Wendy’s Letter-Box

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 20104, 24 March 1928, Page 19 (Supplement)

Wendy’s Letter-Box

(Letters to be addressed “WENDY,” c o “Chronicle” Office, Box 105, WanganuiA

Dear Wendy,—Last week I forgot to thank you for the Christmas card you sent me. I liked it very much, thank you. This week I will tell you about the Sandon sports that were held last Saturday. I rode my pony up there and nearly missed by first race, but note quite. It was under 10 and I came firpt and my friend Jovcc Green

came third. The next race was won by either lona Ellery or Pedro, 1 think. We all were greatly excited for doing so well. We went on in this way, and Copane was tic with us, but Leslie Pederson came second, and I am very glad to tell you the Ohakea school won the shield by two points, and so we were all very excited. Next they had the McKelvie Shield and Foxton won it. They have won four shields this year. After this they had a tricycle race and the children’s little feet were going as hard as they could. They did look funny. Then we had races and I won a shilling. Well, Wendy, I must close. With love. From—“BETTY BLUE,” Ohakea. Pleased you like the card. So pleased to hear that you won the race for which you entered. Your school teacher will be very proud of you all for winning the shield. 1 am glad you all did so well.—Wendy. *** * * Dear Wendy,—Thank you very much for putting my name on the Honours Board. This week I think I will tell you about Alfred Tennyson. Alfred Tennyson was a ery famous poet. He was born on August <•. 1809, at Somersby Vicarage, Lincolnshire. He began to write when he was eight years old. He went to Cambridge Trinity College when he was seventeen years of age. Some of the poems he wrote are “Maud,” “The Brook/’ “Love Thou Thy Land,” and many others. His great friend died, and he was nearly heart-broken but that led to his writing a beautiful poem called “In Memorian.” He died n the year 1892 on October 6. He was buried in Westminster Abbey. Well, Wendy, I think I will end now. With heaps of love to you and all the Wendvites.—From “DEWDROP,” Marton. Thanks for your interesting letter. T am sure all the Wendyites will look each week for your letter.—Wendy. Dear Wendy.—l was very glad to see my name on the Honours Board, and so were dad and mum. Thank you very much for the Christmas card you sent me. I thought it was nice. Our peaches and apples are getting ripe now. The river is very shallow here. Jt is that shallow we can ride ever on small ponies. This I enjoy, but if you have shoes on you will have to hold your feet up b ould get •wot. I lik ’o that 1 can dangle my feet in the water. Please excuse me Wendy for writing in pencil but we have not got our ink yet. We went for a long ride up the river this morning and came back this afternoon. We had our dinner with some friends. Well I will close now. best love and wishes to you an 1 all the family^— From "BUSH FAIRY,” Parikino. The river must be very low, indeed. Is it often as low as it is now? Hope you enjoyed your ride.—Wendv. Dear Wendy,—How are vou getting on? I have been going to write, and going to write, for a Jong time, and I keep putting it off and putting it off. Thank you lor the nice Christmas card you sent me. I came top of my class and I wish to keep that place. At our school picnic 1 came first in a twolegged race, and won a shilling. Well as news is very sc ce, I will close.— From "BLUE-EYES,” Maxwell I am so phased that you at last wrote to me, I am always .;o glad to hear of any of my Wendyites winning races. I do hope you will keep your place at the top of the class.—Wendy.

Dear Wendy,—l must thank you for putting my name on the Honours Board again. I will tell you about King Alfred. Long ago, there lived a great king whose name was Alfred. Often he had to light with the Danes. Sometimes he won ami sometimes he did not. He knew that he must do something to stop the Danes lighting. So he said to them “You can have half of England if you will be Christians. If any Englishman likes to live with the Danes he must obey the Danish laws.” He died in the year 901. With love.—From “ICELAND POPPY,” Alarton. Thanks for your letter about King Alfred. Do you remember the story of how he burnt the cakes? Thanks for the cards.—Wendy. * # ❖ * Dear A\ endy,—l am So sorry I did not have time to write to you last week. I must also thank you very much for the cards you sent me, I now have the complete set of New Zealand scenes. On Monday morning 1 am going for my distance swimming, and 1 hope it won’t be too cold. We have left it till too late this year, so I sup pose, no hoping in the world, will make it warm. Easter is nearly hfbre now, and I am looking forward to it, very much because I am going away to Stratford for my holidays. I am also going to get a pony, too, so the sooner Easter con.es the more I will be pleased. As there is no more news now, I will close. With much love. —From “BONES.” Alarton. You are quite right, we cannot make the water warm by wishing. How lucky you are. Who is going to ;ive you the pony? I will try and get the cards you require. Thanks so much for the ones you sent. —Wendv. *** * # Dear Wendy,—l have not written for a long time and I suppose you have forgotten me, Wendy. My little brother has got a calf and he wants to know what to call it? There was a school picnic at Castlecliff on March Sth. I wont and it was very nice. Th* weather is so dry that the cows are hardly giving any milk or cream. There is a Jot of summer sickness about, and all of our family have had 't out my father. For my holidays 1 went to Oamaru and I liked it very much. I saw the Peter Pan statue and it has rabbits, mice, birds, fairies, and insects on it and two children, a boy and a girl on the top. The beach is not nice because it has got sharks in the water. I hope you en joyed your holidays Wenfly. \\ ell, Wendy, 1 must close now with love.—From “GOLDEN PRINCESS,” Ford ell. No, I have not forgotten you, my dear, and I am pleaded to hear from you again. How will “Rooky” do for the calf’s name? Yes. I had a lovely holiday. I cannot send you more than six cards at once, so next week ask me for the ones you need.—Wendy. ♦‘* « * Dear Wendy,—Thank you very much for putting my name on the "Honours Board.” Have you had any mushrooms yet? We have had several lots lately. It has been ery hot this week, hasn't it. Aly sister and J are going to the Taihape Sports on Monday so I hope it is a tine day. We are going home to Feilding for Easter and I am looking forward to it. I am sending you the only spare card 1 have. I think it is one of the numbers that “Sunshine Elf” wanted. 1 suppose you can use it any way. I will send you some more when I get them. Well, I must close now with love to you ami all the Wendyites.—From ‘‘STAk’ OF I 111-. DESERT, ” Il unterville. A os, I have had several Jots of mushrooms. This week has again been hot, although the mornings are quite cook Thanks for the card. I will try and 1 get the one you want.—Wendy. J

