LETTER PRIZE-WINNERS

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXV, Issue 18536, 5 April 1930, Page 12 (Supplement)

LETTER PRIZE-WINNERS

MOST INTERESTING AND ORIGINAL LETTERS. First Prize— Iris Kellie, Pleasant Point, aged 11. Second Prize— Lilian E. Morton, Pentland Hills, aged 16. Special Prize— Marion Browne, Timaru, aged 14. Highly Commended— Henry Waller, Gape’s Valley. Erica Kellie, Pleasant Point. Lindsay Melville, Palmerston North Beatrice McCahon, Dunedin. Geraldine Broadhurst, GlenitL Nancy Norman, Springburn. Commended— Patty Swap, Temuka. Rex Bennett, Lyalldale. Jean Stewart, Blenheim. Mavis Tozer, Timaru. Elsie Rutherford, Peel Forest. Iris Beckingsale. Timaru. Bert Boulton. Otaio. Leslie Stringer, Had low. Jack Balfour, Redcliff. Hazel Pratt, Arundel. THE GOOD SCRIBES. First Prize— Joan McCann, Timaru. aged 15. Beco-nd Prize— Margaret Madill, Blenheim, aged 12. Highly Commended— Mona Cotterell, Temuka. Beryl Wheeler, Temuka. Ethel McCann, Timaru. Robert Perkin, Fairton. Doris McEvey, Orari Gorge. Kathleen Beardsmore, Timaru. Mary Stephen, Timaru. Commended — Zoe Starck, Timaru. Phyllis Waters, Temuka. Etta Flower, Carew. Sybil Grant, Timaru. A. Osmond Baker, Cave. Joyce Hatton, Oamaru. Brenda Wishart, Smithfield. MOST INTERESTING AND ORIGINAL LETTERS. Dear Peter Pan, I am in disgrace and I will tell you how it caine about. We missed our other doggie 60 much that mother said I could get another one so a few days ago I got a dear little puppy. According to mother it’s the dearest thing about the house, and she sarcastically emphasises “dearest”! Since he’s been here there has been a chapter of mishaps. First of all he saw mother planting bulbs and in his anxiety to help her rooted them out. Then, when she chased him out In the yard, he jumped until he got his teeth in the peg bag and ripped it to pieces. Then he buried the pegs in the newly dug ground and dirtied them so much that they were useless and we had to buy more. Then when mother went inside he bit the heads off her autumn crocuses and Japanese lilies. I expect he was picking a nosegay but all that was as nothing compared with the final catastrophe. There was a big bath of water from which mother was taking dippersful to give a drink to the flowers; and just as she bent to get another lot puppy jumped on her back and as she is not very strong she lost her balance and went head first i Into the water! Puppy wildly wagged l his tail as if he had done something to be proud of, while I rushed to help poor mother out of the bath! I was indeed very sorry for her, but when I saw her dripping and spluttering after standing on her head, it was too much for my sense of humour and I simply screamed with laughter. I honestly tried to keep solemn but it was impossible. and now mother either looks as if I’m not there or else treats me like something abnoxious! Poor puppy. I’m sure he only wants to help. He also tries to come to school with us, but I doubt if teacher would welcome him. Yours lovingly, “Airy Fairy,”—lris Kellie, Pleasant Point. Dear Peter Pan. I was very pleased to see that I was awarded another Merit Card and five marks. I like the cards ever so much, they are so neat and dainty. We are having a very windy time at present, first a strong nor’-wester, and now a south wind, which is very cold. I think we shall have frost to-night, for it is very clear and feels frosty already. The sky looks as though diamonds had been strewn all over it, big blazing ones, and small twinkling ones, some heaped close together and others spread far apart. Every now and then one seems to get tired of its position and goes shooting across the sky, to stop abruptly in another place. How mysterious and altogether charming everything seems at night. Things which in the daytime seem ordinary and commdhplace, at night are turned into things of mystery and beauty, especially when the moon is shining. A common shelter-belt of pine trees, which is never thought of during the daytime, seems, in the moonlight, as though it might be the edge of a dark and sombre forest. Shrubs and bushes lose their everyday aspect and assume quaint and weird shapes. The sudden chirping of birds and rustle of leaves seem unusually loud, and queer noises, never heeded in the daytime, are heard and wondered at. I remember the first time I walked by myself at night, along a road bordered by woods on either side. How the rustle of a rat moving among the dead leaves and brushing against the ferns, the sudden chirping of a bird, and the eerie sound of two branches rubbing together, as the breeze swayed the tree-tops, all sent creepy sensations up and down my spine. It took all my determination not to run, for the place seemed alive with queer shapes and noises. Yet I knew every inch of the woods, and rambled through them constantly during the daytime without ever feeling a quiver. I have nearly reached the word limit, so must close. “Lanky."—Lilian E. Morton, Pentland Hills. Dear Peter Pan, It is srme time Since I have sent to you a rhyme. But since the growm-ups said that I Must scribble less, I must comply. I think one night that Redcap came And called me by my Circle name, (Unless I dreamed it.' and that you Thought “flying thoughts” and came here too. I loved the Christmas Ship idea; We’ll load her well again this year. For many Circlian girls and boys Are busy making Christmas toys. Has Christopher Robin a beautiful purr And is he particular over his fur? For our dear mascot must be purr-feet And if he’s bad he’ll be a reject. Not long ago a rainbow spanned The sunset sky, and it looked grand,

And then another arch reflected The first gay bow. I quite expected To find the hidden pot of gold And hurried off. a seeker bold To where the rainbow seemed to end. But home again I had to wend My happy way, for though I found No pot of gold upon the ground I heard a blackbird sing to me, So it all ended happily. I wish that you the song had heard. I am, Your loving “Ladybird.” —Marion Browne, Timaru.

