The WENDY HUT LITTERBOX

Taranaki Daily News, 7 June 1930, Page 25 (Supplement)

The WENDY HUT LITTERBOX

LETTERS to be Addressed: “WENDY.” . Car? ‘aranakl Bally Kowa, Box lISNEW PLYMOUTH.

Gretchen Simons, New Ply- { • mouth.—l hope you had a | happy birthday. “Old Mother I Goose” I think you had better I have for a pen-name. What do j you think? I wish we could see the play. What Sunday school is giving it? Here comes Bil 5— ~~~~~ likins running in from the post;, man with another pile of letters. Noeleen Crosby, Waipuku.—Do you like playing marbles too? Our children do, and they can beat me at it easily. I think I cannot have a very straight eye. Billikins tells me to put some “enap” into my shots, but if I do that I go yards and yards away. Ping pong is the game to keep your warm, but you must be careful of the balls when the fire is alight, just as we are when Bouncer is near.

Reggie Batley, Awakino. —We are very glad that you have joined too, Reggie. Billikins likes handwork best too, but not arithmetic. He has made me several very useful articles at handwork. Do you have to bail the cows? I think that is the word. Or are they quiet enough for you to go up to them in the paddock and milk? Cows are funny old animals; they have such great big simple eyes. Billikins says he does not think they can have many brains. Wally Winstanley, Awakino. — We guessed thpt this envelope had a letter from you when we saw the post mark. You are lucky to have a motor launch. Billikins wants to get a motor to put on the' back of our boat so that he ■can speed up the river. He says the current is too strong in the winter to row. I think he is just a little .lazy. You two will have to learn to swim next summer. Can you swim in the river?

. Ronnie Winstanley, Awakino.—Fancy my guessing two things right straight off. I will- try again. Is that a dog chasing the football when you and Wally are trying to have a game? lam glad you liked the cards. You- should colour them now and make them look prettier than ever. Thank you for the poetry. .Pat Mackay, Toko. —Thank you for the poetry and riddles, Pat. What do you mean when you say your little brother’s hair is like a cockatoo’s? Perhaps it is like what Peter’s used to be — fair, straight, and would never stay where it was put. Can he say anything yet? I expect he is beginning to crawl into all sorts of mischief.

Michael Condon, Te Roti.—Yes, we went to the football. We sat on a bank and in the exciting parts Billikins and Peter kicked so hard that I thought there would be an avalanche. You must have played well to score four times running, but surely you made a mistake in the score: it would be more than 5 to 3. No, Billikins cannot play Soccer, he plays Rugby. Jean Campbell, Eltham. —Yes, we have had our share of rain and hail too, Jean, but to-day the sun Jias come out to cheer us up again.. That is one thing about us, we soon forget all the bad weather when we get some sunshine without wind. Good luck to you in the theory exam. How I have to keep at Billikins to make him practise. The young scamp will do anything to dodge it.

"Starlight,” Tariki.—l pity the bicycle and you if you rode home on two flat tyres. Baby Margaret gets along so well on a tricycle now. lam always afraid it will tip. up, but it never does. I wish I had counted now how many Tinks were sorry the holidays were over and how many were glad. I suppose really that the sorry ones would be in the majority, but still a number were glad. “Merry Sunshine,” Tariki. —Heaps of you here to-day, Hilda, brightening up New Plymouth. AH the birds are singing again and the chrysanthemums arranging their pretty skirts. Do you know that Baby Margaret says -she is sure she saw a wee fairy this morning when she was playing in the garden. "She said it had a yellow frock on and tiny silver wings. She was looking at it, but she blinked, and when she blinked it just disappeared. It must have been as quick as lightning. Kyra Best, Eltham.—We are sorry to hear that you are not well. Tonsils are nasty thing to get rid of, I know. Never mind, soon you will feel much better and you will hardly ever catch a cold. Yes, it would be beautiful to see the canaries flying everywhere. We have a number of those little Bright Eyes flitting around, and they are dear little birds. How are you getting on with the Red Cross?

