MOST INTERESTING AND ORIGINAL LETTERS.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXV, Issue 18203, 2 March 1929, Page 12

MOST INTERESTING AND ORIGINAL LETTERS.

Dear Peter Pan, — I loved your holiday letter in rhythm. I, too, climbed hills, bathed in rivers, and peeped in ferny' places for sprites. Once a little stream said over and over agai^ — “ Gug-gug-gug-ha-ha-ha!” A tomtit said “Too late! Too late!” and a pigeon called softly “True-00-00, True-00-oo!” I knew I was like, the girl who “ never quite saw fairy folk, but once very nearly did.” One day we went to Hanging Rock and brought home a queer assortment of treasures. The “ Ambitious Spider” was there, and had built her w'hite house on the very top twig of a willow, growing in the water. When they set out to see the world the young ones will have to swing <sn silken ropes like a chair-o-plane. Won’t they have fun! I found, a great many Psyche moths in &eir leather houses. They were beautiful specimens. Some were covered with lichen and lived on matagouri scrub and were so like the plant that one needed sharp eyes to find them. Others had pieces of dead leaves or wee sticks or dried grass fastened to them. No matter where I put them at night, in the morning I found them hanging all over the place, and the family did not seem to like their ways. At last I settled them nicely in a box in the pantry, also a lovely nest of young trapdoor spiders in a big clod of earth, and a great many eggs of various insects; and—would you believe it—mother ofbjected! She said her hair felt all queer at the back when she saw the spiders under the glass, and besides, SHE WANTED THE PICKLE JAR! Now the holidays are over, and I am at the Girls’ High School, trying to be a good girl. Everything is new and interesting, and I love it. One thing that bothers me is that I am so busy learning new things I get no time for my very own thoughts, and I miss them. No dreaming at G.H.S. We are studying “Midsummer Night’s Dream,” and it is “Corker!” (Is that a naughty word?) Lots of love, from “Ladybird.”-—Marion Browne, Timaru. (I am glad my “Ladybird” had a happy holiday. I don’t blame mother a bit for objecting to having spiders in the pantry. Have you still got your collection of tiny creatures? You must not be too busy to leave your very own thoughts behind altogether. Why! It would be dreadful if you lost them! I wouldn’t call “ Corker ” a naughy word, but even though it is most expressive, it is certainly slangy.—P.P.) Dear Peter Pan, r I got my Senior Free Place on recommendation this year, and that is a help. I will probably be in either Form V.A. or V.C. this year. I was in Form IV.A. last year, and in my opinion had a passable report. I must now tell yfcu about our trip to the Queen Charlotte Sounds. We started off on Monday morning and took the train to Picton, twenty miles away from Blenheim. From Picton we took a launch to Onahau Bay. We had a house there and went really as guests of friends who were also holiday-making there. The distance to Onahau Bay is about six miles—-half-an-hour’s journey from Picton. Almost at the end of Wedge Point on the way to Dartmoor, —the name of our dwelling place—is a tiny bay