Dear Peter Pan, We have finished harvest so I think I will write to you again. Before reaping Dad and we boys spent a day overhauling the binder. We put some new fingers on it and some new bolts and a few other things. My young brother, aged five, told mother it took a “quid” to fix the old binder up! It is interesting to see the various parts and to see how they all work. The canvasses go round on rollers taking the grain to the top of the machine. Then it is tied into a sheaf. There is a “knotter” and a knife to cut the twine, then it is carried on the carrier till about four sheaves are made and the driver presses a lever and they are dropped ready for the stooker. I had been looking forward to doing the stooking and perhaps a round or two on the old binder, but just before harvest we five boys took whooping cough, and when dad started to reap I could hardly walk down the paddock, so I had to be content to take down a drink and hang over the gate “whooping and coughing"! My brothers got it first and I thought it rather funny when they used to whoop, but my word, when my turn came I realised it was nothing funny! We would all start together at nights and mother would come rushing in, hang on to one who was hopping out of bed, shake another who could not get breath, and even give us a good thump on the back till we got our wind. Then we were quiet for about half-an-hour, when we had it all over again. I don’t know who dreaded night most, mother or us, for we were always worse at night. However, I got better quicker than the others, and dad reaped a crop for a neighbour and I got the job stooking there; and I am booked up to “crow”, too. I was also able to “crow” for our own harvest, so I did not miss all the fun.

“Ploughboy,”—Henry Waller, Gape’s Valley.

Dear Peter Pan. Such a dreadful thing happened to poor “Airy Fairy’s” wee puppy. “Winky Wonkey” took him to town, and as she was on a bicycle the puppy couldn’t keep up with her and got left behind; and when “Winkey Wonkey” came out of the shop he was nowhere to be seen. For days we hunted for him and asked nearly everybody in the district if they had seen him, and nobody had. We offered a reward and still he didn’t come to light, so we thought he was gone for good. “Airy Fairy” grieved over him and couldn’t eat her food, and mother was quite worried in case she got ill through fretting, as “Airy Fairy” is delicate. Then, one night, as we were sitting at tea, a loud knock came at the door, and when it was opened there was puppy with a boy who had found him and recognised him as ours. “Airy Fairy” nearly went crazy with joy. To show his delight at being home again, puppy cleared off with one of mother’s new slippers that had been left in the doorway, and when we found it, it was decorated with frayed-edges and dirt. We have been having lovely fun lately. Our neighbour, has a straw-stack and as he is a sport he allows us to go through his place and use the stack for sliding. If you have done any stack-sliding you will know what a treat it is to climb right to the top, rush through the air, and land with a soft thud at the bottom. Do you remember asking me to write to an Australian girl some weeks before Christmas? Weil, I did, but although it is three months now since I wrote I have not received a reply, though “Ary Fairy’s” two correspondents answered her letters straight away. Fondest love to you and our band, from “Faerac Fae,” —Erica Kellie, Pleasant Point. Dear Peter Pan, Thank you for the calendars you sent us. We have them hanging in our bedrooms. The dog reminds me of “Rin-Tin-Tin” the dog I used to see acting in the pictures. There are three picture palaces here. Two of them are talkies. I like the talkies. There is another picture palace being built, so that will make four. I must tell you how we spent the school holidays. Our Grandma came here on Christmas Day, and took Shirley and me back with her the following Sunday. We went by car, and enjoyed the trip very much. Where Grandma lives from here is about as far as Timaru is from Dunedin, so you see we had a long car ride. We reached Wanganui about dinner time and had dinner there. During our short stay we saw a house-boat going up the river. We started on our way again and got to our destination very tired, so we slept soundly that night. While we were away we went to the Opunake beach and paddled in the sea. We also went to the Ngaere gardens one day and on anqther we went to Hawera and Manaia; so you see we visited numbers of places. We returned home after being away four weeks. The week after we arrived home, Wirth’s circus came to our town. One day I went to see it, and what do you think, another boy and I had a ride on the baby elephant! The attendant asked me if I woud like a ride and I said “Yes!”—so he told the elephant to wash his back, and sure enough he did what he was told. Then the attendant told him to lift me on his back, and I can tell you it gave me a queer feeling to feel his trunk going round my waist and lifting me up on to his back. But once there it was alright having a ride. Love to all the Circlians and yourself. “Indian Brave,” —Lindsay Melville, Palmerson North. Dear Peter Pan, I am going to a children’s social tonight and think it will be great fun. We have two guinea-pigs, one big fat one, and one baby. The big one is called Mick and the little one Mac. The baby was just born a few days ago and is very nervous. Every time we come down to see him he tries to hide behind his mother. Every Monday the standard VI. girls go to cooking lessons and I enjoy them very much. To-day we made fruit squares, but mine were rather burnt. We have a Junior Red Cross Circle at school, and I am on the committee. We are very busy just now for we are going to have a Garden Fete on Saturday. There are to be stalls and amusements, and afternoon tea. I am on the flower stall. In about three weeks we are going to have school sports. I am not in anything, though when we practised I was in two finals. St. Clair School generally wins, and we are usually near the bottom, though I think we will do better this year. About two weeks ago we had a Sunday School picnic. We went in the ferry boat to Quarantine Island, and had great fun when we arrived. My friend and I went all round the island, and at one place we suddenly came upon some goats, which began to move slowly forward with their heads slightly lowered. We went away quickly, thinking they might try to butt us. Later on we went down