Sylvie Price, Oakura. —I do not envy your having chilblains, you poor child. Luckily none of us is troubled with them. You must be trying hard at the piano. Do you sing those songs too? We often have "sing-songs” around the piano at night before bedtime. * The children can all sing and Billikins can too, only sometimes he shouts. We always have to put Bouncer out because he immediately begins to how]. Berys Burrell, Helensville. —Do you like examinations? Billikins. does not! He says they always make him feel melancholy. Thank you for the poetry and riddles. Do you live near the hot springs? I suppose you often go for baths there. Once I took the children to some hot baths and it was all I could do to get them to come out; they enjoyed it so much. Ellis Harrison, Waipapa. —Now then, Billikins, think of names for two buff bantams! He saye all he can think of is "Bunty” and "Banty.” Do you think they will do? Thank you for the riddles and poetry. We do not like these cold winds either; ever with two coats on, they seem to cut right through us. These are the mornings to skip and keep warm. Try that before breakfast. “Waratah,” Tirimoana. —How is the cold now, Merle, any better ? Yes, dear, we have named the pony “Buster” and he does not buck, but sometimes when he is annoyed ho gives little pigjumps. He is such a dear and can fly like the wind. I love riding him too. He is quite a big pony, so do not think I am cruel. He goes over the pony jumps beautifully now.

Mavis Hewson, Opunake.—How do you ride to school, Mavis? Bicycles or ponies? I know which I would rather go on! Bimbo has had to be moved into another paddock because he started picking apples off the tree and eating them. Buster is a funny pony; he never tou'ehes the apples, but he will always eat a core if Billikins gives him one after he has eaten all the apple. Perhaps the pips taste like the kernels in Scotch thistles.

Joan Bevin, Toko.—Well, we did like that poetry you sent, Joan! That is how Billikins feels about school too. When the bell rings he is never ready, either up a tree or down at the river getting his feet wet, and then he is Tate because he has to change his shoes and socks. Fancy there being only three brave Sunday , school children. Was it a very wet afternoon?

“Camellia,” Koru. —Do you live near Koru pa? Billikins wishes he did, so that he could explore all the bush and those dark holes. It would not do for you to stay up as late as your brother, would it? Tinkerbell is always the first up in our house. She is always up with the lark. Then, of course, Baby Margaret begins chatting to her dolls and playing games in her cot. It is hard to jump out of a cosy bed these mornings, isn’t it?

Olivo Karalus, Tariki.—Welcome, Olive, and thank you for the poetry. Yes, I like reading very much. What do you think of the essays this week instead of poetry? I wonder how many Tinks will turn out to bo what they want to be. Peter says he is going to be an engine driven and “spee-eed” along the rails. He likes anything with wheels that makes a noise. z

Wilfred Karalus, Tariki.—l cannot understand how your membership card went astray, Wilfred, unless Billikins dropped it on the way to the post. I discovered that he used to kick his football along all the way so I would not wonder at his dropping one or two. Wo think you must be a very clever young man to milk two cows at your age. Does it take you long ? “Red Wings,” Te Kiri. —Yes, we have a very large family of Tinks now, Gwen. You were successful in your first choice of pen-name. You make us shiver when you suggest swimming. Billikins ,was cruel enough to put Bouncer in the river to-day, and how he did howl. As a matter of fact I expect he did exaggerate it a little. It does not matter what Billikins does to him, lie still follows faithfully. I hope you will write to us often, Gwen, because we like your letters.

