Birthday Parties

Southland Times, Issue 22758, 7 December 1935, Page 23

Birthday Parties

—Very Highly Commended— To-day we celebrate the eleventh birthday of our page. It is a cousins’ page with Cousin Betty at the head of it. All boys and gills under 16 years of age contribute to it. This page is a very helpful education as it gives one experience in writing and story telling, and the mind sharpeners help in history, geography, arithmetic and ability to think. There are over 2000 cousins working for Cousin Betty’s Page of Little Southlanders. As well as writing poetry and stories, these Little Southlanders organize parties, concerts and cricket clubs. A very happy birthday to our Page. —4 marks to Cousin Elsie Clive (15), Section 5, Otahuti R.D. —Highly Commended— Joan had everything she could wish for—toys, books, pet rabbits, a pony of her own—yet she was not contented. When her birthday came round she received many lovely presents, but she said crossly to her mother, “I do wish I didn’t have a birthday. Everyone makes too much fuss. I would like to live in a land where there were no parties.” Next year, Joan’s mother, Mrs Turner thought out a grand surprise for her daughter. She did not invite any girls to tea but about eight o’clock in the evening she said to Joan: “Now, Joan, what would you like for your birthday present?” Joan was a greedy little girl and she immediately said, “Ooh! I would like a great big apple-pie as big as the baker can make it.” So Mrs Turner ordered the pie and next morning it arrived. Joan was told that she must eat it all at one meal, and she replied that she would soon do that. But long before she had got through an eighth of it she began to feel dreadfully sick. She took a few more bites and then said, “Oh, Mother. I wish I had not been so greedy.” Mother packed her off to bed, and next morning she was better again, but she is changed, and is quite a nice girl now. —2 marks to Cousin Elva Knox (12), Wrights Bush. —Highly Commended — Certainly the outside appearance of the house was not elaborate, but that made no difference to the happy atmosphere which pervaded within. This was a great event for most children as it was Gladys’s eleventh birthday. The children from far and near were invited, because Gladys was a favourite among all. Chinese lanterns and gayly coloured streamers decorated all rooms, and the roaring fire in the party-room seemed to say, “Welcome!” to everyone. First the visitors expressed their admiration of the little gifts displayed on the table. Then after having played a game of musical chairs they all trooped in to enjoy the party tea. The birthday cake, decorated with eleven candles, had its prominent place in the centre of the table. . , , , As soon as everyone had finished tea a magic lantern entertainment followed, much to the delight of the little folk. More games; and each one was taken home after being given a toy and sweets by Gladys, who was the happiest of them all.

—2 marks to Cousin Jeanette Moore (11), 231 Gala street.