Dear Wendy,—Please will you enrol me as a Wendy Hut. reader. Having been interested in the Wendyites’ letters I thought I wo dd join your happy band. Alay I have “Scarlet Pimpernel” for my pen-name, if it Las not been taken. 1 am twelve and in Standard A'. I go to a little country school about two miles from our home. There are twenty-five children coming to our school. AVendy, I think I have started my letter wrongly, because I could not find the rules in the paper. I tried to write on your coupon but it smudged so I made one out for myself, and I hope it will be alright. The days are gradually becoming colder. Has it not been a lovely season for swimming? I hoped you enjoyed your holiday, AVendy. I was staying with my auntie for three weeks. I enjoyed myself very much. AVe have two little black kittens and an old Persian cat. I have three sisters and oil 1 brother. Aly sister (older than I am) is in Standard VI. and I am longing for her to get her proficiency at the end of the year. I like reading “The Adventures of Peter and Pam, the Terrible Twins,” they have great adventures. I am sending you some mixed cards and I hope they shall be of some use. As this is the first time I have written I shall now close. AVith love to you and all the AA'cndvitos.—From “SCARLET PIAIPERNEL,” Tutaenui.

Welcome to the Wendy Hut, my dear. You may have the pen-name. So glad you like reading the letters and also the adventures of Peter and Pam. Thanks so much for the cards. I will try and get the ones vou require.— AVendy. ♦ e * •

Dear Wendy,—Thank you very much for the Christmas card and my birthday greetings. I had a birthday party and we had great fun. I camped at the beach for six weeks after Christmas, and it was lovely playing in the sand, but- I don’t like the big waves very much, the little pools are the best. I have six little puppies and they are nice little fat things. This is all this time. Love —from “AIISCHIEF,”

Pleased you liked the card, my dear. It is lovely at the beach, isn’t, it? What have you named the puppies?—AVendy.

Aly Dear AVendy.—T have not written for a long time. Thanks very much for the Christmas card, it was very nice. I’m glad you enjoyed your holiday. AVe had a lovely lot of flowers out but not so many now. Mother and dad went to AVellington for a few days and brought home a lovely Jot of pansies, so we have a pansy bed. They will come out soon so then we will have a Jot of different colours. AVe have a lot of different coloured asters; they are lovely. I lost m; badge in some long grass, so if I send the money in, may I. have another one? AVell, AVendy, I must close with love to all the AVendyites—from “IRIS.’’ Afaxwell. Glad you liked the card. Pansies and asters are both pretty Howers. Yes, you may have another badge if you send th<* amount required.—AVendy. # # * * Dear AVendy, —Alay I become a member of the Hut. I am in Standard 4 at school. J. ride five milfs to school on a pony «r?/Wd Dolly. Some Sundays I go down to the lakes for a swim. AVe had two pienic-s down at the bush in the holidays. We learn sewing at school and I. aw making a pinafore. I went blaclcberrying to-day and got a half a billy full. AVe are milking 12 cows now. I have got two cows and their names are "Alooly” and “Brownie.’’ I will close now. Lots of love.—From "AVHITE AVATTLE,” Alarton. AVeleome to the AVendy Hut, my dear. How lucky to have a pony. Blackberries arc nice, aren’t they? A'ou may have the pen-name you have chosen. — AVendy. # * * *