Dorothy Barnard, Eltham. —What a true poem, Dorothy. Peter was delighted, and he kepi on saying, “But it’s just like me, Wendy!” One night Peter got under the bed clothes and was Mount Egmont—a wonderful cone with a white sheet on top. “Watch me make the mountain erupt,” whispered Billikins. He crept up and gave it one big bang with the pillow. Up went the mountain, and. such a red little indignant face appeared ■. instead. Mona Corkill, Tututawa. —You will have been to the party by now. I wonder 'how you enjoyed yourself. Cookie has promised to make Billikins some big squashy cream puffs if he is good alf day to-morrow. It will be a big strain, but I think the reward will be° sufficient to make him think twice •before any prank.. The trouble is he gets an idea and without stopping to think, off he goes to put it into practice.

“Tui,” Tariki.—Here we are well into another month —nearly half the year gone already! It will not be long before you children will be having more holidays. I hope you were chosen for the .team. The Hut Carpenter put up some goal posts in tne paddock for Peter and Billikins to practise football. At least Billikins put some up first, but they blew down with the first mountain wind.

Donald ’ Jordan, New Plymouth.— What fun you had in the holidays. I expect you were really glad that the dog did not catch the poor singed hare. Billikins wishes he had been with you. How did you like bumping along in a sledge? Bimbo will draw one, but Buster cannot be induced to go near one. He is far too full of spirit for that. Perhaps you do not know that Buster is bur new pony.

Rex Woodley, Mangamingi. —Well, Rex, you must have had a thrilling holiday! Oh, yes, Auckland is far bigger than New Plymouth. About twelve times as big, I should say. What a wonderful aeroplane you must have. I have never heard of a toy one that will loop the loop and fly so far. I wonder if you would mind telling us where you crot it because ,1 could almost see that Billikins was counting the daysxto his birthday.

Inez Franks, Strathmore. —Call your kittens “Twecdledee” and “Tweedledum” and if you get out of breath calling them by such long names, just call •■Dee” and “Dum” and they’re sure to come. I wonder what birthday presents the King received. We were trying to guess, and Peter thought a motor-ear made of gold. It was the most expensive thing he would think of. He thinks that kings can have everything in the world that they like to ask for.

Mavis Harrison, Lepperton.—Thank David for the riddles and jokes. That one about the jam was a good one. How soon baby animals forget. Perhaps your calf will remember you better when it is grown up. We should like 'to see you feeding those six little pigs with apples. Do they wait their turn or just scramble all over one another tn wet there first?

Joan Bolger, Kaponga. — Welcome, Joan. Are you Jack’s sister? Thank you very much for the riddles, and next time write us a long letter, please. That riddle about the shadow caught Billikins beautifully. ' “Hinemoa,”. Egmont Village.—Here we arc again, Phyllis, but what a long time since we heard from you. Have you read the story of Hinemoa’s swim? She had plenty of pluck. How is the house-keeping progressing? Are you doing the cooking too? Billikins’ latest craze is bread and butter and golden syrup. Cookie becomes just-ty annoyed because everything in the kitchen seems to be sticky. Mirren Reed, Te Popo.—-Thank you for the long verses, Mirren. So you are another little housekeeper left in charge. If many more come along we shall have to ask Cookie to put on our page “Hints for Housekeepers.” I suppose you are working hard for proficiency now. What will you do next year if you get it? I hope all the Tinks will get through. It is really not as terrible as it seems before you sit for it. Rita Reed, .Te Popo.—We were pleased to find your letter tucked in with Mirren’s. We have not forgotten your birthday. Peter and Pam are in primer I, but they are getting on so well that I think they will soon be able to go up one class. Pam has nearly finished her reading book, but Peter is a bit of a “slow coach.” Pam jjways says, “Hurry up Peter, I’m ‘prae’ally’ finished!’ She nearly gets her long words right. Doris Stevenson, Puniho. —I am glad yon like our pages too, Doris. We always like to greet all you new members too. Canaries are cheerful little birds. Billikins once had two called “John” and “Joan.” Joan wanted to build a nest, but John would not let her; he was terribly interfering. Billikins was most upset, so John was put in a separate cage. One morning Billikins came running in exclaiming that John had laid an egg. So we had to rechristen him “Jean.”

