidays? I see you have not to go back to school till February 16 at the earliest; lucky people! Let’s hope, at all events, that this dreadful epidemic of infantile paralysis does not penetrate into Southland. I know you all wish it to discontinue up North, also; it is a terrible disease, and one which nearly always leaves some weakness behind it. Keep in the fresh air as much as possible, but on no account stay in the sun without a hat or a sunshade. Don’t go to theatres or in the train unless you can help it —this weather, although it is so wonderful, is just the very worst kind for spreading germs. I have had so many letters lately, from happy cousins at the sea-side, that it’s made me long to be with you, doing the wonderful things you are doing. To-day is just the kind of day I should like to lie in the cool shady bush, with a book and a pillow. I wonder how many of you are doing just that. I don’t know how some of you find time to write to me so much, and to enter in for the competitions, when you are holiday-making so fully. I assure you I appreciate your thoughtfulness for your big cousin who is in town, and if you only could realise half the joy you have given me, and are still giving me, you would be rewarded. You see the Sewing Clan has started at last, and those members who have not begun on their jackets will be blaming me mightily, I fear, for delaying in sending them patterns to go by. But I know they wouldn’t really complain, and truly, dears, you shall have them some time during next week. The handiwork clan members are also very eager, especially the one whose ardent little letter I have printed. Don’t you feel proud of having such a cousin, and aren’t you going io work so as not to be outdone? I know you are, every single teeny little one ! Captain Kindheart is very anxious to know how many soldiers are enlisting. He was complaining to me that he hasn’t had as great a response as he expected; but I hastened to assure him that it must be the postman’s fault for not delivering his letters, because I am quite sure all my cousins will want to belong to his army. You know, I am one of his soldiers, though not nearly such a good one as some of you will make, which makes me so anxious for you all to join up, too. We should accomplish great valour and renown fighting for such a noble cause. You see we have quite a lot of good riddles this week. All I hope is that they are original. I don’t mind your sending in really excellent jokes you have seen somewhere, but please say so, won’t you. It is the thought of your pretending somebody elae’s work is your own, which I don’t like. What do you think about Cousin Eileen's letter? Don’t you think she is very interesting indeed! I’m sure you’re all going to be good pals; what do you think about it ? Good-bye, dears, I musn't take up too much space, or there won't be enough room for your own work. As it is, I had to omit the Hearth-fire Tale this week. Through my open window and over the roof tops, I blow you all kisses, COUSIN BETTY. P.S—Would you like to write to other cousins in different parts of Southland? Tell me, and I shall see what can be done about it.—C.B.