Between Ourselves

Southland Times, Issue 20201, 11 June 1927, Page 22 (Supplement)

Between Ourselves

I am very sorry, Cousins, that my answers had to be so very short and scrappy this week. This was due partly to the fact that there was so much of your own work to be included; but mostly to my own busyness On account of the concert, and making arrangements and remembering things I had nearly forgotten. Forgive me, and there’ll be long answers after the concert, to make amends. —Cousin Betty. Cousin Merrymind: Your bad memory is forgiven you this once, my dear. But don’t let it peep out again! I don’t think there are any signs of daffodils in town yet. No. lam generally at the office on Wednesday afternoons. Cousin Maisie: I am so glad you are going to join a clan, dear, immediately the concent is over. Y'ou must come up and see me then, and tell me how you liked it. We will make the bazaar a success, won’t we? Cousin Alonnie: I was ever so pleased to know that you are in the top seat now, my dear. See that you are top of the top seat before very long! I suppose baby Norma considers the birds her best playmates. You did have a nice birthday. Cousin Sea Nymph: I hope you didn’t eat the orange all at once. Y'ou’d really have to make it last a very long time to recognise the trouble taken in sending it. We mustn’t give up our plans—our newest plans about the concert! Cousin Purple Pansy. Best of luck in your exam, my dear. Remember that now you are a Little Southlander you have to uphold the honour and glory of our page, as well as your own, even in outside examinations! Cousin Mountain Rose: Do keep to your newest and best intentions. lam looking forward to seeing them bear fruit. When is your music exam? Cousin Kiltie: My dear, in your work there is always improvement. You have the gift of remembering what you are told, which is a very important thing. When I complain, it is because I am eager, perhaps too eager, to have you doing what I know you can do. How do you like your new form of dancing ? Cousin Ariel: I do not judge you by your letters, my dear, and your reputation is still intact. I will use your idea for a competition one of these days.

Cousin Blue Pansy: What a lovely social it must have been. dear. Although you will miss your friends very much, such a “send-off” must have planted many memories in their hearts that would make them always eager to keep in touch with you all. I was very sorry to hear of your mother’s accident, and I do hope she has completely recovered from any ill-effects it had. Cousin Country Mouse: You did very well indeed in your term examination, little Cousin. What position in class were you? That was a mis print in the Birthday Column, my dear. Cousin Hilda: There were lots of things for you to remember during carnival week, eh, little Cousin? Next year perhaps you will take part in the procession—who knows! Cousin Meadowsweet: Is the frost interfering with your flowers very much, my dear? I do hope they are not all destroyed. Cousin Wildflower: Yes, you have the idea of the next competition. I suppose that you have more time to write while you are at home. I hope your mother is better, and that you have no repetition of the sago pudding incident. Cousin Sophie: Thank you for your birthday contribution, my dear. I am sorry, too, that you will not be in for the concert. Cousin Green Willow: I am glad you are spreading the fame of our Christmas Annual, my dear. Y’ou must tell me what your teacher thought of it. Cousin Coral Queen: You must teach your pet lamb to treat you with more respect, my dear. His behaviour is certainly disgraceful! There’s a job for you—jog the memories of the other Little Southlanders in your school, and tell them I am waiting to hear from them. Cousin Usca: Welcome to cur page, my dear. Of course you have been a Little Southlander for some time, haven’t you, and we are not strangers. See that you stick to your promise of writing to me regularly. Cousin Sunflower: I am not angry with you, my dear. lam sure this must have been a wonderful week for you, talking and being talked at! Was your sister pleased to be home again?

■ Cousin Rex: How are your recitations I progressing, my dear? I should have liked I to hear them before the concert. Won't it I be lovely when your aunt comes home for the holidays! And think of the lovely iong letters you will be able to write her. Cousin Stuart: I am so glad you are determined to presevere with your storywriting, young Cousin. That is the spirit, that always succeeds in the end. What do you do with the cigarette cards when you have completed a set? Cousin Topsy: I hope you have received your badge by now, my dear. I think your pup sounds as if he should be called “Nero.” It certainly looks as if there will be an early spring. Let’s hope -o anyway. Cousin Puck: I was very glad to receive your letter, and to feel the comparative bulkiness of the envelope. I think you are very wise, and very, very plucky. Write a lot, won’t you. Cousin Star Twinkle: Wouldn’t it be nice, my dear, if you Cousins formed a little clan of your own, to work for our bazaar? Do you think you could manage it? | Cousin Rata: I am glad you had such a delightful holiday, dear. ‘ I am sure school would be much easier after it, was it ? I wish you luck with your crossword puzzles, although I think one neetis a very great deal of luck to make then successful in these competitions. So don't be disappointed if you don’t win a prize. Cousin Brownie: If my “words of praise have been few and far between lately,” my dear, it is because I am getting quite grumpy and worried about the concert, and its success. Are you two Cousins, tnd your parents, coming in to it. Cousin White Violet: I am very sorry you did not stop me the day you saw me, my dear. You shouldn’t feel shy where I am concerned! You sound quite a ferocious football supporter! Cousin Emily: You did exceedingly well in your exam, my dear. Next time I hope you will be first! You Cousins seem to be enjoying the frost, at all events! It must be nice having your big brother home. Cousin Ngaire: Well done, dear. See that you remain top of your class. Cousin Isa: At least you passed in your term examination, my dear, and you’re going to do ever so much better next time, aren’t you! I miss your entries when they do not appear. Cousin Starlight : I was very sorry to hear about your beloved pet, dear. I know how you must miss it, and it will take time for another one to fill its place in your affections. I hope you have received your badge safely. Cousin Kitty: I was so pleased to find you entering for the competitions, my dear, and I hope you will keep it up. Do tell me about the meeting of the Debating Society, and whether you join or not. Cousin Bell bird: I excuse the brevity of your note, my dear, on account of the sore finger. I hope both will be better next week. Cousin Yellow Chicken: You must have had a lovely time at the Carnival, my dear, and your friend must have been well disguised. How many rabbits have you . caught lately? Cousin Thelma: Thank you for all the I jokes and riddles, my dear. They were very I nicely written and well set out. Cousin Moonshine: I assuredly hope to > be here a few days before Christmas. I . never leave until Christmas Eve, so I shall ( look forward to seeing you very much. . What a great June 3 you had! Cousin Lorraine: Thank you for the jokes and riddles, little Cousin. Ido like hear- ; ing from you. Cousin Tinker Bell: I was very, very ' sorry to learn what had happened to Floss, ! my dear. It must have upset you dreadfully. lam so glad you are better now. t Cousin Chum: lam hoping at all events, , that you two Cousins will be able to come , in for the concert. There’s nothing like hoping, is there!