Dear AVendy,—lt is months and months since I wrote you last. AVe had mother very ill for three months, and I did not feel very much in the humour for letter-writing. She is better and getting about again now, I am very pleased to say. 1 spent the whole of the summer holidays in Christchurch with my auntie and uncle. I had a most wonderful time there, and I will tell you all about it next week. lam sending you a pile of cigarette cards. Hope they will bo of some use. AVith best love. —From “RED AA’ING,” Wanganui. I am so very pleased to hear that y«wr mother is almost well again. I am glad you had an enjoyable holiday. Many thanks for the cards. T will try aud get the ones you want. —Wendy. u*‘ « *

Dear AVendy,—lt is a long time since I wrote but we have been having so much daylight and such lovely weather that we have been spending all the time we could in the open air. AVe had such a. lovely holiday at Castlecliff beach. AVe had a Louse for five weeks and we spent the mornings and the afternoons surf-bathing, and sunbathing, we all got as brown and tanned as berries. The house was quite a long way from the beach but we did not mind the walk as long as we could get our bathes. AVhen we came back to AA’angaehu we used to swim in the river down behind the school, and there is a nice little sandy beach there, too. Daddy takes the school children down every afternoon at two o’clock on the fine days. Sometimes nearly

every child in the school goes. Twenty children have learnt to swim this year and I am one of the beginners. AVe wont to the Avenue baths on Alarch 10th. Twelve children who swam 50 yards received a big certificate, and eight, who swam thirteen yards, a beginners’ certificate. ’Phis-••month has been a busy one, with picnics every week-end, the Sunday School picnic, the baths and the school picnic. Well, AVendy. this is all I Lave to say. AVith love.—From “JONATHAN JO,” AVahgaehu. Pleased you had such a nice holiday at the beach. The sun-bathing would do you a lot of good. I think every one should be able to swim. Alany lives are lost every year because people have never been taught to swim.— AA’cndy.

Dear Wendy,'—Another week of glorious weather has passed away. Today we all went crayfishing again, we just love going. Yes, AVendy, I have been nipped by a crayfish, and my! can’t they nip, and don’t they hurt. I have got a very nice Kodak camera and I took some nice snaps to-day, I do like taking photos, don’t you, AVendy? I have been trying to do this week’s puzzle and have nearly finished it. Aren’t cross-word puzzles fascinating. Do you every try and work them out. I mostly have to leave them unfinished. This is all I can write this week, so must close. AVith love.—From ‘ 1 PIKI-A-RERO/ ’ Alangawekai. I love taking snaps, and at. one time I had hundreds of them. Yes, crossword puzzles arc very fascinating. I have worked out several; but. I do not get much time to do many of them. — AVendy. Dear AVendy,—As my cousin sent mo two of your papers I thought I would write and ask if I might join your family. I am fourteen years of age and I attend Technical Night School, and it is very nice. I am learning shorthand, typing, and English and arithmetic. Last year I went to Technical College and learnt French, geometry, bookkeeping, etc, etc. I did not like French a tiny button. Have you ever been to Christchurch, AVendy? I will tell you all about it when I write again as I have not time just now. I have one brother and no sisters, but I have a Ettle niece called Alardie Marie. AVell I must close now as it is past ten o’clock and I am leaving my supper to get cold. AVell cheerio. Love to the AVendyites and vourself.—From "SEASPRITE,” Christchurch.

AVeleome to the AVendy Hut my dear. All the AVendyites will be delighted to know that we have a AVendyite so fat away as Christchurch. Most pupils find French a little hard. No, I have never been to your city yet. I must though, because I have been told it is very beautiful.

Dear AVendy,—l quite forgot to thank you for the. Christmas card when I wrote last. I like it very much. I was so busy last week-end I hadn’t time to write. On Saturday I gave a party for two girls that arc leaving Wavcrlcy, and on Tuesday “Bluebird” gave a very enjoyable party, too. I am doing to tell you about a very interesting letter I had from “Waratah,” who is in Australa. AVhilo in Sydney she went to see a war museum where all kinds of things are kept that were used in the war, such as torpedoes, models of hospital trains, aeroplanes and some of the uniforms worn by the soldiers. The g'reat aeroplane in which Sir Ross Smith flew from England to Australia is there also. AVouldn’t you like to see that uuseum, AVendy? “AVaratali” also sent me a tin full of shells that she had gathered on the Sydney beaches; they are lovely, all the colours of the rainbow. J wish we could find the same kind in Now Zealand. AVell, AVendy, I am going out for the day, so I haven’t time to write any more now. Cheerio—from “SALLY HORNER,” AA’avcrley.

Pleased you liked the card. Goodness, gracious, so "AVaratah” is in Australia. AVe can look for some interesting letters from her when she returns. I would very much like to see the museum of which she writes. — AV end v.