to the rocks, where we found some strange seaweeds. The captain of the ferry owns the island and has two lovely dogs, Mark and Rover. He made Rover do some tricks. Some of the boys pushed a rotten old boat into the water and went out in it. It soon began to fill with water and they had to get back quickly. The captain came down and was very angry. He said he did not think Sunday School boys would do a thing like that. —“Dreamaway,” Beatrice McCahon, Dunedin. Dear Peter Pan, Thank you for the prize for the most interesting letter. I got such a surprise, and was very pleased, too. I think animals are always interesting. I am glad you liked hearing about Belinda, she is a real martyr. Dad’s horse Jolly walks her round and round the paddock, until the poor thing gets tired of it, and when we chase him away, he kicks up his heels in great glee, as though he thinks it a great joke. Dad was away when I wrote the poetry about Belinda, and he says it gave him a bad reputation. I’m sorry it is getting too cold for bathing. Our friend the clergyman sent us a photograph of the flood where we were washed out, and if we had not moved when we did we would all have been drowned. It w T as an awful sight in the picture, so we shall have to find a better place to camp next year. I am sending you a little poem next week that I wrote for the school magazine. I hope you will like it—it is called “The Night Wind." “Bill Pickle” is going to write to you. too. One of my aunties has given me a pretty red jumper suit for the winter. I have several fairy aunties. One lives in Sydney, and bathes at Bondi, where the sharks are, and mother says every paper she picks up she expects to see that aunties has been eaten by a shark! I must do my sums now. I do hate sums, but I think I am getting on well this term. Dad says if I come top mother can give me a piece of cake. Are they not encouraging? Peter Pan. Love from “Pixie,” Geraldine. Broadhurst, Glen-iti. Dear Peter Pan: Days and weeks simply fly past, don’t they? It does not seem nearly a month since I last wrote to you. And now that the clocks are back again to their old time, the days are going faster. I have been on holiday down at Milford, which is not far from my old home. One clear, blue day my friend and I walked down to the beach, which is only about a mile along the road. When we arrived there we looked out across the sea and saw Timaru. It was so clear that we could see the faint outline of a building. Then we sat on the beach and listened to and tried to understand the mysteries of the sea, I think that if I lived near the sea I would always be on the beach. Can you understand the sea Peter Pan? Why it is so awesome and yet so calling? Did I tell you that I was going to climb Mt. Somers? Well, we climbed it just before I went for my holiday. At least, my brother and his chum climbed right to the top, but my sister and I did not quite get there. We very nearly did, but heard a long roll of thunder when we were about sixty or seventy feet from the top, so started back home again. You see, Mt. Somers is very dangerous owing to the mists which rise on it so quickly. We arrived home a long time before the boys and in about half an hour the mountain was shrouded in mist. We were lucky weren’t we? Mt, Somers is 4500 feet high. Before I close I would like to ask if one of the girls of the “Circle” from Canada would write to me. You see, I was born in Canada, and although we have been out here nearly thirteen years, I am still very interested in that country. Love and good wishes to you and all the Circlians, “Little Sister, Nancy Norman, Springburn. Dear Peter Pan— I must tell you about my last year’s work at school. I came third in my class in the last term exam., and third for the whole year’s work, out of a class of fifty-six. The school committee did not give books this time, but gave certificates to the three highest in the class. They are very nice, and I am going to have mine framed. The day of the breaking up from school, the Christinas trees were held, and we received some lovely gifts. Next came Christmas with all the good things, and my stocking was filled to the top. We went to our granny’s for four weeks’ holiday. It was lovely staying up there. We went in for swims the first part of the time, and then came all the rain and the river was very high in flood. My granny lives right on the bank of the river, and the willows make a pretty picture as they bend around the bank of the stream. I was not lucky enough to see the toys the Circlians made, but I am sure they were lovely. This year I will send something, as I can knit now, and am learning to crochet. I have knitted a pair of slippers for myself and my little brother, and I am doing a pair for Joan. I am sure all the little sick-a-beds would be pleased when they saw Peter Pan’s Ship come sailing in. The Christmas before I spent in hospital, and although we all received presents from Father Christmas, it would have been jolly to have had presents from Peter Pan. Next year I hope to see that “Christmas Ship.” Mother and Joyce went to Timaru on New Year’s night, and thought the coloured lights on the Bay were beautiful. They said it was just like fairyland.—Love from “Punkle Wee,” Patty Swap, Temuka. Dear Peter Pan, That was a grand idea—the Christmas Ship. It was greatly appreciated, wasn’t it. I enjoyed my six weeks’ holiday very much. At Christmas we had a crowd of visitors from Christchurch. On Boxing Day we all went to the Hydro Electric Works at Kurow. It is a lovely drive. Have you ever been there? The Sunday after New Year my sister and I went to Christchurch and stayed three weeks. We had a great time. We visited Rangi- 1 ora, and motored round North Canterbury. We stayed in Kaiapoi a night or two, and spent a fortnight at Kairaki Beach. There was a number of campers there and we used to have great fun! We loved to go sailing in the “Dotterel” and get wet through. She is a very fast boat and was in the sailing race at the Regatta, had a handicap of sixteen minutes, and then came second. She also got fastest time. When the boats were ready to start an aeroplane fle.v very low over the top of them and the pilot waved

