The WENDY HUT LETTERBOX

Taranaki Daily News, 6 July 1929, Page 21

The WENDY HUT LETTERBOX

LETTERS to be Addressed: “WENDY,” Care Taranaki Daily Wsws, Box 11$, NEW PLYMOUTH,

Alma Letts, Midhirst.—Welcome to the Wendy Hut, dear. You are one of our youngest Tinkites, and Billikins (he belongs to the Hut, too) is ever so thrilled. Bouncer, the dog, is running round and round the lawn with one of my slippers. Isn’t he dreadful? I shall have to rescue it. Have you any dogs that do that?

Jean Ditchie, Inglewood.—Thank yon for the sketch of the Hut, but it isn’t quite like it. We have lots of dear little round beehives, too, but most of the bees have gone to sleep during the winter. Tinker Bell has some bantams and yesterday the Hut gardener found a nest full of lovely little brown eggs under a hedge. We thought the little brown hen wasn’t laying any just now, although we sometimes heard her cackling. We’ve just left them there, so she won’t know we’ve found them.

Ida Lee, Bell Block. —Well, that was a good, joke you sent for Billikins and I’m sure you heard his peals of laughter where you live. It was a surprise to hear from you again and the pretty little picture of the park is in the Hut album. I suppose you miss the aeroplane now that it’s gone, so you won’t be lying on your backs watching it or getting what one calls "an aeroplane neck!”

Grace Hoskin, Okato. —Baby Margaret sends you three fat little kisses for the ones you sent her. Would you like Binnie and Bonnie for the calves names? What really terrible geese and ducks and fowls not to lay one single egg! I think they must just be having a holiday, don't you? We have such wonderful big fires in the Hut these days and we all sit around it and roast chestnuts. But Baby Margaret is still too young to roast chestnuts- so she goes to her cosy little bed.

Joan Casey, Inglewood.—No;- no one at the Hut has ever been to England, but some day, when Billikins knows all his lessons and Tinker Bell can leave the Hut, and the twins learn to be really good and Baby Margaret grows up, we shall all get in a huge canoe and we will see if we can get there. Have you coloured your membership card yet? It must be cold lighting the fire every morning, isn’t' it? Ellie Lepper, Tuna. —Your little news box was very full when you wrote and we enjoyed it, especially the bit where Thelma dodged you. You will have to put a little ribbon halter on her next time you go to town. Nobody was a bit sick after the earthquake at the Hut. Everyone laughed, as they thought it was Billikins playing a trick, but it wasn’t; it was too big a trick for Billikins to play.

Bell Lepper, Tuna. —I’m afraid three o'clock was far too early for any of the Hut folk to feel the earthquake. Each one was tucked snugly in a warm, cosy bed, not dreaming of ’quakes. Have you any creek? 01 rivers where you go eeling? Or do you sometimes come in and sit on the end of our wharf and fish for littlp herrings? Tinker Bell and I sometimes dangle our legs over the edge and try to fish. Margaret Bridger, Egmont Village.— Your pen name is very pretty and you may certainly have it, so long as you don’t forget to sign it when you write! I have asked for a little pen friend for you. There are such lots and lots of pretty little Japanese gardens on our table, in all pretty colours. Tinker Bell just loves looking at them, and I shall have to eee that she doesn’t run away with them.

“Rose of the Desert,” Mokau River.— Very good writing tliis time for “Rose of the Desert,” although we don’t see it very often. Yes, we’ve been having real winter in New Plymouth and the old mountain has a badly frost-bitten nose this morning. Baby Margaret’s tiny wee nose is red, too, and so are her wee fingers, as she’s been trying to bathe “Bouncer” in a pail of water. “Snowdrop,” Uruti. —There may not be a piece for your autograph to-day, “Snowdrop,” but I shall see that there is one there sometime soon. Billikins is longing to know the answers to that question you asked. I am afraid he will have all the eggs broken and he will have tipped out all the vinegar trying to find the answer to it. How is the raffia basket and what colour is it?

Beulah George, Tarata. —Tinker Bell wants to know if you have coloured the birthday card she sent you. She has a new paint-box and I found her out in the garden trying to paint some of the poor little snowdrops which have struggled through. Baby Margaret was watching her, and when she wasn’t looking she’d mix all the blues and reds and yellows together and make such a mess. What would you do with such a family ?