Dear AVendy,—l am so sorry to have loft you out of the fun, but I suppose it is better to be late than never, isn’t it? You will have to excuse me for not keeping on the lines as the electric light is very dull to-night. AVell, AVendy, I must tell you about my Christmas holidays. On the day we were to leave for Taihape there was great excitement in the getting away, but at last we got away, soon reaching Taihape, we went to the hotel where our beds were and went to sleep. The next morning I got up and went to AVellington, went aboard the boat the following morning, and had a beautiful trip over. We soon arrived at Lyttelton and caught a train to Timaru. 1 slept all the way but was soon wide awake when the train stopped, and I jumped out am] went up to my aunty’s and went to bed, the time then being 3 o 'clock on Christmas morning. Father Christmas did not come. He had left my big No. 3 meccano set at Mataroa for me. For three weeks I had some fun in the sea every day, but sad to say I lost my purse containing a 10s note besides some silver, so I was a bit unlucky, wasn’t I? AVell, never mind, I had some fun, and was sad when I had to come home. AVell, AVendy, I must thank you very much for the beautiful Christinas card you sent me. I must ring off now and I hope you had a lovely holiday. I hope to have my name on the Honours Board for once in my life. Good-bve—from “KINGARTHUR,” Mataroa. What a groat trip you had, but I am sorry to hoar that you lost your money. Glad you liked the card. I had a lovely h olid ay.—AV end y. • ’* • * Dear AVendy, —Now that the daylight saving has ended I find that rising

early is not so difficult as it was w’hen the daylight saving was in force. At our Girl Guide birthday party I am taking part in a play called "Ten Little Gay Girl Guides,” it is sung to the same tune as "Ten Little Nigger Boys”; I am the last one. The apples are ready for storing away in boxes for winter use now, so during iny spare time I go over to the orchard and pick I them while father boxes them. The [ leaves are taking their autumn tints, i patiently waiting for the limo to come j when they will whither and fall to the ! ground. The trees arc looking very' pretty just now, and it seems such a ! shame when it is time for the leaves to fade away. There have not been many . blackberries or mushrooms about here ; this year, AVendy, but I suppose after the next rainfall we have the mush- | rooms shall spring up everywhere. No, | AVendy, I am not afraid of horses; I love them. Mother wishes I did fear j them more as everyone round here says I am far too reckless. On Sunday morning I went to ciiurch in Huntcrville with my mother, brother and sister, as it was "Harvest ThanksGiving,” and I enjoyed the service very much. In the afternoon I went to Sunday School and our monthly church service at Rata. My word, AVendy, the hot weather has not come to an end yet. I am sure everyone wishes it would rain, particularly the farmers, as all their crops are dying for the want of water, although we are very fortunate as w<* have two splendid springs which waters nearly all the paddocks on our farm and supplies our house and cowshed as well. Well, AVendy, ns my i news has come to an end I shall con- ; elude with best wishes to you and your ; merrv AVendv-itos. AVith love—from “RATA BLOSSOiM.” Te Hou Hou. 1 hope that the birthday party is a great success. Vou will let me know how you get on. I am glad you enjoy- i ed the service. A’ou are very fortunate in having such a good supply of water on the farm. —AVendy. j

Owing to the big mail I received this week, the Poors’ Corner will appear next Saturday. Wendy.

Dear AVendy,—Thank you very much for the Christmas card you sent me. 1 like it. I got for Christmas, a little doll’s sewing machine; it sews chain stitch. I got a little scrubbing boar 1 from one of my brothers. A little girl friend gave mo a cup and saucer and her sister gave one a handkerchief and a ribbon. My eldest brother sent us a game of table tennis. I went to a Sunday school picnic which was in our valley. AVe are going to have our school picnic on Saturday. I must close now because I must go to bed AVith love to you and all the AVendy* ites.—From "PURIRI,” Okoia.

Glad you liked the card. AVhat a lot of Christinas presents you received. I hope you will have a fine day for the picnic.—AVendy. **’ * #

Dear Wendy,—This week I shall tell you about shells. Shells arc the houses in which various little creatures live. It is due to the thickness of these little houses that the waves doUittle damage to shells. Shells arc by no means the same shape. Some creatures have one of these little houses while others have two. Rock shells arc noted for the spines with which many species are furnished. They cling to rocks and feed chiefly on little creatures that also live in little houses. They bore through the shell and devour their victim. The pawa shells are found in New Zealand and are very beautiful. Maoris used to use these shells for eyes for their wooden images. This shell is coloured like the rainbow inside. The whelk’s egg case is a kind of shell which is pure white and very beautiful indeed. The common whelk is known to almost everyone, its shells being scattered on almost every shore. It is largely used for food and by fishermen for bait. The whelk’s house is the shape of a cone and the outside is covered with small shells. Mitre shells are named by their shape. They live in tropical and subtropical seas near the shore. The bishop mitre shell is found in almost every collection of shells. It is a long thin, white shell with brown spots on it, and is the shape of a small carrot with a tunnel through it. Helmet shells are valued for cameo-cutting as they consist of different coloured layers. The trumpet shells or tritons are used by the natives of the Pacific Islands as musical instruments. A bore in the ton of the shell serves ns n mouth-holo, the player inserts his hand in the aperture of the shell to modulate the sound. The common purple shell is abundant around our shores and does great harm to mussel-beds. Its eggs, like tiny cups may be found on overhanging rocks. Magilus lives as a parasite in coral and though the young have spiral shells, as the animals grow me shell is produced like tubes. Cone-shells are exceedingly beautiful and brilliantly coloured. They are variously marked and on this account they are of great value. Most of the cowry shells are brilliantly coloured. The tiger-cowry is a common mantel-piece ornament. The moneycowry passes as coin in Africa. The giant dams of the Indan ocean arc very large and pearly white inside. AVell AVendy, as I have taken a great deal of room I shall close now with love to all the AVendy-itcs and yourself—from “AVOOD VIOLET,” Ngutuwera. Thanks very much for your nice letter; it is most interesting and will bo very instructive to the AVendy-ites, who, I have no doubt, look for your letters each week.—AVendy. * * # ♦

