THE GOOD SCRIBES.

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

THE GOOD SCRIBES.

Dear Peter Pan: My brother and I Avent to Christchurch lor the holidays after Christmas. We spent most of our time on the river, because we aIM-ays used to enjoy ourselves immensely on it Avhen we M-ero living there. The first time aa© both had single canoes, but the next time Ave got a double one M-ith Canadian paddles. We Ment to the second bridge quite successfully, and decided to have a rest. After draAving in to the bank I stepped out with my paddle. My brother proceeded to do the same thing and handed me his paddle, Avhen I disco\-ered that av© had got out on the Mrong side and Mere in the hospital grounds. I told him to get back into the canoe, and then I threw his paddle to him. But he did not catch TT, so both ho and the paddle began to drift doAvnstrcam. Then I saAv another person in a canoe pick up the paddle and give it to my brother, who came back to the edge of the bank. Then, Avhen 1 Avas getting in 1 stood on the side and in came a lot of Avater—enough to. soak my dress and my brother’s coat—so after a bit of fun Ave Avent home looking as we had been for a SAvim instead o a row ! I have beeu reading several books

lately, their names being, “Jean plays her part,” by May Wynne, anil “Michael O’Halloran” by Gene Stratton Porter. My brother had two books given to him also, and I have read iliem, too, as I enjoy reading boys’ books as M-ell as girls’. The names of them are, “Frank on Don Carlos’ Rancho,” Mritten by Harry Castlemon, and “Hunters of the Ozark” by E. A. Ellis. Wishing you the best of luck for the NeM- Year—- “ Diane,” Josephine Matthew*, Timaru. (Your letter Mas exceedingly well Mritten, Diane. You and your brother had quite an exciting time that day on the river Avon. You have been reading some interesting books lately.—P.P.) Dear Peter Pan : The Wednesday before school started six of us Ment into Timaru for a picnic on the Bay. When we arrived my sister and I Ment in for a bathe. After that we had dinner, had a look round, and Matched the tennis. We then went in for another sM'im, and the water seemed even better than before. When we came out -my sister and I had a ride on the ponies. After afternoon tea M-e went home. One day six girls, including myself—set off to the river for a sAtim. When we arrived there Mas a man cleaning out a drain that runs into the river and he was catching eels wholesale. With us were two little boys and the eldest one, aged four, Avanted to carry one of the eela home. I threw it back into the water, but Ronald cried so much I had to catch it again 1 The eel was alive and wriggling, but Ronald picked it up in his arms and set off jo carry it home—about one and a half miles. We walked on and found e more eels on the track. There was a little eel there and Ronald picked it up; but it twisted itself round his hand and he said, “I think I’ll take the big one, because it’s tamer than, the little one l” Last Sunday I was in for three dips. We are still having school in the marquee but think we are going to have it in the hall soon. Our new school will not be completed till the second term. At present I am Avorking an apron that has a large lady on it. To-day Clandeboye played a tennis match against the Presbyterians from Temuka, and we won, seven sets to six. Best love, to all, from—“Cowspanker’B Daughter,” Emily Flett, Clandeboye. (Ronald was much braver than 1 would ever be where eels are concerned ! Did he carry the eel all the way home? I am sure your apron will be very pretty when it is finished. Are you fond of playing tennis?