hardly ten yards in length. This bay is called “Peter Pan” Bay. We had to row over a mile in the morning to get milk. If there was a fair wind we would sail either there or back, which was a rest after hard rowing. On Wednesday we rowed over to the other side of the bay to look at a holiday house. We also had to rov( back as the wind was not in the right direction, and was too strong. The owners of the house have an Edison gramophone, which we had the use of. The gramophone has the diamond disc tone arm, besides the ordinary tone arm, and the selection of diamond disc records was a good one, I think. On both Thursday and Friday we had two of the most delightful trips possible. Wednesday night came, and we had had our tea, when the Sounds “taxi” rounded Toropapa Point and headed straight for Dartmoor. Of course we were all excitement, as the only launches that ever visited us were launches that came either to bring or take away passengers. There was no one going away so someone must be coming. It turned out to be two men, one the husband of the lady we were staying with, and tjie other a gentleman from Wellington. He was on business here, and it was necessary for him to take -two trips down the Sounds. He, of course, made those two. trips into picnics. Accordingly, on Thursday morning the launch “Otaki” rounded the point and headed for Dartmoor. This launch was not big enough, however, so we had to go to Picton and trans-ship into another launch called “Mavis.” We had that launch on both Thursday and Friday and it was just the right size for the twenty-two of us. When we started off from Dartmoor there were only thirteen of us, but after we had changed launches we called in for more people at Whatamongo Bay. We then headed down the Sounds to the Bay of Many Coves. Truly the Sounds are the most perfect place in the world for natural beauty. All the numberless bays look lovely in the sunlight with their tiny shingle beaches covered with many shells. Round every point a fresh scene was waiting to greet us. If ever you get a chance to visit the Marlborough Sounds, do so. The shores could be absolutely lined with houses, and it would only make the place look more beautiful. When we arrived at the Bay ot Many Coves, we first had lunch, then bathed and fished. By the time we had had tea, it was well on in the afternoon, so we had to turn for home. We had to leave our friends at Whatamonga Bay on the way home, so it was dark when .we arrived at Dartmoor. The next day we again set out, but this time for Ship Cove. We collected our friends at Whatamonga Bay and following practically the same routine, passed an equally, if not more enjoyable, day. We came home a different way, however, round the side of Blumine Island, near the large island called Arapawa. We stopped on Blumine Inland to have tea, and we did some fishing off the launch. It was again dark when we reached Dartmoor, and we looked forward with sorrow to the next launch trip we were going to have. We were to have that trip on the morrow, and were to go to Picton for the last time those holidays. All Saturday was spent clearing things up and storing mattresses anu beds away, as the house was to be empty for some considerable time. We had a most enjoyable trip home in the bus, even though the weather was not at its best. I think you will get a shock when you. see this letter, as it is certainly a long one. I had better stop before I go too far, and you faint altogether before you have finished reading it. Hoping our Circle has an even more successful year than it had last year.—Your loving criclian, “Chippybobbie,” Crawford Madill, Blenheim.

(What a delightful holiday you had Chippybobbie. You must be quite an expert at rowing now. Many thanks for sending me that interesting map of the Sounds. I will certainly visit them the first chance I get, as the scenery must be particularly beautiful.—P.P.) Dear Peter Pan,— I must tell you about the wonderful holiday we have been for. We went away for a fortnight and two days, so I have not seen the last two “Heralds.” We left home on Christmas Day and made for the Mackenzie Country. After passing Tekapo ve came to Irishman’s Creek, where we made our first camp, then over the Lindus Pass, which is 3,300 feet above sea level. On through Tarras end Pembroke we went, and then put up camp at the Cndrona River. Next day we had a stiffer climb up the Crown Range—4,4oo feet, which the car found very hard work. Along the road near Queenstown we travelled with the Kawarau River on one side and high hills on the other, covered with pink and white foxgloves. After three days’ stay there, we left for Beaumont. We passed through places of interest to fruit-lovers, namely, Clyde, Cromwell, Fruitlands, and Roxburgh. We reached Beaumont on New Year’s Day. The next camp, which we all enjoyed Ar-ry much, was at Rongahere School. A 4 ter a. short stay there, we left for Riversdale. Before reaching Clinton we

crossed the Clutha River twice on punts, which was great fun. At tb*. second punt, we had to ring an electric bell, to summon the puntsmnn across. Out Aunt was ever to pleased to welcome us to her homo in lliversdale, where there was plenty of fruit. Such a happy time we had there! At last our holiday came to an end, and we made for home on January Stli, arriving here on the 10th. Of cowse our trip was not without lishap, and among other things we had two punctures. All good .things must come to and end, and we were very • jrry when out enjoyable trip was over.— “Wendy Bird,” Edna Dale, Fairview. (Youm letter was very interesting, “Wendy Bird,” and I a sure vou hp i a splendid holiday. I think a n otor trip is delightful when the weather is fine. Those foxglove covered hills must have been beautiful.—P.P.) Dear Peter Pan, — This year the annuaT school picnic was to be held at Caroline Bay, but the weather clerk was most unkind to us and the picnic had to be held at the school. Many people arrived in the afternoon to participate in the games. There were races and :n one I came first. After the races the prizes were presented to the children. The names of my two books are, “Tie Pleasure Book for Boys,” and “Holiday Quests.” On Christmas Day we went to our Auntie’s place at Maungati. My Uncle came down .n liis car and we enjoyed the ride immensely as it was a beautiful morning. Before dinner many crackers were let off, and the pennj' bombs did excite the little ones! My two cousins are “Ouee.iie” and “Mountain Lad.” After dinner we went down to the river and had a bathe. After afternoon tea ve had a game of cricket and then the lain began and came down in torrents all the evening. The next day v?e Mint