Dear AVendy,—l went to the sports on Saturday, and I ran in some races but did not win anything. There was a very large crowd of people, and a great number of cars. I was very interested watching the Highland darning, especially the four little girls who danced the sailors’ hornpipe. There were running and cycling events for (the men. The most exciting event of ■ the day was a tricycle race for littL? 1 boys under six years of age. My I brother and sister won some money at | the sports. I am sending you some j more cards this week, and thank you | very much for the cards you sent mo. I I think this is all the news this week, i with love to you and all your AVendyI ites.—From ‘ ‘SCARLET MANUKA,’’ Sanson. I think it is beautiful to watch little I children dancing. Glad to hear that .your brother and sister won some money. Thanks for the cards, I will ! try and get the ones you want. — AVendy. * * * ♦ Dear AVendy,—Thank you for the two marks and I suppose I will have to try and win some more. Have you sent the cigarette cards yet? On Friday I went with my father to tlie Rata cream factory, where I watched the men making butter. I did not see Harold Lloyd’s picture Safety First,” which you mentioned. lam going to his next picture, are you? Do you like mushrooms? We have had some already. They have tarred three and a half •miles of our road ana T hope they will (tar the road right on into town, then |1 would often walk to town. As it is (bed time I will close now with heaps of love—from “HAROLD LLOYD,” Kaitoke. | 1 will forward the cards as soon as I get them. Yes, I shall see his picIture, the next time he comes to the theatre. Tam very fond of mushrooms. I hope they will tar the’ road all the way.—AVend y.

Dear AVendy,—l was delighted to se< niy letter in last Saturday’s paper, j have a dear little black pony AVendy Iwhich 1 ride to school every day. Dui ing the Christmas holidays my friend and I went for a rifle. My friend’, pony cleared out with her, but hick; enough she was not hurt. My littb half Persian kitten p-ets on my pony’, back when I have tied her up read} for school, and when I take her oi she follows me. Someday I am go.in; to take a snap of them, and if they ar good 1 will give you one. AVell, deal Wendy, I have no more news so I wil bring this letter to a close.—Fron “StLVER PINE,” AVustmere. AVhat do you call your pony, m} dear? A’our little kitten is very know ing, isn’t it? 1 would like a snap oj them.—Wendy. Dear AVendy,—l am just writing t thank you for the Christmas card, an I hope you liked your holidays- I los my pet lamb not so very long ago. J went away with some sheep that da sold, and I got some money for him I am 10 years of age no> and I am in Standard 111. an getting on all right, and wo have got man teacher. My brother and I wen over to my uncle’s place on Saturday to the dam where they were scooping and we caught 17 cels. I have no much to tell you so good bye to yo; and all the AVendyites.—From “DEE’i FOOT,” Bulls. Pleased you liked the card. I had r lovely holiday. AVhat a Jot of cels yos caught. Thanks for the cards. Iw? try and got the ones you ask for.—AVendy. Dear AVendy,—l hope you enjoyed your long holiday as much as I. enjoye< mine. Yesterday the sports were hel< and I came second in the children’f bending, my brother came third, too. He had the same pony as I did. It waa beautiful day, so hot that we had tc go for a swim. It was not long ag< that we had our school picnic. It wa> held six miles up the Kakatahi road on a beautiful spot with a creek running by. But to our disappointment w< found out that the tide didn’t come up so far, so my sister and her friend went up further to find a bathing-pool, which they did in a short time. By th. time they had got back the boys' hathad their swim in rbe snallow place, leaving us to have the good place. Before I close I must thank you for the Christmas card and the birthday greet ings. I must close, with much love—from “BREATH OF HEAVEN,” Makirikiri.