—P.P.) Dear Peter Pan: In yesterday’s issue of the “Timarm Herald’ ’I noticed your post-box was open again, so I decided to write to you to let you know how much I have enjoyed my holidays and to thank you ever so much for the dear wee calendar you sent me. Since I last wrote to you I have come to live in Timaru. I miss the animals very much, also the lovely cream, but I am beginning to get used to the town now. W r e have got such a dear wee dog called “Tim.” He is full of mischief, and one day, just before some visitors came, ne brought a bone and an old slipper to the front door! I suppose he wanted everyone to know we had a dog at our place 1 Shirley and Timothy our cats are here in Timaru with us. I have been bathing quite a lot lately. My sisters and 1 go to the Century Baths, and sometimes we go to the Bay and take our tea M’ith us. I think it is a good idea having two extra columns on the first of the month, because we can have more interesting letters printed. Our garden is not looking very nice at present as it was sadly neglected whilst no one Mas living in the house. “Nanna,” Joan McCann, Timaru. (My little Namesake asked how his old friend “Nanna” was getting on M-hen he came to help me judge the paintings. Your letter was very neatly written. Tim must be a dear little puppy. He M-ouldn’t be a real puppy at all if he wasn’t full of mischief! I wonder if you would sooner be a daygirl than a boarder. —P.P.) Dear Peter Pan: I am writing to tell you something about my holidays, most of which I spent in Dunedin. \Ve went on Boxing Day by the five-past-twelve train and arrived in Dunedin about five o’clock. We had a IoA-ely journey down but every time M-e thought M-e Mere coming to a tunnel we would close the windoAV, and then it M-ould be open when M-e did go through one 1 About two Meeks later we went to Portobella, which iB eight or nine miles down the harbour. We Ment by the ten o’clock one. In one place down there the sea AAas A-ery muddy and full of crabs, but when m© went round the bend it was as clear as glass. We went to St. Clair three or four times and went fn for dips, but it Mas very cold. One Friday afternoon we went into town and I got lost. I had stopped to look at something in a shop M'indow and the others had gone into a shop further on. I walked' up to the Exchange but could see no sign of them, but as T Avas walking back I found them again. I Mas glad, tool About four days before we came home we went up to the Reserv-oir M'ith some other people and their little girl. We took the next-doe*-neighbour’s dogs with us. As you have to keep dogs tied up at the Reservoir Ave tied them to a tree and one of them bit his string through three times! We came home on January 23rd, after having spent a most enjoyable holiday in Dunedin. I have been in for several dips since I came home, but I cannot swim yet. Your sincere Circlian—“SnoM'drop,” Zoe Starck, , Timaru. (You must have had a very pleasant holiday in Dunedin. SnoM'drop. It is not exactly a nice feeling to suddenly find yourself lost in a big city, though, is it! But you soon found your friends again.—P.P.) Dear Peter Pan : We held or school picnic at Kelcy’s bush, and the name of my prize Mas “Tatters.” I also won the prize for neatness, which was a book named “Neighbours at School.” I Mas down at our other farm at Mataura for three Weeks during the holidays. My sister aiql I sometimes had to go down to a creek for water. One day we saw two