Hazel Martin, Mangamingi.—Yes,' Hazel, we do have jolly evenings sitting in front of a big fire reading the letters from the Tinks. Sometimes Baby Margaret and Snuff grow so sleepy with the heat that they dose off. We ran up the hill to-day and saw the other mountains as clearly as possible, and they looked closer than I have ever seen them look before. Can you see .them from your place? Joan Goodwin, Puniho.—Why do they call the place where you live “Forest Hill?” Is it under the reforestration scheme? How is Douglas? We have not heard from him for a long time. I think we put in that limerick you sent a couple of months ago, dear, so think of another and send it along, because we like them for a change. Nelson Jackson, Kaimata— Welcome, Nelson! When is your birthday? Peter is five too, and he has a football. What fufi you could have together. He wonders who could kick it the higher. I wonder if you ever miss it and sit down with a bump. I sa-fr Peter do it once, but he got up very red in the face and said it was only' a “miss-flip.” Dolly Jackson, Kaimata. —Well, you are the first Tink I have heard from who wanted school to start again, but I suppose you do miss your schoolmates. Thank you for the poetry. Kitty was bright! Do you see many swaggers? I wonder what it is like sleeping outside or in old sheds this weather. I think we have been to Kaimata. Do you go along a road fu’l of turnings? Billikins thought it was like those puzzles, to find the way home.

Melva Reynolds, Oaonun —Baby Margaret was very interested in your drawings, Melva, and liked the fish best. Pam wonders how fish swim with their mouths open without swallowing water, because even when she is not swimming she seems to swallow too much. Can Cliffie put his words together or does he just manage to say one at a time? I expect he will be a little chatterbox soon.

Edna Reynolds, Oaonui— Yes, we like the big jolly fires at night now too. It seems so easy to make up stories in front of the fire, and we play that game when someone starts a story and the one next door has to carry on. You should try it. Peter and Pain have us in fits of laughter sometimes with their parts of the stories. Peter always tries to work it round so that pirates can come into it.

“Little Miss Snapdragon,’’ Kapuni.— Perhaps you found your letter in last week’s paper. Sometimes they arrive too late to be put in the same week. Maybe you will find your letter still in your coat pocket unposted! I have known that to. happen many times. I think I shall keep your poetry until next month, when it will be most appropriate. Bobby Raynor, Opunake—How did you stop the water wheel? We are not very clear as to how they work. Did you feel nervous on the horse? Buster can jump the hurdles in fine style now, and looks such a smart little pony with Jiis short mane amj, well-groomed coat. He is getting a warm . new coat for winter now. I dread the moulting in the spring because the children get covered witli hair.

Joyce Coe, Waitara.—So long as we hear from you now and again, Joyce, it will be quite all right, but do not forget us altogether. I expect at High School yon have far more homework. What form are you in? I hear you are getting swimming baths. What fun you will have then. "Bed Shadow,” Tataraimaka.—Your hanging from the tree reminds me. of the time we caught Billikins holding two corners of a blanket as well as he could and the other two corners tied on to trees. I wondered what in the world he was doing until I caught sight of Peter up a tree ready to jump. I think he was afraid, but Billikins was urging him on with “Be a sport, Peter! No more fire practices for those two. “Night Fairy,” Bahotu.—Tell Jean that Baby Margaret js the baby in our house and a dear little thing she is, with her big blue eyes and curly fair hair. Yes, Tinkerbell loves games and is always making up new ones for the children to play. Now that winter is here she has to think extra hard because the evenings are longer. Peter and Pam are learning hard at school now, thank you, and have quite settled down again after the holidays.. "Billy Bobtail,” Tariki. —How did you get on with the swedes? Were yours big fat jolly ones? I suppose you got a big surprise when you opened the paper to-day. I hope you will like the book we shall bo sending. If you have it, send it back again and we can change it. I suppose you must have caught just enough fish for one meal. I love fishing and become very excited when I get a “bite,” but when I see the poor struggling fish I almost wish I had not caught it. Do you?

