Between Ourselves

Southland Times, Issue 25306, 8 June 1935, Page 18

Between Ourselves

Cousin Ola: You see your name has been put in the Correspondence Comer and I hope it will be the beginning of an interesting correspondence for you. Cousin Princess Rose: Thank you for your letter, my dear. I hope your wee brother’s cough will soon go away. I am quite well thank you and have fortunately not caught a cold in spite of the fact that lots of people have them just now. Cousin Golden Gorse: I will try to send all the prizes out next week if the plays give me a moment. What an enjoyable holiday you must have had in the country. Kittens are dear wee things, aren’t they? I’ve never seen a calf quite so young as the one you wrote about.

Cousin Fluffy: Welcome, my dear. Your enrolment card will be sent to you. Are you going to enter for the competitions?

Cousin Petunia: Thank you for the entries. Yes, autumn leaves are beautiful but they are almost over now. Cousin Freckles: You are very welcome old man, and I hope you will enjoy being a Little Southlander. Your enrolment card will be sent to you. Cousin Clematis: When you write a story with conversation, notice that a capital letter is not used for “said” or “exclaimed.” For example, “I am going home,” she said. Do not write a capital “s” for “she.” It is a wonderful thing my dear, to be able to breathe beauty into one’s life as you have done. Congratulations on getting another fifty marks. Cousin Rata Sprite:- I don’t think you quite understand the meaning of free verse; in spite of the fact that it has no rhyme scheme it must be rhythmic and I think that is where you faltered in your entry. However, persevere, my dear, and your writing will improve. I will ask Cousin Mist O’Morning and Cousin Irene Hall to write to you. Cousin Mist O’Moming’s real name is a secret of course but perhaps she will tell you if she should choose to do so. I hope it will be a long time before I part from you. Yes, my dear, I love reading; I have read some of the books you mention. Cousin Rotoiti: I will ask Cousin Connie Hall to write to you, my dear. What adventures you have when you go ferreting—did the bite hurt much? No I have never heard of the stamps you wrote about. They sound interesting. How do you make them ?

Cousin Daisy Bell: Be careful of your writing, my dear. It is often difficult to read. You are very lucky with all the holidays from school. Cousin Betty is not nearly as fortunate. I hope the sale will be successful.

Cousin March Hare: What a long time you’ve been in writing to tell me your real name. Your badge will be sent to you. Which do you like better the pony or the bicycle? Cousin Rita: Certainly you may change your pen-name. What will you choose for it this time? Your enrolment card will be sent you as soon as I have time. The plays are keeping me very busy just now. Cousin Bluebird: What a good idea to make cocoa at school. You must enjoy it on these cold mornings. What games do you play • with your uncle and auntie?

Cousin George Walker: Your letter reached me in plenty of time, and I will look forward to your next one with the description of the matches in it. Thank you for the clan marks. Cousin Queenstown Lass: I do dislike abbreviated names, my dear. Your entry was not quite good enough for a prize this time but persevere and you will be successful. What are you going to do with all the money you are going to win?

Cousin Diana: Tell me, my dear what is it you dislike about “Life,” I thought it quite a good attempt. I am sorry you have not been feeling well. Cousin Marie: Welcome new Cousin, are you going to choose a pen-name? Cousin Red Rose: Remember to write your real name as well as your penname on your letters, my dear. Thank you for the Mind Sharpeners. Yes, you may send in more than one entry for drawing. Cousin Mist O’Moming: Shows are very tiring aren’t they? Nevertheless they are full of interest. Don’t you think that being grown up has its compensations? Yes, my dear, I will post your prize money to you without fail. I wonder what the secret present will be. Cousin UptothearS* I’m glad _ you are enjoying your shorthand. It will be very useful to you and is well worth extra work don’t you think? No your prize money has not been mislaid. It will be posted to you. Cousin Shamrock: Yes, it js a long time since you wrote to me and I was glad to get your letter. No, Cousin Betty is not so fortunate as her Cousins in the matter of holidays. How lucky you are to have a new bicycle. Cousin Glen—lsla: You did well to come third in your exams my dear. Do you enjoy being an “Ugly Sister?” How old is your baby cousin?