Yes, I had a splendid holiday, and I am pleased to hear that you enjoyed yours. I am also glad to hear that you ; won a place in the race for which you entered. —AVend v. * '# « « Dear Wendy,—AVill you please excuse me for not writing to you last week a.I was not well, and although I did not want to let a week pass without writ ing you a line I was compelled to do so. AVendy, I thank you ever so much for the cigarette cards which you sg kindly sent me and I am sending in two i or three more, hoping they will he useful. This week 1 propose to tell you I about a walk, which my cousin and I : had in the early spring. The day which we appointed was a AVednesday and’ luckily for us it dawned gloriously fine, so we sot off early in the afternoon along a lonely country road which led to the beautiful native bush. Filnn ' ferng and drooping branches of frag rant blossoms and delicate green leaves that had exposed themselves to spring’j- I welcome sunshine and gentle breezes ! made the roadside a picturesque sight tv • behold. On the other side or the dusty • road tawny red cows grazed peaceful!} in the undulating field which sloped to wards the overgrown riverbank. In th; neighbouring paddocks frisky wool!; lambs frolicked and gambolled anion; the dainty yellow dandelions which tossed their heads about in the grass that robed the meadow in a gown of green. At the far end of the paddock ' graceful, drooping willows threw fan tastic shadows on the cool, placid watc. of the pond which was nestled at the foot of the tree. We strolled along un til the low gurgling of the babblingbrook could bo heard and when w< ' reached it we saw four white ducks gliding swiftly and gracefully on the clear crystal-like water. As we walked towards the riverbank we came across , a fascinating sight. Two fluffy grc} rabbits were scampering about in search of frosh patches of grass for : their young ones, but as soon as the} sighted us they made for their burrow*. • as fast as their legs could carry them ' and they never left their hiding place ’ until we were safely past. The loud ■ roaring of the rushing river could be i heard as it made its way over its strong ’ bed, but it was lost from sight as man' trees were growing on the bank and my word, AVendy, it was a gloriou.- . sight to behold. As we strolled undei j the canopies of green leaves our eyes feasted on the beauties of the surround • ing trees. The poplar, tall and proud. -' stood out in the warm sunshine and th leaves looked ever so pretty as the sui ! sparkled on them. My cousin pointer to a tree which attracted her. It wa beautiful enough to attract anybody. . It was a towering kauri whose thici '' grey trunk was surmounted by a crow; of spreading branches, which wei\ clothed in a foliage or a delicate green, i The sun had began to set and a dee]- . flush of crimson was spreading over thwestern sky, and yet another of a dif ■ ferent hue until the sky looked like : box of paints. From the east then rose a pile of fleecy clouds, so w< thought it time to retrace our step i homeward. AVendy, I congratulate a! • those who have had their names on the ( Honours Board for I know mine wil i never be printed (especially for writ ing) as I am such a hopeless creature, j I must close now as mother is telling nie it is time I had completed my paint ! ing as she wants to send it away am! | oil paints take a while to dry. Do you. ! like painting, Wendy? (I don’t mean ' painting houses!) .1. like it but I’nd not mad on it. 1 paint scenes generally as I’m not too good at faces or any I thing like that, as I can do nature best j Perhaps if I do one good enough I wil : send you one. The one I am doing nov. is a country scene; a cnurcii with snov. clad roof and snow surroundings. Brick walls are around the church, while b. hind it are snow laden trees and hills The sun is shining on it, thus making the snow sparkle and the church windows a beautiful golden colour. It ipainted in a horse-shoe which is covered with holly leaves and berries. 11. lacks one thing and that is a back ground. It. has the tiniest piece o'-_ back-ground, but. it is very noticeable as I have painted my scene (ns 1 cab it) on card board so that the snow wil' show up. AVell, AA’endy, I will clos - now. Lots and lots of love—fron ' “AVHITE FORGET-ME-NOT,” Wan ganui. Pleased to know that you are now ; well enough to write to me again, my- ■ dear. Alany thanks for the cards. IJ like painting very much. AVould be | pleased to receive one of your efforts. I I will try and get the cards you re-I quire.—AVendy,

Dear AVendy,—Thank you very much for the mark, but I’ve nothing to write about this time. Nothing special has happened since then. AVe are to have our .swimming sports on AVednesday. I hope it will be fine for it. lam cutting out all the Wendy Hut poems and I .am going to paste them in an exercisi book. 1 missed one (Saturday’s) bn’ •it doesn’t matter. 1 wish I could write something decent- AVhen I read th- • ‘poems of ?/ascfield and the others, my . attempts seem so paltry. AVell, as if’.s ‘no use grumbling for we all can’t be 1 poets, I must close. Love.—From ‘‘ A YAGA NOR A, ” Ma rt on. I hope it is a nice day for the sports, Do not be discouraged, my dear, b? cause you cannot write poetry lik«> Masefield. Keep on pegging away, ant’ one day success will crown your efforts.—AVendy. # Dear AVendy,—AVill you please enrol One as one of your Hut readers. May , I have "Sir AValtcr Raleigh” for nn I pen-name. I en joy reading the inter ' esting letters which your large familyis sending you. AVe had five kittens ‘ but wo gave two to our neighbour. ; They were two pretty kittons, one a brown one, and the other a black. Ono ; wet day when our neighbour was tip--1 ping over the pigs’ trough the little I black kitten ran in under it and was killed. AVe still have three kittens and wo, think wo will give her another one. : AVe have throe pups at home, two of 1 them are black and white and the other is a black one. This is all, so good-bve. ; AVith love—from "SIR AVALTER RALEIGH,” AVavcrley. Welcome to our Hut, "Sir AValter Raleigh.” Glad you like reading the Wendy Hut letters. AVhat a shame the little kitten was killed. AVhat have i you named the puppies ? —AVendy. * * # «? Dear AVendy,—This week I will tell I you about New Zealand flax. Phormium, •or native flax, is a large lily that is 'found in groat abundance in all parts lof our Dominion. It grows luxuriantly (in gullies and along the margins of ’swamps; but the finest specimens may j be seen on the hanks of rivers, where j the roots are constantly supplied with I running water, and plant food the-’’ rel quire. The phormium grows to a : heigh* of six or seven foot. The loaves ! are sword shaped and the width at the bottom is two or three inches. The flower is of a dull red colour and has J a sweet nectar. For manufacturing purposes the leaves are cut near the ■ roots, and tied into bundles. These are carted to the flax-mill where they i are weighed and sorted. After it has