large crabs in the bottom of the creek As we had never seen a crab out o water before we thought this was ; good chance to. 1 ran up to the hous< to get a rake while my sister stopper at the creek bo watch where the crab went. When I arrived back one era! had disappeared. My sister said sh< would rake the other out. She raked < out with such force that it went ip about tliree feet in the air! Fearin< that the. crab might land on top of m< ] ran away, but 1 must have run jus wherti it was going to fall as it lande< aboujt three or four inches away fron my foot! My sister laughed, but didtf.’t at the time! Love to you and al the cirelians—“Polly Flinders,” Hilda Eden, Waimate.

(Thank yo ufor the riddle-me-ree am the little laugh, Polly Flinders. 1 wouldn’t have been exactly pleasant r that crab had fallen down your neck would it! But 7io wonder your sistei Lf ighed!—P.P.)

Hear Peter Pan: Last Saturday we went to Ashburton I'ark for a picnic. Have you been there? The Domain is a beautiful place. When we arrived wo had a look round, then had dinner under the trees. After dinner we had n. look at the gardens then watched the men playing bowls. After that we went to see the swimming baths, and watched the" swimmers. Later on we had tea and set off for the station. lam in Standard IV this year, and will be ten on Tuesday, February 26. My brother and sister and I went to see a gentleman who lived in India, and had come to New Zealand on holiday. He was telling us about India. He said it was a very dry country, and they have elephants, tigers, snakes and monkeys. The monkeys climb on the roofs of houses, pick up the tiles, look at them, and then throw them down on the ground. Thei*e is very little difference between the goats, and the sheep. The snakes sometimes drop off trees on to the goats’ nocks, and wind themselves round and round, squeezing tighter and tighter, until the goats die. The. people in India are very poor, and sometimes they have to kill the goats for meat, which isn't very nice to eat. The natives sometimes eat the heart of the tiger, thinking it will make them strong like the tiger. They bathe in the river Ganges and it is their wish to die there, for they think it is sacred. Lots of “thimbles” for you, from—- “ Jenny Lynn,” Esther Arden, Otipua. (Your friend from India told you a number of interesting things, Jenny Lynn. Thank you so much for sending me that photo. It is good of you all, and I was very pleased with it. Yes, I have been to the Ashburton Domain, and think it is a splendid one.—P.P.) Dear Peter Pan: We intended holding our school picnic at Kelcy’s bush, but when the morning broke rain was falling fast, so you can guess how disappointed we were. However, about eleven o’clock

the weather showed promise of clearing a little, so we all made haste and were soon seated in the bus and speeding towards Caroline Bay. We arrived . here at lunch time, had our lunch in the Bay Hall. By the time we had nnished it was quite clear overhead, so we had a good time with races, and sports. At about six o’clock we set off lor home, alter having had a good time. Then came Christmas. On Christmas Eve many packages arrived with the mailman, which we all opened eagerly. Then came Christmas Day, which we spent enjoying all the good things that come with Christmas. A lew more days passed and the Nevv Year was here. L was all excitement then, as L was going to Christchurch on the second day of new' year with my mother for a holiday. It was my first journey there and I enjoyed rt immensely. While wo were there we went for a picnic to Sumner, I thought the ride to and from there very interesting. We also visited the Gardens and museum, and one day we walked as far a 3 the Rest House on Cashmere Hills. It was well worth, while and the view we obtained as beautiful. On our way home I spent a few r days at Sutherlands, which were mostly spent out-of-doors. We still had a month’s holiday after w© came home, and most afternoons were spent bathing in a creek nearby. Best love from—- “ Moon Maiden,” . Mavis Hall, Otaio. (You bad a most interesting holiday', Moon Maiden. The view from the Cashmere Hills in Christchurch is a beau--lul one, isn’t it.—P.P.) Dear Peter Pan: I have not yet finished telling you about my Christmas holidays. 1 came home from my holiday, up at my cousin’s place, after staying a w r eek. We went to Caroline Bay on New Year’s Eve to see the fireworks ana the bonfire. There were not many fireworks, except the few pretty Skyrockets that came from the ship in the harbour. One very hot day my brother and 1 were down on the Bay and I had two bathes; one in the morning, and one in the afternoon with Father and my brother. This last w'eek we have been having bathing instead of drill, at school. One other day when w r e were on the Bay, the tide was in, and w r hen were on the swings the sea came up past them two or three, times. I liked it coming up past them, because I seemed to be going out into the sea and coming back again. My brother, Lester Irw'in, has left your circle. We started school on February 4th. My brother and I ride bicycles to school now'. We have a little grey and black kitten, and when I waggle a stick or string in front of Kitty, she likes to chase it. Wishing your Circle every success—- “ Snowy, ** Doreen Irw’in, Cave. (Your writing has improved so muefi that your letter found a place among the “Good Scribes.” So j'ou see what you can do if you try, Snowy. Tell Lester I have crossed his namer out of my Big Address Book. Give Kitty a pat from me.—P.P.