to us. I think a good name for your kitten would be “Wendy”. I have three and I just love them. Love from “Saturday’s Fun,” —Rex Bennett, Lyalldale. Dear Peter Pan, I received such a number of lovely Christmas presents, including a bookcase, three story books, two lovely pictures and many other nice things. I am very fond of reading so the books were, of course, very welcome presents. I did not go away from Blenheim for my holidays, but had a lovely time at home. We went for some splendid picnics and all enjoyed ourselves among the hills and bush and by the river. At one place, which is a favourite picnic spot, there are great flowering birch trees from which come the sounds of the bell-birds and tuis at their songs. It is lovely to sit and listen to the sweet bell-like notes, and there is a little gurgling stream nearby, too. This year at school I am in form 111 and so far am enjoying the work very much. I am taking a Professional course. Last Thursday the girls had their swimming sports. I did not take part in any of the events as I have a week heart and am not allowed to swim or take strenuous exercise. However, I went to watch and of course enjoyed myself. I love watching people swimming. At our school the girls are divided into houses. The Plantagenot House, the York House, the Lancastor House and the Tudor House. I am in the York House and that house gained most points at the sports. York House is “cock house” at present. It is to be hoped we maintain that position. On March 12th we are to have our athletic sports (I can’t go in for them, either,) and I am hoping York House will put up a good show that day. At sport we all shout for our own house and in consequence suffer from a hoarse sore throat next day. Your loving Circlian, “Plain Jane,” —Jean Stewart, Blenheim. Dear Peter Pan, Thank you very much for the second prize you sent me for the Best Original Toy. I really enjoyed making it and am going to start making something nice for the Christmas Ship this year. Thank you also for the pretty merit card and calendar you sent me. Wc had a lovely time this Christmas. We spent our holidays at Queenstown. It was a long journey there and back. Altogether we went nearly eight hundred miles. Going down we went to Kurow, where we stayed a night. We also stayed at Oamaru and Arrow town, and we came home a different way and stayed at Roxborough and Dunedin. It was lovely at Queenstown. I liked the boats best of all. One afternoon we went for a ride about thirty miles in a little motor-launch. It left about twoo’clock and got back at Queenstown about six. Another night we went out in a big steamer for a moonlight cruise across the lake and back. It was daylight when we left. There were hundreds on board and they all threw coloured streamers down to the people on the wharf and by the time the boat moved off you could not see the side of it for streamers all colours of the rainbow. There was a carnival and a dance held up on deck. My little brother Ernie and I both went to sleep and just woke up as the boat was pulling in. It was a pretty sight to see Queenstown all lit up with coloured lights. The rest of the holidays went quickly for me. I had a little friend from Akaroa staying with me. We had lovely times at the bay, the river, and the park. I received quite a surprise the other day when I read in the paper that I had been awarded first prize at the show for my coloured drawing. I had forgotten that the teacher sent it in. I think “Toby” would be nice for kitten-without-a-name. Much love from “Daddy’s Girl,” —Maris Tozer, Timaru. Dear Peter Pan, Your kitty must be exactly like mine, for my kitty has an enormous purr, a perky white nose, a black coat, a white waistcoat and white shoes and socks. We call him “Pat-a-Pan,” and I shall suggest calling yours that name, too. You could call him “Pat” for short. Pat has a little sister called “Mick”. She is smaller than him and her nose is black. They can catch mice now. One morning Pat woke me up. He climbed on my bed and purred and purred and rubbed against me. I am sure your kitty is as nice as mine. I am afraid this is rather a “kitteny” letter, but I must close now. Love from “Maori,” —Elsie Rutherford, Peel Forest. Dear Peter Pan, One day about a fortnight ago we went for a ride in the car up to Mount Horrible. When we reached the top we had a lovely view of Timaru and part of the country-side. We could see houses dotted here and there, and the wheat Silo in Waimate, and in places we could see big splashes of golden coloured wheat or oats. The crops were either standing ready for , the binder, or were ready to be stooked. We could see the hills right down past Morven to Pike’s Point, and we saw right away up to the Port Hills in Lyttelton. We could just see where the Pareora river wound right away out to the sea. The cars on the other side of the river appeared to us to be little flies crawling along the road. Lots of love to you and your Circlians. Your loving Circlian, “Queen of Irises,” —Iris Beckingsale, Timaru.