been through the various processes it is pressed into bales and then the flax is sent to the market under the name of New Zealand hemp. Most of the manufactured fibre is sent to England and America. The Maoris used to dress the flax by hand, taking much pains to prepare the fibre, so as to give it a fine, flossy appearance, somewhat resembling silk, and is more valuable on account of it’s finer texture and superior quality generally. 1 will close now’ with best love to you and all the AVendyites.—From "VIOLET BLOOM”. Marton Junction. Many thanks for your interesting letter on one of New Zealand’s most important industries. The AVendyites will enjoy it. I will try and get the cards you require.—AVendy, * « # * Dear AVendy,—Well, AVendy, it is time I wrote to you again as 1 have not written this year. I am glad to hear that most of the, AVendy Hut readers spent happy Christmas holidays. The weather has been ideal for many kinds of sports, and for camp life. I did not go anywhere for a holiday, but I had a. pleasant holiday at home. I frequently went bathing in the baths- 1 went to the Marton Show and spent a most enjoyable time there. I went on the chair-o’-plane for the first time, and liked it very much, so I went on a second time; after that. I had to go home. Has the picture of “Ben-Hur” been to AVanganui yet? It was in Palmerston not long ago, and we milked the cows early then went in for the evening to see "Ben-Hur.” ft was a very good picture and I hope many of the Wendyites will see. or have seen it. Isn’t, it a shame that “Apple Blossom” cannot write any more. I am sure T enjoyed her letters Aery much. Don’t you think it would be a good idea if we had a set subject for poetry each week, and those who can, could compose a verse of poetry or that subject? I have read some very funny verses on popular srltjocts suet as “Mary had a Little Lamb.’’ I will close now with lots of love. —From "SWEET ADELINE.” Bulls. Glad to hear you had such a good time at the show. Yes, “Ben-Hur” has been to AVanganui. Tt is a pity "Apple Blossom’’ has loft us. I will consider your suggestion. Thanks fo»* the cards, I will try and get the ones you want. —AVendy. Dear AVendy,—The weather for the .sports was not very promising, and wj had one heavy shower. There was a south easterly wind blowing all day, and it was very chilly. There were several races for the shields. Ohakea School won the Hornblow Shield from us this year, but we hope to win it baci; next year. Foxton won the McKelvie •Shield for the second time. There was chain stepping, sheep guessing, nail driving for ladies and guessing the height of a pole- There were running and cycling events for the mon, ami also a married ladies’ race. The re freshment stall had lollies, ice creams, | and soft drinks. I liked listening to' the bagpipes, and watching the Highland dancing. I am sending you some more cards and thanks for the cards you gent me. I think this is all the news this week, w’ishing you and all your AVendyites best of 'love.—From "MURRAY' MOON,” Sanson. Sorry to hear that the weather on the day of the sports was not of the best. The Highland dancing i.s lovelv, isn’t it? Thanks for the cards, I will try and get the ones you require.—Wendy. ***** Dear AVendy,—lt eertaiuly does not seem a week since I last wrote to vou. 1 must thank you for the cigarette cards you sent me. You must have a big mail to answer every week. AVendy’ Are there many mushrooms up your way? There arc not many out in Marton, as the ground is very dry. It will be Easter next month, and I think we get a week’s holiday from school. 1 Apple l Blossom’s” letters are missed very much, don’t you think so, AVendy? Our little chicks are growing bigger every day. A cat got away with th-' other little chicken yesterday- AVe always have bad luck with our chickens Every Thursday we go to the Technical School for cooking. AVe have made quite a lot of things. 1 might describe the kitchen we cook in next week. Well. Wendy, I must close now, with love to you and all the other Wcndvites.— From “FAIRY ROSE,” Marton. There are few mushrooms about, now, my dear. Yes, "Apple Blossom’s” letters are missed from our page, perhaps she will write again. J think it is very nice to be able to cook well.— AVendy.

Dear AVendy,—Could T please join your happy band. As you can sec I am “White Vorget-me-not’s” sister. She is such a nice sister, too, as she is always joking with me. My word! AVendy, she can paint. She is painting such a lovely scene of a church now. AVendy, may I have "White Forget-me-not ’s Darling” for my pen-name! Please! AVith lots of love —from “WHITE FORG ET-M E NOT ’S DA RLING, ” AVanganui. AVeleome to the AVendy Hut, my dear. You may have you pen-name.—AVendy.

