“WOOD VIOLET” TELLS OF QUEER THINGS BENEATH THE SEA

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 71, Issue 291, 8 December 1928, Page 20 (Supplement)

“WOOD VIOLET” TELLS OF QUEER THINGS BENEATH THE SEA

This week, I shall tell you about some of the beautiful but. queer things _ that lira under the sea. One of them is the coral which is almost any colour. Pink and white are the two most common colours. The Great Barrier Reef is composed of coral. Little insects build barriers of coral. The fan-corals are so-called because of their shape. They live on the sea-floor. Coral is theskeleton of the polyps. This growth spreads from sea to sea like a plant. The mushroom coral is not unlike a large mushroom. Another growth is Venus’ girdle, which is a ribbon-like form, a yard long, and is found in the Mediterranean. The seapen, which is another growth, is like feathers Sea-gooseberries are found on the shores of England. They resemble a tiny crystal globe, gleaming with the hues of the rainbow. Sea-cucumbers are like ordinary cucumbers, and have a mouth at one end. Seaweed, shells and many other things are found on the floor of the ocean. Sea-ane-mones are very pretty. They vary in colour, but crimson and green coloured anemones are the most common. They are tubular in shape. Coralline is a plant that is found in rock-pools in abundance. Many animals in the sea have beautiful, crystal, bell-shaped cups. Some coralline have tiny forms iike small crimson flowers. Sea-cows are fish-like in appearance, and feed on water-plant. l - and seaweed. Sea hares may be two or three inches long. They crawl along, and resemble a tiny hare or rabbit. Seahorses are queer-looking fish. They are olive-brown in colour, with bluish-white spots. It is often mistaken for seaweed as it is nearly the same colour. The Australian seahorse is a very queer-looking animal, covered with spines and filaments.—From "WOOD VIOLET,” Ngutuwera.

Dear Wendy,—l have little time to write this before afternoon school. "Stars and Stripes” is very sick at present with flu., 1 hoj>e I won’t get it. That would be awful, just when the holidays are beginning. I feel very sorry for “Stars and Stripes,” but her hand would l>e a great hinderance in the holidays, so she wouldn’t feel it like most children. What is the pen-name of the Wendyite? I can’t remember, and I have some silver paj>er to send. I can get lots of it, as dad is a heavy smoker, and lots of men I know can give me paper, too. I love lhe smell of tobacco, don't you, Wendy? Of course, it is nice to see a man that doesn't smoke, hut it seems unnatural, don’t you think? I suppose it is because 1 was brought up among men who smoke. Are you fond of sewing, Wendy ? I am not, but I make a martyr of myself and do it. I am not making any headway at all with either of the dolls, as I have to make things for my two grannies and one or two aunts. I read Mrs Dexter’s letter, and am going to send in as many things as I can. As the mother making such a brave struggle for her children. I think she deserves a present, too, don't you? I will try and make her a table-centre or some other simple dainty thing. If you don't think it quite right, I won't send the thing, for the lady might feel hurt or anything, and it would be one less Christmas present to

make. Four of my South Island cousins arc coming up for Christmas. They are all under seven, and I am so pleased because it i« an excuse to have a Christmas Tree and Santa Claus. Everybody says that we are too old except “Lindberg,” and it is not, worth the trouble for one child; but I don't agree with them, do you, Wendy? 1 think I will love a Christmas" Tree till the day 1 die. it's such good fun. 1 was unlucky enough to miss the eclipse of the moon, but I saw one last year, not. a full one. but enough to please me. Mother once saw a total eclipse of the sun. It was about nine a.m., and all the fowls

went to roost again. She said it was so funny. They had to light the lights again for about two hou-». and then it started to pass off. Such a lot of Wendyites are busy with examination*, but mine were finished long ago, thank goodness! "Indian Princess” will know by now whether she gained her proficiency or not. I hope she did; ?t would be frightful for her if she failed. "Black Prince” is my cousin, and he is an awful

tease. Most boys are teases, though, aren’t they? At least all the ones I know are. I must stop and go back to school or the set won’t be finished this side of Christmas. —From “BLANCO-CITO,” Wanganui. I am so sorry to hear that “Stars and Stripes” is ill with the ’flu. I do hope she is soon better. 1 hope you will not get it also. I am so glad "Stars and Stripes” is with you. I know you will take every care

of her now that her mother is in the hospital. It is so good of you. The name of the reader who is collecting silver paper is “Senorita Almeria.” I do not dislike the smell of tobacco. I think it nice to see men smoking, although of course. I do not like to see them over-indulging. I am sure it cannot do them any good. It seems a great comfort to them, doesn't it? I am fond of sew-