Dear Peter Pan, This letter is to tell you ail about our pets. First come the rabbits. We have three Angoras, two black ones, and a Russian hare. The hare is a

bonny fellow with pink eyes, brown ears, nose, and tail. Also a pair of Golden Hamburg fowls, an ordinary brown bantham hen, and a pair of feathery legged banthams. My little sister calls them “draught fowls”! We have three dogs, Barney the greyhound, Glen, the greyhound pup, and Spot, the little terrier. Two cats, Winnicky the Persion, and Tommy the black kitten. Joe is the blue pigeon. Besides these there are calves, cows, horses, foals, ducks, hens, and pigs. I hope your new kitten, and puppy are both well. Love to all Circlians and you from “Boy Blue,” —Bert Boulton, Otaio. I would like Kitten-Without-a-Name to be called “Circle”, after the Children’s Page, and I do want to see him with his white tips and his fun. My kitty is all black like velvet, and she is a nice cat. Scott is naughty. Mother does not like him coming to school in the mornings, for he might bump the bicycle, but he pops through a hole to the road, and scampers along so pleased looking. He misses me when I am at school. My hand gets tired writing, so I had to leave this from yesterday. Kim and Tiny Tim the twin calves are so alike we do not know which is which. I got that big “thimble” you sent, but did not see the fantail. Mother called me out to the kitchen one morning and there was the “thimble” floating round and round. I soon caught it and now I have it in a box. I am sending you a snap of me off to school on the bicycle. If you look closely you will see Scott on tne seat. In the other snap I am on Silverhope the cow. Mother says I am to milk some day. “Tiny Tim,” —Leslie Stringer, Hadlow. Dear Peter Pan, I would like to join your Circle. 3 am ten years old and in standard IV at school. We have a chestnut pony with a white mane and tail. We call her “Vanity.” She is a stunning pony to ride, and I go for a ride every day after school. Last Saturday we made a sledge for her and had great fun with it riding round the paddocks. One day some friends took Jim and I to the Hydro-Electric Works up the Waitaki. It was a ‘wonderful sight. Quite a lot of the dam is built and there are two bridges across the river. We went into the tunnel in the hill. They had dug out a huge hole for the generators. The workmen's cottages are of tin and wood and look like a little town. May I have “Kazan” for a pen-name? With love to you and all circlians, “Kazan,” —Jack Balfour, Redcliff. Dear Peter Pan, I enjoy reading your letter, poems and stories each week. I went to Washdyke for my holidays and had a lovely time. My friend, who was staying at the same place, and I went to the Bay nearly every day. We bathed and played in the sand. We went on the Merry-go-Round, Ferris-Wheel, and on the ponies many times, and enjoyed ourselves immensely. We also went for a picnic. We also went for a picnic on Milford Lagoon, but it rained when we got there. I love animals, especially kittens. I have one called “Trilby.” I suggest “Sunny Boy” for your puss. I think it is a very good idea having a Mascot, It will be lovely to have a “dumb friend” in our Merry Band. We have finished harvesting. We only have four oat stacks tins year, and one big hay-stack. We are milking twenty-three cows now. We have five calves but they are all big,—except the little one that was only born yesterday. Could I have a Pen-friend either in the North Island or Canada? I would love to write to somebody who does not live in our country. Your Loving Circlian “Lavender,” —Hazel Pratt, Arundel. THE GOOD SCRIBES. Dear Peter Pan, I was very pleased to see I had gained “highly commended” in last week’s page. On February 18th we held * our School Swimming Sports. Jean Brewer was again lucky enough to win the Senior Cup, while the inter - Form relay cup was won by 111. Commercial. V. Domestic were very close runners-up. A few days afterwards we held a friendly swimming relay race between House and School. School won the relay by about two strokes. Our dog, Tim, is such a mischievous little thing and is always up to some trick. For several days mother has been hearing our letter box rattle and has often gone to the front of the house to get the letters, only to find the postman has not been. So the other day when she heard the letter box flap she went to the window to have a look and see who was the culprit. There was Tim calmy sitting on his back legs pushing the letter box to and fro! That comes of having the" dog loose when the postman is about. We are now very careful not to go to the front door for letters unless we hear the postman’s whistle. We have some very nice asters in flower at present, also some very pretty pink and white sweetpeas. The cosmos are still lowering but a large number of our flowers are dying off now. Love, from — “Nanna,” —Joan McCann, Timaru. Dear Peter Pan. We had our swimming sports to-day, although King Sol did not greet the morning with his usual sunny smile. We will be having our athletic sports in about three week’s time, and I am looking forward to them immensely, as it is a great day for us all. I am in the College now, and thing I will enjoy it very much. There are three dif-