Dear AVendy,—This time I am going to tell you about tho Makirikiri sports, that. 1 went to last Saturday week. The place where they were held is about twenty miles away from here. AVhen we got there we were glad to hear that none of the races had started, as th® second one was the one that I was going in for. They had a tyre race for the girls, and after that, one for tho boys, which was very interesting to watch.. Then there were a Jot of horso events for both men and women. Tho tilting in the ring was very interesting to watch, and also the rescue race, in which two ladies competed again{t the men. Are you going to the Wes rmerc sports on Saturday? I am- Thank you very much for the cigarette cards, and I nm sending for some more. With love—From ‘ ‘ MAID MA RIAN, ” Brunswick.

AVhat a lot of interesting events yoj saw at the sports. I may be able to go to the Westmere sports, my dear. I hope you have a good time. Thanks for the cards, I will try and get the ones you require.—AVendy.

Dear AVendy,—l am sorry I did not write to you last week. But this week I am going to tell you about Sir Philip Sydney. There was a little baby boy born at Penshurst on November 29, in the year 1554. When he was ten years of age he was sent to school at Shrewsbury; afterwards he went to Christchurch, in Oxford. From Oxford ho wont to Cambridge where he left with high honours- In the year 1572, he went abroad as it was the custom with, young men of rank. He was in ”aris at the time of St. Bartholomew’s massacre, and he just escaped being . victim. After that, he visited Belgium, Germany, then Italy, and in the year 1575 he returned home perfected in manly accomplishments. As a courtier* he became a great success, and was one of Elizabeth’s favourites. In tho year 1578 ho married Lady Penelopa Devereux, to whom he had been ardently attached and who figures as "Stella” in his poems. He died on October 7, in the year 1586. Lots of love and kisses to you and the AVendyites. —From “BLUE PETER,” Marton.

Thanks so much for your interesting letter. I am sure all the AVcndyitvs will enjoy reading it very much. History always makes good reading.— Wendy. • ♦ * •

Dear Wendy,—Thank you for your birthday wishes. I had a party cn. Friday after school and asked nineteen children, but two couldn’t come. One was a cousin of mine, and he will be five to-morrow. He went to the dentist on Thursday for the first time and had a tooth stopped, but he said that it didn’’t hurt him. On Friday morning he was sick and he said that ’t was the dentist that made him sick* The other one was a girl a few months younger than I am who went into the hospital a day or two ago for appendicitis. She has been in pain fur a long time. I hud many presents given to me, one. was a camera, some of the others were, a bed with rails at each end. a torch, two cakes of soap, seven handkerchiefs, and £1 3s. Don’t you think that I was lucky to get so many presents? 1 didn’t write last time because I didn’t seem to have time. La-t Sunday week I went to Scott’s Ferry to sc** an uncle. 1 forgot to thank yo.t for the cigarette card. I am sending some cards which are wanted and T am sorry that they aren’t, very clean. J. »vc. —From “PRIMROSE LASS,” Marton.

Bow sad your cousin and friend were unable to attend your party. How lucky you were to receive so many presen rs. Thanks very much for the cards. I will try and get the ones you want. ‘ —AVendy. * * * *

Dear AVendy,—l am just longing fop Easter time to come. I was in St. Patrick’s concert on Tuesday night, it was lovely- AVe have a quaint wee but ar the back of our place on r ho hill. AVe have two ducks, a black and white one find a brown one. I have some fun with them. AVe v.ent to th», sacred concert on Sunday night. I thought it was very nice. AVell, I suppose I must go now, AVendy. With lots of love and kisses to the other AVendyites and yourself.—From "GOLDEN DOVE.” Gonville. Easter will soon be here. Have your ducks got names? I went to the sacred concert, too, and I thought it very fine.—AVendy.

Dear AVendy,—Well, Wendy, yon asked mo if 1 would fell you how we got on at our Girl Guide picnic. I enjoyed myself and I am sure the others did also. AVe played a game and had tracking. The Mangaweka Guides led the trail while Taihape, Ohingaiti and Hunterville tracked after us- We went in for a swim twice, but the river was high and very dirty. Are you going away for your Easter holidays? 1 hope it will be fine. AVell, Wendy, I will have to close now with much love. - —From "DAISY BELL,” Mangaweka. I am pleased to hear that, you enjoyed yourself at the Girl Guido picnic. It was a pity that conditions were had for swimming. I might go for just a short holiday at Easter.—Wendv.

Dear AVendy,—lt is very near out Easter holidays. I am going awai for my holidays. 1 have my littk baby cousin staying with us, and I like nursing her. I went to my grannys on Sunday afternoon. Thero are very few flowers in tho gardens. Well, AVendy, as it is getting near bedtime 1 must, close, with love to you all the Wcndvites.—From “POPPA.’,” Marton. It will soon be Easter now; how the time does fly. I hope you enjoy your holidays. What i.s your baby cousin's name ?—AV endy.