LITTLE SOUTHLANDERS’ CHRONICLE

Southland Times, Issue 25737, 30 July 1945, Page 8

LITTLE SOUTHLANDERS’ CHRONICLE

My dear Cousins, Wednesday is Arbor Day, a day that was founded by an American, J. Sterling Morton. School children throughout New Zealand will be planting trees on that day, and I am wondering how many of my Little Southlanders will be given the opportunity of planting a tree. Trees are both useful and beautiful, and it is sad to think that so many of our forests have been denuded of so much of their beauty—deciduous trees have a special charm, and it is very lovely to see the tiny green leaves making their reappearance after seeing so many bare boughs during the winter months. And speaking of trees reminds me of birds and two books that I have received from an anonymous donor to be given to children who take an interest in native birds. I am going to give them as prizes to the cousin who sends in the best story and best essay on native birds. Even a small cousin, I am sure, can tell me something about the habits of our birds or a story about one. The competition will close on August 14. A country cousin has written in telling me that she has been watching the rabbits busy making nests of their own fur ready for the young ones, and the birds making nests. In her garden she has violets out as well as snowdrops, and she has seen her first wee lamb. What have my town cousins seen? If some of you observe very closely this week, you may be able to tell me next week. Congratulations to Bernice Berry on gaining 50 marks—she is now an M.P. With ever so much love to you all. Your loving

COMPETITIONS 181ST ART CLUB COMPETITION.—CoIouring competition for all Cousins: “This is the house that Jack built.” Entries close TUESDAY, August 7. 180TH ART CLUB COMPETITION.— “Peter Goes Fishing.” Prizes of 1/- to David Grant, 44 Ramrig street, June Cook, Mokotua, Dacre R.D., and Joyce Dahlenburg, 9 Layard street. 627TH COMPETITION.—Poem for all Cousins: “Trees.” Entries close TUESDAY, August 7. QUESTIONS 1. What did the ancient Persians teach their children from the age of five to 20? There are three things. 2. What is the most famous British fighter plane? 3. What plane is the most unorthodox in design? 4. What is the bridge of the "Queen Mary” like. Answers to above questions:— 1. To speak the truth, to manage a horse well, and to shoot dexterously with the bow. 2. Spitfire. 3. The American Lightning—it has twin booms instead of the normal fuselage. 4. It is curved so that the wind goes over the heads of the men on it. THE CONCEITED KITTEN There was once a kitten name Jane, Who was so conceited, though plain, That she fell in a lake Which she thought by mistake Was a looking-glass—wasn’t she vain? A CHILD’S PRAYER Make me grow like some strong tree Ever stretching up to Thee. Make my heart as warm with love As Thy great, glorious sun above. May I be as clean in mind As any rain-drenched April wind. Teach me to forget my frowns And learn to smile through ups and downs. Make me shine like some bright star Where’er I wander—near or far. —Grace Bingham. SIGN OF FINE WEATHER A coloured halo round the sun is a weather sign to watch for during the days of spring. Ordinary white haloes round sun or moon usually indicate the coming of bad weather, but a band of rainbow tints surrounding the sun is one of the surest signs of fine warm days. The coloured halo has often been followed by many weeks of bright dry conditions, although just why this is so is not known. ENROLMENTS Yvonne Warnock (10), 58 Esk street. Maxwell Naylor (10), Nokomai Siding, Private Bag, Lumsden. HOW TO ENROL Send your name, age, birthday and address to Cousin Betty, The Southland Times, Invercargill, and a coloured enrolment card v/ill be sent to you.