ferent kinds of classes the Professional, the Commercial, and the Home Science and Agricultural. I am in the Commercial Class. Peter, our cat, is a very dejected looking animal nowadays, as he has had all his tail, side and whiskers singed. His whiskers have all curled up at the ends, so we call him “Curly.” I am reading the “Pollyanna” books, and am enjoying them very much. Have you read them? I would like to play the “Glad” game myself, as it always gets on the bright side of things. We are having an Air Pageant here to-morrow, and I think lam going to watch it. I have never seen one before, so it will be a great sight to me if Ido go. I think aeroplanes are very wonderful “birds,” don’t you? There are not so many flowers in the gardens now, as Winter is touching the earth with the tips of her icy fingers, and making little frosts on the grass, as a herald of her approach. I had made a ball for the Christmas Ship, but unluckily I missed the mail for it to arrive in time; but if you are having another ship this year I shall send it in then. I wish I had been in Timaru to see the Exhibition of Toys. lam sure it was a lovely sight. Much love from—- “ Puck,” —Margaret Madill, Blenheim. Dear Peter Pan: Autumn days are slowly passing one by one, and as winter will soon be upon us we have been making the most of summer days for as many outings as possible. The most interesting outing I have had lately, was a trip to climb Mt. Fox (7,604 feet), which is situated in the Two Thumb Range. A party of us left Temuka at five o’clock in the morning. After one and a half hour’s journey, we left the cars and started walking to the foot of the mountain, where we boiled the billy. After partaking of our cup of tea, we started out in earnest to climb the mountain. Vegetation grows half way up the mountain-side, while above that, there is no growth, because there is no soil. It is composed of huge rocks and slate and shingle facings. Near the top of the peak the wind was so strong that it almost blew us off our feet. From the top on a clear day Mt. Cook and the Southern Alps can be clearly seen. Cradled near the moun-tain-top was a lake of exquiiste beauty, with deep blue water shimmering in the sunlight. As the sun played hide-and-seek among the clouds the shadows of the mountain peaks came and went across its placid surface. At every gust of wind, beautiful foamy white spray skimmed across the top of this beautiful lake and rose like a white cloud, to disappear like mist. Beside this lake was a large patch of frozen snow. It was on this patch of frozen snow, that I had may first experience of snow-sliding on the mountains. It was simply glorious. So refreshing and exhilarating, after our every-day pursuits. When we reached the foot of the mountain we had a refreshing cup of tea and then walked back to the cars, as it was getting dark. Fondest love from—- “ Juanita,” Mona Cotterell, Temuka. Dear Peter Pan: I could not get in to see the display of toys and things for the Christmas Ship, and was so disappointed as they must have been well worth seeing. During the holidays I went into Timaru to stay a few days with ' Daphne,” one of your Circlians. I have been for a number of swims in the river and have enjoyed them all. Last Sunday a party of us went by car to Hanging Rock, and had the loveliest outing. We met seven mobs of sheep on the road coming in to Pleasant Point for the stock sale on Monday. Some of the sheep were so tired with travelling that Dad had to stop the car to let them pass us. Another Sunday we had a day at Kelcey’s Bush, just out of Waimate. I enjoyed the trip down as there were so many interesting things to be seen; paddocks of golden wheat and oats, some in stook, others ready for the binder, and some already stacked. We also saw some lovely homesteads with orchards and beautiful gardens bright with flowers. When we reached the bush W'e boiled the billy and had dinner. After that a party of us went up to see the waterfall, which is very nice but not nearly as pretty as the falls at Peel Forest. When we got back to the car we w'ere surprised to see the Waimate Silver Band there. They played a most enjoyable programme of music, which was greatly appreciated by the crowd of people present. We w'ere all tired after our trip of ninety-eight miles, but enjoyed 1 ourselves immensely. Lots of love to all, especially little sick-a-beds, from—- “ Fairy Fluff,” Beryl Wheeler, Temuka. Dear Peter Pan: I was very pleased to see my letter in print. A week ago we held our swimming sports, but 1 was not lucky enough to get a place in them. Myra Newitt w 7 as the girl champion and Bob Rodgers the boy champion. Our school picnic was to be held on the eighth of March but as the ground w'as too damp after the recent rain it was postponed. The South Canterbury Swimming sports were postponed also but were held to-day. The sports i started at two o’clock and ended at half past four. The Main School won the shield with nineteen points and : the South Schol came second with seventeen points. Our Sunday School picnic was held not long ago. We had a very enjoyable time playing many different games. We had five penny ice-creams each, and were each given some nice sweets. “Bluecap,” Ethel McCann, Timaru. Dear Peter Pan; I will have “High Jinks” for my penname. When I wept to Timaru for a < picnic at the Bay, I enjoyed the day I very much, and won a race in the » afternoon. I did not go for a bathe, buc j had only a paddle. My father and I . went to see the ships in the wharves, and there was a big one that went to England. When we got home at night it was dark. Just a few days before the picnic a lorry was going along the main road with drums of petrol. This lorry caught fire not very far from our place, and some of my companions, ana ± went see it after it was nearly all burnt. I have a Circle Badge. “Dancing Dolly” has been very ill, but is now improving a little— Robert Perkins, Fairton.

