Between Ourselves

Southland Times, Issue 21662, 26 March 1932, Page 18

Between Ourselves

Cousin Honey. Bee: I am delighted to know you think the page continues to improve, my dear. I hope it will always be so. We should have been very happy to have you at the party. Cousin Kahikatea: My dear, I hope that life will always be as interesting, and as full (“life is so full of a number of things”) for you as it is now. Although you live so far away from others, what a, busy hive of activity there is wherever you are. Your correspondences create a little world of their own; I enjoyed reading your friends’ letters—l wonder if you will ever meet Fern —her personality reaches out even through the cold pages of a letter. Yes, I saw your friend —only for a few crowded minutes, unfortunately; but for a sufficient time to show me how well she was looking. If you'll promise to come and see me I’ll even admit the camera! Cousin Lesley: Weren’t the moonlit nights beautiful! I hope your vigil was rewarded. How much longer is your father to be away? Your box of cakes was very much appreciated, dear. What a lot of trouble you went to for us. Cousin Dreamy; Thank you, my dear,

for telling me more about yourself and the life you lead. You will certainly miss your teacher friend when he goes; but I think you'll find somebody or something else will come along to compensate for his departure. Life is like that. Your two stencilled bags arrived too late for the competition; but they arc beautifully done, and should sell well. Thank you. Cousin Ginger Pickle: I was so sorry about the Sports. Had it been a fine day, I really was going to be there —in person! Cousin Poppy: Yes, dear, I think everybody i.has a little special hit of love for that particular Little Southlander, and her presence does gladden a party, or any other gathering. We have a hedgehog, too, and I make a daily inspection to see that our neighbour’s dog hasn’t discovered it. A year or two ago I found a nest of the dearest wee baby hedgehogs imaginable. Have you ever seen a young one? Cousin Tinker Bell: I am very glad y’ou did enjoy the party, even after having been in bed all the week. My dear, you’ll have to acquire more colour in your cheeks, you know’. Youth is the time for implanting “rosy apples” in one’s cheeks!

Cousin Winnie-the-'pooh: I think you would be very wise to join the Tramping Club. In that way you will be enabled to strike up an intimacy with the country which a motor car will never bring you. And the exercise is splendid. lam sorry you didn’t like “Kim.” Try “Stalky and Co.” and "Rewards and Fairies.” Yes, E. V. Lucas is one of our most charming essayists. A. G. Gardiner, Christopher Morley and Augustine Birrell have similarly delightful styles, you'll find. By the way, go back and read William Hazlitt’s “Table Talk”—and reaa them leisurely. I am delighted to hear about the Savings Bank. Cousin Iona: You would certainly be a General Favourite while the chocolates lasted! But, did they? I was sorry to hear about your cold, and hope that you carried out the drastic measures you threatened. Miniature golf seems to have vanished completely in these parts. Cousin Hazel-nut: Thank you so much for your letter, dear. It was a joy. I do hope you’ll be in again soon —when we will both have more time. Still, ever such a brief glimpse was certainly better than nothing! Cousin Farm Lass: Your parcel arrived safely, dear— thank you very much. How beautifully you embroider. What a busy life you lead, and what a lot of good work you accomplish. I hope none of you « the worse for the wetting. ♦

Cousin Viola: Yes, the money reached me safely, although that was certainly a risk you took, dear.