HOW CAN WE SETTLE DOWN, ASKS ‘SNOWDROP’?

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 71, Issue 237, 6 October 1928, Page 24 (Supplement)

HOW CAN WE SETTLE DOWN, ASKS ‘SNOWDROP’?

Dear Wendy,—Now that this exciting week is over; now that "Smithy” and his companions have gone on their journey back to Christchurch, in, those great grey birds, that rendered such valuable service during the Great War, we children are expected to settle down quietly. It's easier said than done. How can we be calm and collected when someone is always bursting out with something about Kingsford Smith? It was a wonderful flight. I can’t get it out of my mind. How can we settle down quietly when there are storms every night? Oh, my word I I lie in terror every night for fear the roof will fall in. Well, it certainly seems like it, doesn’t it? It’s so windy in the morning, that I think, "Oh, bother, I won’t ride. I’ll walk.” That’s all right, but if the wind has died down, I always scold myself, because I have to walk home again. Even dad, when he is going up-hill in this wind, it’s "Puff I Puff!” "Oh, my goodness I” "Whew-ew!” "Oh, dear! You are a lump, Phyllis.” But after a few puffings and wobblings we’re up. What if everyone did pass us, we’re up. But you will think I do nothing but growl. Never mind, summer is coming. Hurrah! for the joys of the beach. Swimming! to say nothing of diving head first through the waves. Oh, it’s great I I say, Wendy, will you tell "Will o’ the Wisp” she can write. I think I know who "Taukatau” is, at least I have my suspicions, so please tell her to I write, will you? I wrote to "Jonathan Jo” yesterday. Oh my! school concerts. Our school held one and "Beau Sabreur” and I were unfortunate enough to have two elderly ladies sitting at the back of us who fell to critising each performer. "Oh, school concerts are all alike,” said one. "Yes, this item was done last concert,” said the other. “Beau Sabreur” and I nudged each other, and both felt a strong desire to laugh. Really, Wendy, jpu would have laughed to see Standard 111. boys, who dressed up and sang "Ten Little Nigger Boys,” it was funny. But our class had to sing a part song, and as our teacher was away you can imagine how wc got on. Anyhow, when we had finished we all stood and giggled, but soon we got off the stage. Oh, well, cheerio till next time (whenever that may be). —From "SNOWDROP,” Wanganui. I can well imagine, my dear, the difficulty of settling down to everyday affairs after such exciting events as the successful flight across the Tasman, and the flyers' visit to Wanganui. It was a wonderful flight. It has been very windy. In fact, so windy that I, like you, have often left my bicycle at home and walked to the office. Isn’t it lovely to think that soon it will be time for swimming. I will tell "Will o’ the Wisp” and "Taukatau.” I hope the ladies did not see you and "Beau Sabruer” nudge each other. —Wendy.

Dear Wendy,—Please excuse me for not writing to you these last two weeks, but I hava just recovered from chicken-pox, of all things. I am so glad you are having a painting competition, because I have spent nearly all my time practising painting while I have been in bed. "Janet,” "Jolly Jumbo” and I all won prizes at the fancy dress hall, which I expect you heard was a great success so I won’t tell you about it all over again. We went to Wanganui last Saturday to play a return match of basket-ball with Westmere, and we won again, the points were 14—6. Did you go to see the ’planes, Wendy ? I didn’t see them on Sunday, but I saw them on their way to Auckland. Do you like those aprona which are made of unbleached calico? I do. I made one with the "Queen of Hearts” on it for my cousin’s birthday, and 1 am making one at school. I started one for mother, too. You can buy bias fold tape to bind them with, and when they are finished they look quite nice. I am sending some jokes and riddles. Well. Wendy, I must close now. With love.—From "JONATHAN JO,” Wangaehu. I am delighted to hear from you again, my dear. Dear me, I had no idea you had been ill. I am pleased you are quite well again now. I am glad you all won prizes. I am glad to hear your team won. Yes, I went to Westmere to see the ’planes. I am glad you saw them also. The aprons made of unbleached calico are very serviceable. Thanks so much for the jokes and riddles. —Wendy. What is the cheapest breakfast you can have? —A roll on the grass. What pets are all the better for a good beating ?—Car-pets. (Copied)—From "Primrose Lass,” Marton.