Dear Peter Pan: It is raining very hard at present and as I have to stay home from school, I though I would write to you I must thank you very much for the calendar. I was excited to see my name in the commended list and am anxious to try again. I had a jolly time at Christmas and received a number of presents. I was away for a fortnight of the holidays and enjoyed myself very much. The rest of the time I had my two cousins staying with me. I am in standard four now and find it a good deal harder than standard three. We have three lambs and their names are Billy, Jacky, and Micky. My little sister and I have to feed them and you should hear the noise they make bleating at the gate until we come and feed them. Then there is a scramble to see who can be first. They almost knock us over in the tussle. When we feeu them they quietly walk away until feeding time again. We have two kittens. One black and one grev, and it is great to watch the mother cat catching birds, and mice, for them. I am sending two names for your kitten “Nanna” or “Felix.”—Love to you and your Circulians—“Rose Maiden,” Doris McEvey. Orari Gorge. Dear Peter Pan, Last year I gained my proficiency by recommendation, and thus did not have to sit for the much-dreaded examination. I was successful in each of the term exams and was dux of the Timaru West School. I received a lovely medal and also a book for cooking. Mum and Dad gave me a lovely gold wristlet watch, and Grandma and Grandad a lovely gold bangle. I also received about £2 10s m money. I am now e-oing to the Girls’ High School and like it very much. I must now tell you about my holidays, which were spent at home, in Oamaru and Ardgowan (out of Oamaru. I stayed at home until the carnival on the Bay was over, then I went away for the three remaining weeks. It was at the carnival nearly every night, and enjoyed myself thoroughly. I won two boxes of chocolates. The bonfire on New Year’s Eve attracted a great number of people. Did you see it? I did, and would not miss it as I have seen it for three years running. When I went to Ardgowan I had a good holiday. On Sunday afternoon w'e went for a pony ride over six miles. It was lovely. The nor’-wester that was blowing took our breaths away when we faced it. When we arrived home I again our hair was in a tousle and we seemed all of a tangle. I think the poor ponies were glad to get back after galloping against the wind. The weather-clerk was most disagreeable when I was in Oamaru and I was only able to go for one swim there. It rained nearly every day. I hope kitten-without-a-name will be a lucky mascot for Our Circle. “Fluffy, Trixie, Tabby, Nigger or Major” might be suitable names for our kitten-mascot. Best -wishes and a “thimble” for Redcap, Will’o’the Wisp and Yourself, from “Whrilwind,” Kathleen Beardsmore, Timaru. Dear Peter Pan, I have been far too busy even to think about writing as my homework takes up the best part of the evening. Our 6chool jubilee takes place at Easter. At school we have leatherwork and I am making a pair of moccasins, while some of the other girls are making purses. Our baths are being fixed just now so we cannot go in for any bathes. I have not been down to thj Bay for a dip for ages. Last Saturday the St. Mary’s Girl Guides went for a hike. We had to cook our own dinner, and each patrol cooked something different. First of all we got some stones, to put round the fire, then we found some twigs and lit them. Our patrol cooked potato chips, sausages, tomatoes and apples. “Jewelette,” Mary Stephen, Timaru. Dear Peter Pan, About three weeks ago we went out to the country for the week-end, and I did enjoy it. When we arrived at the Cave we were met by my uncle, • and then we motored three miles to Sutherlands. By the time we reached the farm it was nearly dinner-time, so we did not go over the farm then; but after dinner we went over to the swamp to kill a goose for Sunday. We had to climb a very steep hill, and by the time I reached the top I was puffed, but my cousins, who are used to climbing, were quite cool. On top of the hill were limestone rocks, all shapes and sizes, and further over was one in the shape of a mushroom. We then descended a hill and reached the swamp. We drove the geese into a sheep pen, for their wings had to be cut. How they hissed and struggled when they were caught, and more than one tried to bite. When their wings were clipped one was killed, and we set off home. At six o’clock milking was begun, and after tea my uncle and one of my cousins set off to bring j home a little calf we had seen when we were out in the afternoon. I had to clean my shoes, for when we were coming back from the swamp we had seen my other uncle grubbing a paddock, and he had given two of us a ride on the grubber; and as I had walked after the grubber when Alma was having her ride, you can imagine what my shoes were like, especially as it was rather a damp day. Next day I went for a walk over the hill before breakfast, and after breakfast I went up to the rocks to take some photos. In the evening my uncle motored us home. Y6ur loving Circlian “Snowdrop,” Zoe Starck, Timaru. Dear Peter Pan, I am in Standard I. at school now and find it very hard at the beginning, but like the children I am with. We had our school picnic on February ! 