“Daffodil,” Eltham.—You forgot to draw all the baby gold fish m the pond as well as Adam and Eve. The httle ones are growing bigger and nibble as hard as they can at bread m our hands. Then they whisk their little ta.ls and away they swim round the pond and back for another bite. Pam says she always thinks of them these nights when she is 80 cosy, cuddling a hot water bag. Edith Kendrick, Ahititi. Billikins wants to know who took the bites out of the top of your letter? He was m disgrace this morning because when Peter was drinking his cup of cocoa, which Cookie gives them at play-times, these cold mornings, Billikins threw'ft tennis ball and made Peter spill the cocoa. Fortunately his silver mug could not break.

Joan Luker, Waikouaiti.-A very cheerful letter from the south, Joan. Yes, it is very, very cold here now. Thank your little brother for the painting. That is what Peter a are like. Tinkerbell will send you an enrolment card this week and you will be able to naint it with those new paints. Great Inn! Here comes the Hut Carpenter with such an armful of wood to make us a jolly fire- ' Ruth Billing, Rahotu.-How wonderful to have a new baby brother. 1 wish we could fly over and have a peep at him. Mr. Sampson was too wise, ™ B>iiiki., s aw frights « with a “Jaek-in-a-box” one day. It ehot right out and gave me such & emack on the nose that I hardly knew what had happened. Thank you for the riddles. “Golden Slipper,” Rahotu—What a sweet piece of poetry you sent up, Esther! We often used to wonder vyhat Baby Margaret, was thinking about when she had a far away expression in her eyes. I hope that yopr dream of becoming a dressmaker will come tiue. Such a “number of the Tinks m their cssave wanted to be dressmakers. I do Aot think I should have enough patience. Ilene Thompson, Waiteika Road.— Well, Ilene, I hope we shall have better luck with your card this time. Did the sun shine for you, and the mountain keep clear? Baby Margaret thinks that the man that makes snow must have had an awfully busy time this week. Have you ever been m falling enow? It is great if there is no wind. It falls so softly and quietly just like bits of cotton wool everywhere, only far more exciting, of course.

“Rose-bud,” Te Kiri.—What a brief reminder of y.our existence, Dorothy. We have a few stray roses out now, and still more bulbs are coming out too soon. Poor little flowers, they will wonder why it is so cold. « ,

JUST A DOG. The millionaire in his euper-Rolls “Get out!” ag he swerved slightT v and just misfied Peggy-the-Alsatian’s friend the terrier. , , He little knew the dog he snapped at. You shall hear. Peggy belongs to a vegetarian household. Rightly or wrongly she has never been given meat, nor- allowed the omell of a bone. Yet ehe looked remarkably well on nuts and other vegetable and fruity diet. Then it wsa found that things are not what) they seem. Every day Paggy-the-Alsatian was observed to slip out to the fruit tree hear ■ the gate and meet her admiring friend the terrier. And with him every day eame a good-sized bone, which he duly presented to Peggy. THE ALPHABET GAME.

Players sit around in the order their names come in the alphabet, thus Alice will sit first, then Ben, and so on, Alice starts the game by mentioning a flower or fruit beginning with her initial, then Ben with one starting with z his, and so on round and und the circle until a player does not answer promptly; in this case he or she falls out of the game. It is great fun when there are two or . more players with names beginning with the same initial, since, of course, no flower or fruit must be said twice. Also it is very hard on the player whose name begins with, say, Y or Z. This player should have a special prize, as natuarly he or she must be the first to fall out. Players must play this game quickly, so that they do not have too mueh time to think, or else it spoils the fun. Contrary to popular belief ostriches do not bury their heads in the sand.