to the Pareox*a West School oienic r.nd spent an enjoyable afternoon. In the third week of the holidays we went to Craigmore with the baker to sp >r.d a week. While up there we went for picnics at the river. We stayed at Maungati for two weeks and during our stay we went to Otaio for a picnic. When we arrived the men went shooting while we went up in the bush and gathered many pretty ferns. A week before school re-opened I came noint with the mailman. I arrived home to hear that my school-mate “Billy Buster” had gone to Timaru to live. Harvesting is now in full swing and the men are busy from morning till night. This year we sold twenty-nine dozen birds’ eggs and sixteen pounds of cocksfoot. Wishing the Page every success—•

“Golly wog,” Harry Aitken, Ivingsdown. (Your letter was well written, Gollywog, and I was pleased to know that you had such a jolly holiday. You must have had a busy time collecting «?1 those birds’ eggs and all that cocksfoot.—P.P.) Dear Peter Pan: I am sitting in the shade of the willows. Beside me is a creek with rippling waters and the little birds sing and fly to and fro in the willows. A cool breeze is blowing through the huge willows and now and then a small leaf falls on my page. The colour of the leaves is green and yellow. Nearby is a road and every now and then the buzz of a car or the sound of a bicycle can be heard. Beside me is a huge briar bush and it has a lovely perfume. Do you like Sweet Briar? I do. From where I am setting hills can be seen and about two miles away is Mount Horrible with its bush. I received your “thistledown thimble,” Peter Pan. Last night as I sat reading a book I looked up and sailing along with the wind came a “thistle down” ; and to my surprise it settled on the page I was reading. I wondered where it had come from, and then I remembered that you had sent it. Thank you very much. We are now back at school studying hard. When we came back to school the garden was full of weeds. But the school children set to work to kill the weeds and now it is in good order. Every other day at school the girls play tennis,

while the boys play cricket. Then the boys havo their turn at tennis and the girls play rounders. In the holidays I went to the Esk Valley Jubilee where I met an old school friend and we had a great time. There were races for everyone but I did not run in any. After most of the races had been held the old pupils marched from the sports ground to the school, where afternoon tea was served. Afterwards speeches were made. “Will o’ the Wisp,” Alma Stowell, Pareora West. (You wrote your letter in a most interesting place, Will o’ the Wisp. 1 like sweet briar, and think it has an exceptionally sweet, fresh scent. Your little namesake. Will o’ the Wisp, sends you a “thimble.”—P.P.) Dear Peter Pan : We have an Uncle and Aunty and two little cousins staying here now. The youngest one is about two, and he is such, a hard case. This morning he had an apple and wanted a peach as he said the apple would choke him if he ate it! I think I told you that J was kicked on the knee at a hunt once. The bone has been growing out instead of in so I went to the docto* in Timaru. I have to wear a brace for six mouths, but have not got it yet. I am not allowed to put any weight on it in the meantime, so Uncle lias made me a pair of crutches. Although cannot walk much I can do something else—something very important (to me!) I wonder if you can guess what it is! 1 can RIDE! The doctor never said a kinder thing in his life, than the words, “You can ride as much as you like.” It is a good thing for Miss Trilby, too, as she is getting very fat and frisky! T offered her a sugar-lump one day but she didn’t eat it. Mum was very glad, she said, for if Trilby had liked it she would never have any sugar lumps left! (I think she would have been right, too!) I was hoping to be ab’e to get some snaps of Trilby and myself to send you, but Mr Weather Clerk was most disagreeable whenever anyone with a camera was staying here. I had such a lot of Christmas presents given to me. I will tell you what they were. A writing pad, two books—a ball, a • kewpie with a kind of dress filled with lavender— ten handkerchiefs— four calendars, a nice pencil, a leather case with three pencils and a pen in it, a pin-cushion, two purses—several cards, and last (but not by any means least), a lovely riding whip! I am sending you some riddles, so wifi close and copy them out. Your ever-loving Circlian, “ Anderson’s Joe,” Betty Hammond, Four Peaks. (Thank you for the riddles, Anderson’s Joe. I am sorry you are having

