“LIGHT OF THE WESTERN STARS” JUMPS ABOUT A FOOT IN THE AIR AS CRACKERS GO OFF.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 71, Issue 261, 3 November 1928, Page 23 (Supplement)

“LIGHT OF THE WESTERN STARS” JUMPS ABOUT A FOOT IN THE AIR AS CRACKERS GO OFF.

Dear Wetidy,—Once again the time has arrived for me to write to you. Oh, Wendy, this week-end was the queerest I have sjient for many a day. To begin with, on Saturday evening mother told us that we could go and see dad on Sunday if it was a nice day. Of course we were highly delighted, went to bed in the best of spirits and prayed for a fine day (at least I did). When I awoke Sunday morning I found that my prayers had not been in vain—the dawn was most magnificent. I hurried to the cowshed in order to get an early start. Everything was going tip-top. I don't know whether I’m a pessimist or not, Wendy, but I had a feeling that something was going to happen—and sure enough it did. We had milked only twelve cows when the electric power went ofL We rang the Power Board inspector and were informed that he had left for Silverhope where tho breakdown had occurred. Wendy, I nm sure you would have felt sorry for us had you seen the expression on our faces. There we were with 60 cows to milk by hand. However, we all set to work in great style, feeling confident that it would not be long before the trouble waa repaired. Nine o’clock came to see us still milking hard; there were only about ten cows left, so on we went. Occasionally we would switch the lever on, but with no response. Being very slow I was the last one milking, and just as I was finishing my cow our farm hand thought he would try the switch again, and. what do you think, Wendy? The motor went excellent Really though, we were pleased to know that everything was repaired, but it was most annoying at the same time. Just fancy the power coming on as the sixtieth cow was being finished. However, we went and did full justice to our breakfast, and soon forgot our troubles. All the calves and pigs had to be fed after breakfast but everyone set to work with a wiil because we were anxious *to get finished, so that we could have a long afternoon with dad. At two o’clock we set off in great glee, though it was only nine miles, the trip was glorious. Everything seemed to have wakened up to the fact that summer was with us once again. I saw two or three birds for the first time this year (including a tui which sat on the top of a tall tree whistling in Its sweetest voice). At last we arrived at “Strathmore” hospital to find that dad wan progressing most satisfactorily. We told him of the morning's events, and though he felt sorry for us he could not resist laughing. We made a bad start. Wendy, but like all fairy tales everything turned out all right. “Phantasy” says she has the address of some Australians. Wendy, would you please tell her that I would be every so grateful to her if she could give me two—a boy and a girl, about 16 to 17 years of age. Guy Fawkes Day will soon be here again, Wendy, and though many will be sorry, I shall be pleased jrhen it has passed and is forgotten for another year. I don’t mean to be horrid or semsh, but every time r cracker goes off I jump about a foot (more or less) in the air; they simply terrify me. Well, Wendy. I have exhausted my supply of news, so I will say au revoir for the present. With love and best wishes to you and all the Wendyites.—From “LIGHT OF THE WESTTRN STARS.” Rata.

Oh. how pleased and excited you would be when mother told you that on the morrow you would be able to go and see your daddy. But how dejected you must have been when that jolly electric power failed you. 1 eidi picture it all. The cows quietly Waiting to be rnllked, and your hands and arms would seem to be weighted with lead, just because you were in a hurry. Now. wasn’t that strange that the power should corne on again just, as the last cow was finished. Yes* 1 expect your daddy could see the humorous side of it all. Still, it wasn’t so, for you, was it? I am so glad to hear that he is getting along satisfactorily. I hope he will soon lie home with you once more. You must miss him so much. I will ask “Phantasy" for the Australian pen-friends. I will tell you a little incident in connection with fireworks. In Ridgway Street, Wanganui, some boys were firing off some large crackern. Having lit o.ie it seemed as though it had gone out, when along came R policeman who stooped down to pick it up. Suddenly there was r flash 4 and a loud explosion. The cracker had gone off. much to the policeman's surprise and annoyance. They make me jump. too. However, the younger children find much to amuse themselves with in the letting off of fireworks, and as it only comes nee a year we cannot deny them their pleasure.—Wendy.