Eunice Chefilngs, Opunake. —We were so glad to get your letter and the twins ask me to tell you that they do like tents, but they wouldn’t sleep in one this weather. Do you know what I think they’d do if they had one? I think they’d cut it all up and make kites out of it, for they just love kites. Won’t it be lovely to be going into a higher standard and have some new books to look at!

Ila Marsh. Hurford Road. —Such a pretty piece of poetry, Ila. Daffodils look like dancing girls when they’re swaying in the wind, with their little golden frilled skirts, and green-stocking-ed legs. And aren’t they ■ plain little babies; just like onions! The sea has been so angry and the white horses have been racing before the wind, trying to race one another. I’m sure they’d be like your horses and buck anyone off I

Mavis Stanton, Eltham.—Yes, Billikins is a trick. He’s standing right in front of me and making his shadow dance all over where I am writing. Aren’t all boys mischievous? You may do the competition either in crayons or in paints. I’m quite sure you use your paints well enough to do it in paints. There’s nothing like trying, is there? So old Mr. ’Flue has been visiting you, tool He must be a busy man.

Irene Warburton, New Plymouth.—Next time I shall be able to put “Delphinium” for your name, as no one else has it. We hadn’t forgotten you, and Tinkerbeli was wondering, when die would see your name again. She thinks she will have to make paper flowers and stick them in the garden, as there don’t seem to be many poor little faces looking out after this rough weather.

Thelma Warburton, New Plymouth.— Your pen-name is pretty, too, and no one else has it. It would be lovely if your friend would write to us at the Hut, too, and I hope you will be able to persuade her. You must have had a good time writing to all your friends overseas and telling them about the earthquakes. You didn’t make them nervous so that they will never come to see you, did you? Rosabella Gilbert, Waitara. —Do your little roses still smile in your garden? You must be a good gardener, and I’m sure our gardener at the Hut would love to know just what to do with snails when he catches them on the cabbages. He says it’s no good killing them, ’cause too many come to the funeral! Will you tell us the date of your birthday next time, and what age you were when that great event last happened ?

Joyce Pennington, Oaonui.—Such good writing from the little Tink, who hasn’t written to us for so long! Do Jessie and Sammy like this weather, because I’m sure it was meant for the ducks in the world? I wonder how all the poor little birds got on; this morning I heard one just singing for all he was worth because it was such a beautiful' day. Old “Snuff” just sat by the fire' for days and days when it was raining. Cats hate the wet. Florence Lambeth, Bell Block—Another little Tink to welcome to the Wendy Hut! Yes, you may certainly have your penname, and we will use it next time if you don’t forget to sign it after your real one! I’m sorry Billikins isn’t able to write, but he has so many lessons to learn that he hasn’t time for letter-writing. I shall ask the dressmaker if she knows how to make a handky satchet, and if she doesn’t know, well, we’ll ask the Tinkites themselves. Gretchen Simons, Vogelt own.—What brave little bulbs to come to see you this weather, aren’t they? I wonder what they think of earthquakes, and if they think it’s really one way Old Mother Earth has of shaking all the plants out of bed. It will be most exciting to use brand new crayons, but it seems a shame to blunt their beautifully shaped points, doesn’t it? “Blackbird,” Mahoenui. —You did make my mouth water when you said ‘‘ginger biscuit,” and Billiking and I felt just s if we must have one. He raided the pantry, but he found ginger bread instead, so we had that for afternoon tea. Did you -get your game of basketball? It has been almost too cold to even touch it, hasn t it? Thank you for the essay; it made little shivers go up and down Billikin’s spine.

Edith Kendrick, Ahititi. —We’re so glad that you’re better again, but, really, bed must have been quite the warmest place this cold, wet weather. Baby Margaret h- ddled down in her little woolly blankets when the rain came pelting down, and hugged her teddy-bear tight. Gavel is a splendid name, and is the name of a fine English nurse who was killed during the war. We do hope the birthday card isn’t blown away before you get it this time. Maisie Sulzberger, Mangatoki.—A warm welcome to you as a Tink, this cold weather, Maisie. Does little Donald say many funny things or is he a serious little man? Our Hut baby (Margaret, we call her) does do such funny things, and to-day she was trying to make Bouncer drink some soup out of her little spoon. But Bouncer just shut his mouth tight and he wouldn’t drink that funny stuff, for soup must be funny to dogs.