so much trouble with your knee, dear. Still, it is not nearly so bad when you evan ride, is it 1 Give your Trilby a pat for me.—P.P.) Dear Peter Pan: I did not go away this year at all, but I had a good time during the holidays. We went to Kelcy’s Bush for our school break-up. Have you ever been to Waimate’s beauty spot? It is lovely Native bush with one or two waterfalls. We went to the first fall as it is not very far away. Before we ■went for a ramble through the bush we had lunch then races and lollie scrambles. Later on we had tea and then the prizes Mere given out. As our school js only a small one each child received a prize. The next exciting event was the visit of Father Christmas. He is a very wise man, I think, for he knows well what children would like. I love sewing so he brought me a small sewing machine. On Christmas day we had our phots taken in paper hats. I also had my photo taken in Maori costume 1 received for Christmas.. On New Year’s Eve we had a firework’s display at home. We had a quiet time at home playing about then till January 10th, when w© had our annual sports. It Mas a thundery day but between slioMers we had our races. Today mother let me make some cocoanut buns and father said they Avere the best he ever tasted! I M’isli I lived in Timaru in the summer-time and could go for bathes in the sea. Although the Waitaki is close by it is not safe for bathing about here. For some time past it has been in flood and is verydirty. I liked your holiday letter last Saturday. 1 love “Hiau-atha.” We had parts of it in the school journal. On Thursday night I M r ent to a farewell social to our school teacher. We gave him a nice fountain pen and the people of the district gave him a M allet of notes. Love to yourself and all the Circlians—“Lady Greensleeve,” Joan Turnbull, Redclifls. (I have not yet been to Kelcy’s Bush, Greensleeves. Mother must find j-ou a very, useful little person, M-hen you are so fond of seM-ing and such a good cook ! —P.P.) Dear Peter Pan : School has commenced again and our delightful holidays are a thing of the

past. Although 1 had a glorious amount of fun through the holidays, I am not altogether sorry to resume my studies. The joys of meeting my old playmates and exchanging confidences compensate,s for the Joss of our rambles. Since writing to you last T have been to the Hilton school. 1 had the mumps and as I didn’t Recover as quickly as 1 should I went to stay with my Aunt to se.o if the change Mould prove beneficial. At the Hilton school I Mas lucky enough, to come first in the final examination. I liked being there very much. We used to ride to school in the bus. We lived quite close to the river and often went in to bathe. During the holidays I went to stay at Makikihi. It is a small toM-nship, but Me Avent for a picnic to the bush and also Ment down to the beach. We couldn’t go in for a dip as the waves were too high. While staying there I went to Waimate for the day. It- is a very nice place. We spent some days on the beach in Timaru M-hen the carnival Avas on and did enjoy ourselves! The chair-o-p„-ie, was simply thrilling—flying out into space—but I couldn’t like the Ferris wheel. Caroline Bay is a splendid place to spend the day. I will be very pleased M-hen I can sM-im. It must be glorious to sAvim and float about—almost mastering the Avnves. Such a beautiful lot of floAvers are out now, and my gladioli look very dignified and showy. Love to you and the Circlians—“Airy Fairy.” Iris Kellie, Pleasant Point. (I am sure Jots and lots of little people are glad to be back at school again, Airy Fairy. Have you learnt to SAvim yet?. I enjoyed riding on the Ferris Wheel even more than the Chair-o-plane.—P.P.) Dear Peter Pan : < a my last letter I said I was trying to be dux ot the school, and by some good fortune I Avas dux. I also gained a certificate of proficiency. On 'Thursday last our school held their annual picnic on Caroline Bay. Beneath a clear e sky could be seen a puffing ana snorting engine pulling thirteen cars all full of excited children. A cool breeze M-as bloAving but this did not hinder the merry children from bathing. When Ave arrived on the Bay Ave had races. It Avas beautiful running over the smooth sand. As the hands of the clock dreAv nearer and nearer six o’clock the children’s faces looked a rifle sadder, for they kneAv the picnic Avas draM’in gto a close. So it Avas beneath a twilight sky that the engine took tired but happy children home. Autumn is a sad month, I think. Althought it is a pretty season with tint>ed leaves and golden corn it often makes me unhappy, for I know M-inter is approaching with frosty mornings and cold days. Me are having typeAvriting at our school this year for the first time. I go to the District High School noAv and like it very much. On February 22nd, av© are having a school concert. One item is to be the play of “Aladdin and the Wonderful Lamp.” I am to be the Aunt. In my next letter I Avill tell you all about our concert. With much love, I am still your—

