ORIGINAL STORIES

Southland Times, Issue 23610, 10 September 1938, Page 7 (Supplement)

ORIGINAL STORIES

—VERY HIGHLY COMMENDED—

“Wake up, Willie!” said Mother Crocus, as Willie began to stir in his warm bed in the flower border. “It is your turn to be the first, crocus out this spring.” Willie wasn’t very sure whether he would like to be the first wee crocus to look out on this big world of ours or not. What a different feeling came over him, when, one bright sunny morning, he timidly poked his head through the ground, and saw Old Sol beaming down on him. Soon Willie opened his petals wide and gazed around, to see if he really was the first crocus out in the border.

In a day or two Willie’s brothers, sisters and all his relations began to push their way up through the earth. What a busy time Willie had answering all the questions the other crocuses asked him about what it felt like to be the first crocus out.

Every morning of their short life, Willie and all the crocuses opened

their petals to gladden the hearts of the people. After a few weeks. Daffodil Gertie began to make her presence felt, so wee Willie closed his petals and prepared to sleep, pleased that he had been the first to welcome spring into the garden. —-3 marks to Cousin James Gibson (11), 60 Robertson street.

—VERY HIGHLY COMMENDED—

Although a cold wind was blowing the sun was shining warmly. Taking a book with me I went to find a warm sheltered spot away from the wind.

When passing by the flower gardens, I happened to glance that way, and there among the green shoots was a crocus. I dropped the book in my excitement and I was soon on my knees looking for more. There in the grass were many more nearly out Some were white and purple but most of them were yellow. In a few days all that part of the garden was a mass of colour, but I think the first crocus was the prettiest of them all. —3 marks to Cousin Marion Stevens (10), “Otapiri,” Balfour.

—VERY HIGHLY COMMENDED—--1 Caroline Crocus peeped out of the bed which Mother Nature had provided for her and wondered what the world was like up above. Suddenly Sammy Worm crawled by. “Oh Sammy,” said Caroline. “Is it time for me to get up yet?” “It’s very cold,” said Sammy. I am going back to bed. Goodbye.” And he crawled home. Caroline did not go back to her bulb, but pushed her way up till she reached the top. There she showed her glory. The next day a little girl came skipping up to the crocus and kissed its purple flower. The crocus lived a happy life and was given the name of “The First Crocus.” —3 marks to Cousin Joy Rowley (11), P.O. Box 68, Invercargill.