Keith Hoben, New Plymouth—Hullo, little stranger! We really thought you must have forgotten us; but life is such a busy old thing, isn’t it? Besides, we have both got interests in babies, although Baby Dorothy is ever so much tinier than Baby Margaret is. Baby Margaret is just beginning to talk and chatters away to Bouncer, who seems to understand her quite well. What about football? Are you going to play? It’s a great game for ■boys, isn’t it?

Ruth and Esma Julian, Inglewood.—Yes, there’s lots of time this week, so you two little Tinks will see your names in the Wendy Hut letters. There are such lots this week, and Billikins is opening them for me, and Baby Margaret is trying to eat the envelopes. I think she likes the colour of the stamps and thinks they’re lollies. Have you any flowers in your garden? They need little woollie dresses this weather, don’t they.?

Thelma Tanner, Fitzroy.—l’m so glad you want to be a Tink. Perhaps you will be able to persuade your brother to join after all, as it really isn’t such strenuous work, letter-writing. Do you think the crossword puzzle very hard? Billikins has always something to do with them, and he just enjoys hiding things and making things look as if they’re hard when they’re not really.

Edith Smith, Kaimata.—Did you find out what Polly and Gwen did and what the workshop wag making this week? I think they should make us lots of little ships for us to row about in this weather we have just been having, don’t you? Did you get your little pen-friend? We are all well at the Hut, and Bimbo is so happy to see the sun that he's frisking about like a foal.

Ella Anderson, Whangamomona.—l think the “postie” must have dropped Dick’s membership card, because the poor man always has such a terrible load to take from the Hut. If Dick would like another one, tell him io write and I shall see what I can do. Is the stereoscope worn out' yet? I’m sure it gets a frightful lot of use. You must feel like a fisherman in gum boots; they are so lovely and warmi Billikins is jumping around because he has found a new orosfi-word puzzle. -

Margaret Lindsay, Kapuni.—Of course, we’d love to have you in the Hut, and we’re bo glad to see that you’ve entered for our competition. I’m glad, too, you like bicycling, as it’s the greatest fun in the world to rush through the wind down a hill. It’s even fun' in a head-wind, and it makes one so warm these winter mornings. Do you help milk all those cows? Avis Cleaver, Matapu.—l told Baby Margaret that you sent her a kiss, and she wrinkled up her funny little nose and said, “Ta.” She loves to get kisses from the Tinkites. Did you see them making candy floss at the show? Doesn’t it melt quickly when it goes into your mouth and you keep waiting to get the taste of it! Can you make candy? I nearly always burn it when I make it.

Ray Spurdie, Waitara. —Welcome, to the Wendy Hut! Are you going to paint our competition? It will be great fun. Billi* kins is telling me that he wishes he didn’t have to learn lessons as he’d just love to get some paint and paint the Hut all different colours. Wouldn't it look funy? Lottie Hamilton, Whakamara. —Billikins did laugh about the “nigger” riddle and 1 fancied I even saw Baby Margaret’s little dimples appear when he told her. I’m afraid she hasn’t had her photo taken yet, Lottie, but if she ever does, I’m sure she’ll send you one. She’s just beginning to talk and she has learnt to ride John’s tricycle. She just tears around the Hut and makes everyone scatter as she comes. She’s a real little Tink.

“Clematis,” Midhirst. —I hope your important little package arrives safely, and thank you so much for sending me the autograph. We could just imagine the wonderful fun you had at the party, and Billikins is always glad' to hear of new pranks. I’m rather afraid he will play some on us, now that he knows that you played them at the party. He’s trying hard to learn his lessons but he sometimes creeps out to see the Wendy letters and to see if there are any more painting competitions in. “Kingfisher,” Korito.—Tinkerbell says she thinks “Beette” and “Brindle” would be two names for the calves. Do you think they vould do? I haven’t had Joyce’s letter yet but perhaps the postman may bring it this afternoon. Yes; you must have had an exciting day with earthquakes and aeroplanes. I expect the aeroplane thought it safer up there, looking down on lots of little doll’s houses and tiny -wee ants. lan Rundle, Kent Road. —You * have been, having a wonderful holiday in bed! It’s rather a good place this cold weather, especially if you can hug a hot water bottle, isn’t it? Don’t you play games on wet days and get warm? Have you ever nlayed that old fashionned game of “Blind Man’s Buff?” It gets you so warm but you must be careful not to trip over desks and spill the ink, or else you’ll have to put your hands, in such cold water and scrub it out!