“TAvilight,” Jean Sullivan, Pleasant Point. (You did exceedingly cell at school last year, Twilight. What a jolly picnic you had at Caroline Bay. Did you Avin any of the races? Autumn is rather a sad season, but it is also a very beautiful one.—P.P.)

Dear Peter Pan : Here 1 am again. I am glad the Letter Box is open once more. I did not go away for the holidays. We have all our crop cut and stooked iioav. If the Aveather keeps fine intends to start stacking on Mondtff. My sisters are in the pond sAvimming every fine day except Sundays noAv. 1 have to be content with AA-atcliing them because I cannot go in much as 1 Avas ill last autumn. I had my first game of tennis this afternoon. I have had my racquet for a year or tAvo, and have not played Avith it more than a dozen times. I will try and make a start noAv, though. We Ment to Caroline Bay on New Year’s Day. I M-ore my Badge, of course—but the only Circlian I saAv w-ith a badge on M-as a little tot of about four jears. Margaret and Doris are back at school now. I think they are glad, too. Did you see the tM-o steamers that AA-ere in Timaru at NeAv Year time? I did, but I did not go on either of them, 'jfieir names Avere “Kent, London,” and “Taranaki, Southhampden.” I like Avalking about the AA'harves. I oriTy get to Timaru once in a while so I make the most of it n-hen I am there. Our Irish peach apples are nearly ripe, and Ave are “going for them like blackbirds!” Your IoA-ing Circlian—“Guide Mary,” Mary McLay, Ruapuna. (I am sure that if you played tennis a bit more, Guide Mary, you Mould become most enthusiastic, and never Avant to stop. It is a splendid game. Yes, I saw those steamers, but did not go on board either of them.—P.P.) Dear Peter Pan: To-day 1 asked Mother to help me write to you, for 1 want to thank you for the pretty A\ee Christmas calender you sent me. I am quite proud of it. 1 have been aAvay for a lo\-ely holiday since I last AAiote to you. On January sth mother, my sister and I M-ent to Invercargill, and alter spending a lovely fortnight there M-e Aveut up to Wyndham for a Meek. While aa-© AA-ere there A\e had some long rides in my uncle’s motor lorry. It Avas such fun going aAvay up among the big hills. We lived in a tent Avhile we Avere at Wyndham, as my uncle and aunty were camping there. It Mas the first time I had lived in a tent. Did you have a nice holiday, Peter Pan? 1 forgot to tell you 1 AAore my badge while on my holiday. My Daddy has made me a nice, rocking horse, and while I Mas aAvay he fainted my motor car and it looks just like a neAv one! I am going to school in the spring. Then I Avill learn to Avrite so that i can Avrite to you Avithout Mother’s help. My birthday Avill be on March 12th and I Avill be five years old. My eldest sister made me a' pair of trousers. With two pockets in them! Dim’t you think I am getting quite

