FRIENDS THAT FAILED

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXVII, Issue 19523, 24 June 1933, Page 14

FRIENDS THAT FAILED

LITTLE HORSE’S TINY HELPER. Little horse was frisking about in the barnyard when he caught his foot in a loop of rope that was tied to an old post. He stumbled and fell, and the more he tried to pull out his hoof the more tangled it became. Though he kicked and pulled he could not free himself, and at last he was obliged to lie still and wait for help. By and by, brown cow ambled up to him and said: “What is the matter, little horse?"

“I’ve caught my hoof in this rope and I can’t get it out,” answered little horse.

"That is certainly too bad,” said brown cow. “I feel very sorry for you, indeed.” Then brown cow ambled on. Presently, along came old, fat pig and said: “What is the matter with you, little horse?”

“I’ve caught my hoof in this rope, and I can’t get it out,” answered little horse.

“Well, well, well!” grunted old, fat pig. “I am sorry. I wish I could do something for you.” Then old, fat pig lumbered off. Soon black dog came romping by. “Why, what is the matter with you, little horse?” he asked. “I’ve caught my hoof in this rope, and I can’t get it out,” answered little horse. “Too bad, too bad!” said black dog. “It must be hard to lie there so long.” Then away frisked black dog. White pussy-cat came softly walking by next. “What can be the matter with you, little horse?” she asked. “I’ve caught my hoof in this rope, and I can’t get it out,” answered little horse.

‘That must be terrible,” answered white pussy-cat. “I’m sure I could never stand it as patiently as you do.” Then she softly and lightly disappeared.

After a while red rooster strutted by. “What in the world is the matter with you, little horse?” he asked. “I’ve caught my hoof in this rope, and I can’t get it out,” answered little horse.

“That’s certainly a shame!” crowed red rooster. “Isn’t there anybody to help you?” Then, without waiting for a further answer, he flapped his wings and strutted off.

The yellow duck appeared, saying, “What is the matter with you, little horse?”

“I've caught my hoof in this rope, and I can’t get it out,” again answered little horse. “Such a pity!” answered yellow duck. “Such a great pity! I only wish I could help you,” and she waddled off. Little horse felt very sad. Many of his friends had seen him. All said they were sorry for him, but not one had tried to do anything to help him. What would become of him? Just then a little grey mouse poked his head up by the old post. He never said a word to little horse, but his bright eyes at once saw the rope round little horse’s hoof. He nibbled away at the rope until little horse’s hoof was quite fro - again.

Little horse jumped up gladly and wanted to thank grey mouse, but grey mouse had disappeared faster than he came. “He shall have as much of my grain as he likes after this,” said little horse, “for grey mouse did not waste any words in saying he was sorry, but he did all he could to help me.”

THE BIRTHDAY PAGE. The "Page” has a birthday every year. And once again it is almost here. We’ll have to make it even more Int’resting than it’s been before. Our “Page” is nearly six years old, And ’tis more precious to us than gold; Its reputation is growing, too, —Each Saturday there are Members new. We'll send all the poems we find, Long and short, of every kind, And you will have a busy time, Looking for the nicest rhyme. So when at last the great day’s here, All Circlians will give a cheer, And quickly turn to read the “Page,” Which now has reached six years of age. (3 Marks and a Merit Card awarded to “Moowani,” Ken Philip, Waimate). There was a young person of Tyre Who was a most terrible liar; When they said “That's a fib, You’re astoundingly glib,” He nearly fell into the fire.

“HOW I WOULD SPEND £10.”

£10! As I walked slowly down the street, the thought, “What can I do with £10?” haunted me. Of course I could buy some good books, for I am very fond of reading; or—happy thought!—l could ask some of my friends to go with me on a bicycle tour to the West Coast, or round the Lakes. We would only need a small tent, which could be strapped on to the back of a bicycle, a few necessary garments, and a tiny camera, with five or six films. I became so engrossed in my thoughts, that I did not notice two poor little children playing in the gutter, until I was conscious of a pair of dark eyes fixed upon me.

Turning, I saw the little ones together finishing an old dried crust of bread. They devoured it eagerly, chewing each bite with apparent relish. It was a bitterly cold day, and the barefooted children shivered in scanty clothes. I felt that I would Just love to have £lO, so that I might take those two poor little mites into town, and, after giving them a satisfying meal, buy them a new set of clothes. I could picture the Joy in those large dark eyes, if I did so. This little scene had turned my thoughts away from the mountains, to the slums of the town. What right had I to go for joy-rides, while poor little children starved within two miles of my own home? —But it is the same everywhere. As we open the daily paper, we read of wealthy men taking pleasure trips round the world in ships or aeroplanes; of millions of pounds being spent in the building of up-to-date, luxurious ships and buildings; and of great parties given by, or in honour of, eminent people, while millions of men, women, and children, victims of the world depression, are unable to keep away the pangs of hunger, or to obtain sufficient clothes to keep them warm. Yes, I know where My ten pounds would go! —Muriel Henderson, Temuka.

HOW I WOULD SPEND £lO. If I had £lO to spend, I would go to Albury, where, after paying my fare of £1 0s 6d, I would climb into a bus, which was bound for Christchurch. On arriving at my destination I would go to a bicycle shop and purchase a bicycle for £3. Then I would buy a V.P.K. camera for £2 15s, also spending 7s 6d on films. That night I would stay at a boarding house, which would cost me 10s 6d. Next morning, with a lunch in my pocket, I would go for a ride on my new treasure, (my bicycle). I would also carry my camera with me. At about twelve o’clock I would stop at the river, with a good many scratches and bruises on my legs, caused by. the tumbeles I had had off my bicycle. After eating my lunch, I would take some photographs of the wonderful scenery, some of the traffic, and some of the large buildings. At the Park I would again stop to take some snap-shots of the beautiful trees and gardens. The next night and also the following I would spend at the boarding house, which would cost me £l. These two days I would spend in town. £1 I would spend in buying presents to take home, and the printing of my photographs would cost 6s 6d. The next morning, with my parcels tied on to my bicycle, I would start out for home. On arriving at Timaru, I would have dinner at my Aunt’s house, and then, with an empty purse, but a loaded bicycle, I would set out for home, well pleased with my spendings. —Sybil Dale, Albury.