20th, and I enjoyed myself very much, although it was rather a cold day. The weather has been lovely lately. I am I so glad you had such a good holiday. I We live further up the town now. Oh, dear! I have twice as far to go to | school now! I did not go away for ! my holidays, as I have cousins staying I with me. We had our Sunday School I tea last Monday, and our prize-giving ! i later. I received first prize in my class j and “Manuka Boots” came second in his. Both “Manuka Boots” and myself received a lovely prayer book for not missing one Sunday from church during the year. In fact I have not missed one for two years. I am sending a “thimble” to Will-o’-the-Wisp, Redcap and you.—Love from “Broncho Buster,” Phyllis Waters, Temuka. Dear Peter Pan: It will soon be winter now, and we ; have had a few frosts already. I put ! a drawing in for the Mayfield Field 1 Show and received first prize for it. > The Show was held on Saturday last. | | The first prize was 14/6. Some of the » other children won some prizes too. We are getting our school painted. The sweet peas have been lovely, but are going off now. I suggest “Snowy” for your kitten. We have two little grey kittens, but have not given them names yet. The boys had two rabbits, but have let them go. Your loving Circlian “Lavender Fairy.” Etta Flower. Carew. Dear Peter Pan: It was such a lovely surprise to get

the postal note from you. Thank you very much. Do you like playing hide and seek on a dark night? I do, and to-night was just the night for a game So as we had nothing to do and were told not to make a noise, as it was Sunday, we went outside. Yesterday the people owning the section next dooi to us, came up and cut their fence very low and also cut out some shrubs. They then stacked the branches and clippings in a large heap. This was an ideal place for hiding in. Once I was lying on some holly and could not move to another place as the person who was “he,” was up to eighty. One Sunday afternoon when it was blowing a sou’wester, I noticed some sea gulls wheeling the air. They looked like shining silver stars and could have been taken for them, only every now and then they would turn over and show some grey Lots of love from “Goblin,” Sybil Grant, Timaru. Dear Peter Pan: I did all my odd jobs last night so am able to write to you this morning. It is blowing hard this morning, and was the same all day yesterday. Tonight I have my music lesson aftef school. I am making a garden, but it only has one or two plants in it just now. Next week, or on Saturday I am going to paint some of the picture puzzles. I have two to do and one to finish off. I could not go in for the “Picture Without Paints” Competition, as I had no coloured paper and could not get any as no one was going to town. How is Christopher Robin getting on? Here the leaves are beginning to fall and the wind is blowing them off the trees. The others are just going to school so I shall have to go soon. I like history best of the different subjects. What did you like best when you went to school? Your loving Circlian, “Mah Jong,” A. Osmond Baker, Cave. Dear Peter Pan— • I am in Standard 111 this year and will have to work hard. Our school i 3 being fixed just now, and most of the standards are at the Middle School. What a dear little kitten Christopher Robin must be. I saw Commander Byrd and patted his fox terrier. I am making a scrap book for the Christmas ship. We live opposite the gardens, and a lot of fantails and wax-eyes come to visit us. I have the book of Peter Pan and Wendy. It will not be long before Jack Frost will be painting his pictures on the windows.—Your affectionate Circlian, “Princess Daffodil,” Joyce Hatton, Oamaru. Dear Peter Pan— Yesterday, I went for a picnic to Te Moana, and had a wonderful time. I took my bathing costume and had a dip in a deep part of the river. The water was very warm, which quite surprised me. I am at High School now, and like it very much. Every warm day I take my bathing costume and in the dinner-hour I go for a dip. To-morrow I am going to take my racquet to school and have a game with another girl. Our garden has only a few flowers in it now.—Love to yourself and our Circlians, from “Maori Maiden,” Brenda Wishart, Smithfield. LITTLE LAUGHS. Taking His Time. Employer: How many letters are there, Robert? Robert: Two, sir. Employer: Well, bring them in. Robert: I’m just sorting them, sir. Puzzling. Tommy, dear, you mustn’t ride your scooter in the front on Sunday. You must go into the back garden. Isn’t it Sunday in the back garden, Mother? Hopeless. Auntie (who has been try hard to understand w T hat the game is all about); Yes, but what happens if the bowler gets out before the batter? On the Golf Links. Pedestrian (anxious to keep out of the way): Now, which way are you going to hit the ball? Nervous beginner: I only wish I kne’myself! Such Fine Legs Too! Tommy (who has just been given a bulldog pup for a birthday present): Oh, Mother do you thing Toby ought to be so near the fire? Just look at his legs; it’s warping them! ANSWER TO PUZZLE IN RHYME. THE LETTER R. ANSWER TO WALKING PROBLEM. 3i MILES AN HOUR. ANSWER TO CHARADE. NON-PLUS. ANSWER TO ENIGMA. EYES.