a man,! Love to yourself and all the Circlians—“Towser,” Kenneth Smith, Timaru. (You will be a proud little person now that you haA-e a pair of trousers with two pockets in them ; Yes, yo«. are groMing up, ToMser, and it M-ill not be very long now before you can write me a letter all by yourself. I am glad you had such a lovely holiday. -P.P.) Dear Peter Pan : I came top in class HI last year, and the teacher said that I could skip class IV, so Avon’t 1 have to work hard this year? Before our holidays we had a concert at school, and in one item 1 Mas Little 80-Peep. We also had a Flo Mer Show and I got first prize for my decorated pram. Do you know what Father Christmas brought me?—A lovely big doli. It is too big for my pram, so mummy dressed it as a bride. I have six dolls now. We have a kitty called Toby, and he is such a naughty little cat. He is always teasing our canary, and a little M’hiie ago, he jumped up on its cage and knocked it off the peg—but it didn’t kill the wee canary. Before Christmas Ave Ment for a holiday to Warepa. We left home at nine o’clock, had dinner in Dunedin, and got doAvn to Warepa at six o’clock, oh! it Mas such a long drive! 1 thought M-e Mould never get there. I had a IoA-ely time, though. We Mere out someAvhere nearly every day for picnics. One day M-hen we Mere out for a drive we Ment across a big river on a punt. I have had some Jovol.v bathes thiß year both in the sea and in the river. I can nearly SM-im now. Daddy is teaching me, but isn’t hard to keep up in the Mater? Much love from—- “ Daddy’s Girl,” Mavis Tozer, Timaru. (Ever so many thangs for sending me those photos, dear. You do look *n happy M-ee person, and I am sure Daddy is very proud of his little girl. Your dolls are beautiful, and so is your decorated pram. Have you learnt to SM-im yet?—P.P.) Dear Peter Pan : 1 Avas so very pleased to see I had been commended for my letter. We are having such dry, hot Meather that I have no energy left to do anything. 1 do not go to school yet and Avhen “Airy Fairy” is at school the days seem so dreadfully long. Soon 1 hope to be strong enough to attend, and then the days will pass more quickly. 1 have been planting my spring bulbs but unless Ave get some rain I can’t see liom- they will manage to groAv. We have been going to the river nearly every day from before lunch till it is nearly dark, and I am learning to sAtim. It is simply lovely being in the water until you tire, and then lying on the sand until you dry again. But 1 must tell you Avhat the magician called “Ladybird,” sent me. It Avas a beautiful morning and I had been sitting outside for some time when Mother handed me a parcel. As it is not my birthday until March 16th, 1 Avasn’t expecting anything and thought it Avas a “have!” I opened the box and there tucked snugly inside, Mas the cuddliest little dressed “Glad-eyes,” that you ever saAV —seated on the loveliest arm-chair made in the Queen’s own Factory—and a beautiful “Imagincval” bear’s rug. It Mas A\-on-derful— just what I had been longing for. Isn’t “Ladybird” just the kindest fairy ever! Love to the Circlians and yourself, from—“Faerae Fae,” Erica Kellie, Pleasant Point. (I am glad my Faerae Fae is getting so much better and stronger. Ladybird is a real little fairy godmother, isn’t she, and those things she sent you must be just ever so nice.—P.P.) Dear Peter Pan : You will see by this letter »hat I have a new address. I am not going back to Temuka this year but staying at home and going to the Maungati school. I Mill have four and a half miles to drive, and it will seem strange after living only a few yards away from school. I came top in my class last term, second top for the Avhole year; and I received a lovely book. I received a handkerchief box, two lovely handkerchiefs, a book an a pair of sandals for Christmas; and for my birthday I got a lovely Avriting outfit. We M-ent to Caroline Bay on New Year’s Day and had a lovely time on the Merry-go-Round and the swings. It Avas too cold to bathe. I ha\-e been for quite a lot of bathes in the river near our place, an enjoyed them very much .There is a Bellbird in the trees outside my window and he sings very sA\-eetly in the early mornings. Wishing you and all the Circlians a jolly and happy time this year, your loving Circlian—“Fairy Whispers,” Shirley Littleton, Craigmore. (I was so glad to hear from my Fairy Whispers again. You will haA-e to get up earlier in the mornings now that you haA-e so much further to go to school.—P.P.)