A GIFT FROM INANGAHUA.

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXVI, Issue 20280, 14 April 1934, Page 18 (Supplement)

A GIFT FROM INANGAHUA.

Ninety and Still Going Strong. THE LEAST of Aunt Hilda’s “autumn joys” has been the offer of a gift of a book of his poems from Mr Hugh Smith, of Inangaliua, and we are. most happy and willing to accept the gift, and also to find one of ** nearly ninety ” still taking a keen delight in our Children’s Page. Strangely enough, Aunt Hilda bought a copy of this book, “ Poems % by an Ayrshire Scot,” from the author himself at the Dunedin Exhibition some years ago. The competition is for the best letter about these verses written by Mr Smith. You can deal with them in any way you choose, from a literary standpoint or from the point of view of meaning only. But try and show our dear old reader that the children in our Circle love and appreciate all the older readers who find joy in their page. If you cannot enter for the competition, tell us what you think of. the offer and let us send to Inangahua a page full of cheer this autumn, to one who is in the late autumn of his life. The competition will close on April 24, and results appear on April 28. Here are the versus:—

TO AUNT HILDA. I am writing, dear Aunt Hilda, Just before it gets too late— When time and place just suit us It is not wise to wait, For I’m getting on for “ ninety ” Dinna think it’s “ nine ” I mean; There's double-furrows on my broo An’ sheep-tracks roon my een. But my he’rt is like a Starlet’s, Though my step’s a wee bit slow. I can jump across a leg-rope When it’s lying straight, you know. Wee “ Kate ” that sent a letter In to you the ither day Cried “ Granddad cannot catch me ’* She was set to bolt away, But I caught her at the corner When she bump’d against “ wee Jock,’* An’ I whack’d her with my bootlace Till I thocht that she would choke 5 “Wee Tammie ” cried oot: “Granddad, Come, I want a picky-back.” So he -climb’d up tae my shoothers An* I ran him roon the stack. But we fell into a “ hay-hole,”

Where the coo had been all night, An’ “ Tammie ” laugh’d sae he’rty When he found he was all right. But I’m digressing greatly From the part I have in hand, To thank you—“ right oot frae the he’rt Of a’ the Starlets’ band. I’ve watch’d your boundless tenderness— Your kindliness an* care, The love and skill o’ he’rt and mind For “ Starlets ” everywhere, Sufficient praise is not within The compass of my pen For all the good you’ve done and do— For little maids and men. The ecstasy, expectancy, Is shown in every eye When they scan Aunt Hilda’s columns For their own sweet, kind reply. My pen is fain to speak for all The Starlets in New Zee; Their dearest wishes, hopes and thanks Fly o’er the hills to thee. Hugh Smith. Inangahua Junction, West Coast. March 21, 1934.