Autobiography of a Sixpence

Southland Times, Issue 22993, 12 September 1936, Page 23 (Supplement)

Autobiography of a Sixpence

—Highly Commended— Although now, I am of little use as a fast conveyance, I look back on those days when I could boast of a very fast speed. I have really been very successful during my career, for many are the planes, which have met their doom from the air. My home is at present in a hangar, and, remote from my friends, it is very seldom I see daylight; perhaps when an aeroplane of higher rank occupies my shed, and I am turned out. It is on one of these days that my thoughts fly back to the past. I was very elated when I was commissioned to carry his Royal Highness to some far away town, in time for him to attend a council, but even more so when in 1918 I won the National Air Race. Dangerous storms were nothing to me then; ice would form on my wings, but I always came out victorious. During the Great War I had some thrilling experiences with the enemy, flying over alien territory and dropping

bombs; but expecting every moment to be caught by machine gun fire, myself. My memories of the past were suddenly interrupted by the caretaker and his assistants pushing me once more into my shed. —2 marks to Cousin Jeanette Moore (12), 231 Gala street. —Commended— Here I am, after all the hammering, chiselling, and screwing. I am finished and painted, a light blue with silver wings. I also have a number, and five large letters painted under my wings. My owner is a very proud man I know, as I heard him say, “You Beauty,” as he ran his hand along my wings. Then he dons his flying suit and I know he is taking me out for a trial. How I tremble, with excitement, as my engine begins to roar. At last; hurrah! we are off, faster, and faster, until we leave Mother Earth. On and on we go over green fields. Now we come to a city we fly around and then head back for my hangar, and I know my owner is happy too, and I hope to serve him for many years.

—1 mark to Cousin. Ken Johnstone (14), Section 8, Glencoe R.D.