Marjorie Baker, Rahotu. —Welcome to the Wendy Hut, Marjorie. I am very pleased to know that your cat is called Wendy, and Billikins says it’s the only cat he has ever heard of called by that name. The twins are called Pam and Peter and are real little tricks. Do you know what they are doing now? Just guess. You can’t; well, they’re tying lots and lots-of ribbons on poor Bouncer’s tail, while Billikins holds him hard so he won’t run away. Eileen Granville, Awatuna. —Welcome to the Wendy Hut. We will look forward to your letters telling us all the news of your part of the world. Have you any pets and do you like gardening? We have such a lovely garden at the Hut and we have a fairy cave and ferns grow all around it. It is lovely in the sunshine, but so cold when it rains!

Miriam Jury, New Plymouth. —Too bad to have a cold on your birthday! You did arrange things badly. However, you must have enjoyed the big party on June 21. Everyone is well at the Hut, but I heard Baby Margaret sneez (it made ‘Snuff” jump, too), so I hope she isn’t getting a cold. I think I shall go and get her a very hot lemon drink and put plenty of sugar lumps in it.

Ethel and Thora Carroll, Leach Street. — What luck to have a Persian cat, and what will you call it ? I hope you saw the paper after all last week, although I didn’t write to you. Never mind, here it is today instead. The twins are getting tea ready, and I can smell toast. I think they must have dropped it in the fire. Baby Margaret is just going to have a bath, and she has a new sponge to float L* it. Violet Gordon, Oaonui. —Well, little lassie, I hope you get the birthday card this time. I shall have to complain, to the postal authorities for not delivering such important documents because birthdays are really most important, aren’t they? Billikins thought that “Paddy” might be a good name for the calf; do you? The weather has been so boisterous here and I sometimes wonder if the old mountain will be able to keep his cap on.

Ronald Rundle, Kent Road—You must have enjoyed tho show, especially as your school was so clever as to win so many prizes. You may get a place next time for your plot as everyone can’t get prizes, can they ? I should like to see the wonderful bull dog, but I’m sure I should be afraid of him. What is his name? The Hut dog, Bouncer, is really very gentle, although he does get’ excited, and he looks after Baby Margaret so well.

Keith Rowe, Stratford.—We were beainning to wonder if old man ’flu had been to see you as we hadn’t heard from you. Isn’t he a disagreeable old fellow? I wonder if you managed to get to the show after all? There were such lots of big care there, that just looked like wonderful little moving houses. What sort of a car are you going to have when you decide to get one? Good writing this time, old chap. May Weir, Kent Road—When we came to your letter Tinkerbell said she knew who’s good writing it was. You see, Billikins is inside trying, to discover what' shape New Zealand is and if ho can draw it, so he lets Tinkerbell help me sometimes. Do you like drawing the shapes of all the countries? Some of them are so funny and wouldn’t it be a great saving of time if they were all the same! Yes, I like aeroplanes as they can go so fast. Audrey Marsh, Ararata. —Yes; you may certainly become a Tink and we would love to have you. Then you will be able to read your own letter on the page as well as the others. Aren t pet lambs just sweet? We have two. at the Hut and they are such knowing little things. They are very, fond of apple peelings and beetroot jelly; are yours? They’re also very fond of the Hut violets, naughty little things. Sylvie Price, Oakura. —Has old ’Flue left your place yet? I think he has stayed long enough, and he always likes to make folk go without their food for a long time. How cosy Dolly would be with a new quilt. She is. a fortunate young lady. What colour is it, and how did you.make it-? I, might be able .to mak# one..for Baby Margaret, as she hasn’t one."