Dear Peter Pan : First of all 1 must tell you about my holiday. 1 went to Lyttelton. One day; I went out in the boat to the beach. At the beach I went in for a swim and there I was bitten by mosquitoes. Every night L used to see the boats going out to Wellington with passengers. On Friday nights 1 used to go to Christchurch in the train. Thei’e are a lot of tram-cars in Christ, church. For Christmas 1 got a paper hat, a stocking full of different things, and a. string of white pearls. In a shop in Christchiirch there was a big wheel made of white handkerchiefs. At Lyttelton there are one hundred and thirty-five steps to climb befoi’e you reach my friend’s place. In Christchurch thei*e is a stature of Captain Scott and it is very nice to look at. I have had a double tooth on to-day. I am in Standard IV now. Next time 1 write I will tell you about our school picnic at Ashburton. Best wishes to all, from—- “ Pearl Rose,” Diana Ward, Temuka. *

(I am glad yon had such a nice holiday, Pearl Rose. It must have been very interesting watching the boats leaving the Harbour. Don’t forget to tell me all about your school picnic next time you write, will you.—P.P A Dear Peter Pan: In my stocking at Christmas time T received many useful presents. On Saturday we went 'to the South School picnic and another girl and I came first in the ihree-legged race. The picnic was held at Temuka in the Domain. We are living in town now and go to the South School. Shona was walking along our neighbour’s fence and sJTe fell off it. She had concussion of the brain, but is recovering. We have a nice wee silvery coloured dog named Tim. I am teaching him to beg like our cat. There are some big daisies out i»i our garden to-day. The baths are not far from where we live and we go down to them a lot. Mr Berford taught me to swim. Your loving Circlian—“Bluecap,” Ethel McCann, Tim&ru. (Such a nice little letter from Bluecap. I was very sorry to hear that Shona had hurt herself so much, and hope she is nearly better now. You must have lots of fun in the baths now that yon can swim. Thank yon for all the hugs and “thimbles.” My little Namesake was most envious when he saw them all.—P.P.) SIX AVORDS IN ONE. I am a word of six letters. My 1,2, 3 is a terrible sight. My 5,2, 3 is a useful substance. My 6,2, 5 is an article of clothing. My 6,2, 4 is agreeable for breakfast. My 2, 3 4 is a part of the body. My 4,2, 5 should be used in rainy weather. My whole we get from the Sun. (Solution will be given next week.) BEHEADED WORD. Whole, I am a great supporter of the human body; behead me, and I am found on the human body; behead me again, and the human body cannot live without me. (Solution will be given next week.) LITTLE RHYMES FOR LITTLE PEOPLE. LATE AGAIN. “You’re late again,” the teacher said. “Now Tommy, tell me why; One day you lost your cap, the next Your stockings had to dry. “You’ve said your mother wanted you, Your little sister cried, I’m certain you could be at school In good time if you tried!” (Sent by Monica Burke, Beliield.) A CHILDS WISH. Dainty ducks, you please the sight, With your coats so clean and white; ith your beaks and necks so neat, With your clever, funny feet. Charming it must be to stay In the stream this summer day; Now and then it seems to me, I should like a duck to be! (Sent by “Blossom,” Orari.) US. By “Us,” I mean just us^—we three— Philip, an’ Nancibelle, an’ me; I am the youngest—it’s queer, I know, But I am always called “An’ Co.” Yes! I knew you’d laugh, but then you see, Philip, an’ Nancibelle, and me, We’re called “Phil, Nan, an’ Co.”— it’s true, An’ I s’pose we’ll always be, don’t you? We scalp Red Indians in the wood. And build camp fires to cook our food, An’ sometimes we play at Raleigh and Blake, r Phil’s Columbus, an’ I am Drake, An’ Nan puts on a long blue dress, An’ a ruff, an’ of course, she’s Good Queen Bess. Or we play we’re sailing across the Philip, an’ Nancibelle, an’ me I An’ sometimes we’re Arthur and his knights, Or explorers, climbing to great big heights; An’ we play “Prince Charlie,” witn rugs for kilts, An’ enemy blood stains our swords to their hilts! Or Phil’s Robin Hood, with a jerkin on, Nan’s Alan-a-dale, an’ I’m Little John! We have wonderful times as you can Philip, an’ Nancibelle an’ me.