ORIGINAL STORIES

Southland Times, Issue 24001, 16 December 1939, Page 8 (Supplement)

ORIGINAL STORIES

•—VERY HIGHLY COMMENDED—

For many years the twins, Tony and Janet Weston, had wished for a pony to ride to school, and now as they sat under the shady cherry tree, their favourite nook, they were busy talking about it. Tony said if he had a pony he would call it Star and Janet said she would call it Trixie, so Tony goodnaturedly agreed to call it Trixie. “But I don’t suppose we shall ever get one,” said Tony sorrowfully. Just then father came striding through the orchard with a cheery grin on his face. “Why, children, still thinking about that pony? Don’t forget tomorrow’s Christmas Day.” The twins cheered up at this, and went inside to See how mother’s Christmas cakes were progressing. The rest of the day the children - were busy preparing for Father Christmas, so that night it was two very tired but excited children who went to bed. They soon fell asleep, dreaming about Christmas presents. Next morning the sun shone brightly in through the children’s window, waking Tony, who jumped out of bed, shook his sister until she awoke, and then jumped down to the bottom of his bed where he emptied his stocking which Father Christmas had filled right up to the top. Janet was properly awake by now and she was doing the same thing. Tony pulled , out a mouth organ, a bag of marbles, a red racing car, and an orange, and many other things, while Janet tenderly lifted out a beautiful big doll which closed its eyes when it was laid down. There were also many other nice things in the twins’ stocking. But just then mother and dad entered the room and wished them a Merry Christmas. “Oh, by the way,” said dad, “James, the groom, said he wanted to see you two down in the stable, so run along.” The twins raced down to the stable and opened the door, and what do you think they saw? Why, a lovely little glossy black pony with a shiny saddle and bridle on which was contentedly munching chaff in the

stall. Around his well-groomed neck was a bright red ribbon with a blue ticket tied on it. Janet ran forward and read it. “To Tony and Janet from mum and dad.” The twins rushed forward and hugged their beautiful pony Trixie, and then they ran up to the house and thanked their kind mother and father for the beautiful Christmas present. —3 marks to Cousin Reta Findlay (13), Pukemaori, Tuatapere R.D.

—HIGHLY COMMENDED— Last year my father dug a piece of ground and told me I could have it for a garden. I worked it up until it was ready for my seeds. Dad bought me a packet of mixed seeds which contained fifty different varieties. Among the different kinds of flowers were wall flowers and sweet peas. When the flowers were big some of the flowers drooped and I had to tie them up. I have to keep the weeds down or they will choke the flowers. It is interesting to watch the flowers come out. I have my garden ready to sow again this year, and I hope it will make just as good a show as it did last year. —2 marks to Cousin Leona Lockerbie (12), Limehills P.O.