ing when I can get time for it, and that is not often. I am so pleased you intend helping me to send our "Ship”’ on her voyage of kindness with a tremendous cargo for the poor children. Perhaps Mrs Dexter will be able to manage a present for the mother, also. I hope so, for she deserves one. Oh, my dear. I’m sure the lady would welcome your gift, and be very grateful to you. A kindly action never causes a hurt to anyone. I am pleased to hear you are going to have a house full of young folk for Christmas. How jolly it will be, except perhaps for mother, but then I know you will be helping her, so perhaps you will be able to have the tree. I hope so. I can remember the total eclipse of the sun also. Let us hope "Indian Princess” has passed. Most boys like to tease. Why ? I do not know, it just seems natural for them to do so. Many thanks for the stamps. They are quite all right and very welcome.— Wendy. Dear Wendy.—l like that pen-name you gave me. Would you give me a name for my calf? My teacher’s name is Mr Burke.. I go to the Marton Junction School. We are having our exam now. "Little Rose Marie” and I are friends. You may put my letter in the “Answer Bag” as this is all the news. I will close now. With heaps of love.—From "BETTY BLUE EYES,” Marton.

I am so pleased you like the pen-name I gave you, my dear. Will “Torchy” do for the calf’s name? I hope you will pass. Let me know, won’t you? I am glad you have for your friend “Little Rose Marie.” I am pleased you like the “Answer Bag.”—Wendy.

“SEA SPRITE,” Christchurch.—Dear me, how sore your mouth must feel with all those teeth out. Still, that is the best thing when they become decayed, for bad teeth poisons the system. It will not be for long that you will notice the awkwardness, for you will soon !*• able to have new teeth in. How kind of "Laughing Lilac,” to send you such lovely gifts for your birthday. I am pleased you were able to go to the “Schubert Centenary Recital.” I can imagine how your cousins are teasing you, but you will be able to laugh at them later. I hope you enjoy yourself at the fancy* dress party. Let me know all about

won’t you? Goodness me! What has ■aused the “league of Merry Mates” to dis>a:id? Wendy.

Dear Wendy,— l am now back in New Plymouth, after a most enjoyable time spent in South Taranaki. No, I didn’t hear “Queen Alexandra’s Band play "Ramona.” The Bridges’ Trio played it though. I saw the

picture starring Dolores Del Rio. Please ■don't forget about "The League of Notions I Revue.” The company is at present playing a return in Wellington, so will be up any lime now, unless they have to return to Aus sie for Christmas. Did you see “The Girl Friend” and “Hit the Deck”? 1 came back purposely to see them, as I have friends with ihe company. Wendy dear, is one of your readers collecting used stumps? I have about two dozen Australian and American stamps, and two or three New Zealand ones, if they are of any use 1 will forward them to you. My dear, I trust you are enjoying the best, of health, miso salute buon. When are you coming to New Plymouth. Wendy? 1 like this town, but sometimes 1 get nostalgigue. Now dear, I must ring off, mio auguria sincer sempre.—Sincerely yours, “RAMONA,” New Plymouth. I am pleased to hear from you once again, my dear. I am glad you spent such an enjoyable holiday in South Taranaki. The Bridges Trio play well, don't they? I often have the pleasure of listening to them. I will remember to see the companies you recommend. I saw “The Girl Friend” and | "Hit the Deck.” They were good. I am I collecting the used stamps for a good cause I for which we are all working in connection with a children’s home. I will be pleased Ito receive them. lam keeping well. Many | thanks for sending me that beautiful little Icard. Oh, 1 do not think I shall be able to steal away for a holiday in New Plymouth for some time yet. -Wendy. Dear Wendy,— Please excuse me for not writing for a long time. Thank you very much for the birthday greetings. I had a very happy birthday. When I awoke in the morning I received a beautiful box of choco- | lates from “Alice in Wonderland,” then in the afternoon. “Sally Red” came down and gave me a bangle and a handkerchief. Then “Inchcape Rock" gave me a handkadol. and a friend •.rave me a cup and saucer. Mother gave me a party, and after this was over we weni. !•< a swim ; it was lovely. Have been for many swims this year. I know a lot <,| I’atea Wendyites. Dear Wendy, I am -eialin". you .-.me stamps and cards. I hop • ihty are useful. I will close now, with love. From “SALLY BLUE.” Patea. I am so pleased to ehar that you had such a lovely lime on your birthday, and that you received many beautiful presents. How nice to go for a swim. I have only been for one <o far. anil the water was fairly cold. I am glad you kiio.v !t lot of the Patea readers. Many thanks for the cards and stamps you haw sent me. They arc very welcome.--SVernly.

Dear Wendy,—Here 1 am again, but I am i writing this letter in bed, as 1 have a very bad cold. Last week I said that I would tell you about my pets. I have six pet lambs, the largest one of which I call “Tunney,” because he is so strong and wild. I also have four calves, two cats, and a gosling, for pets. I saw "Laughing Lilac,” “Princess Betty,” “Old Bootlace,’ and "Shining Star,” in town a few days ago. I know who they are, and also “Brown Wallflower.” Please do not answer any of my letters in Monday’s

"Chronicle,” as I cannot get that paper. I hope to be well again to write you a better letter next time.—Your affectionate Wendyite "LONE SCOUT,” Taihape. I am so sorry to hear that you have such a bad cold, my dear, and I hope when next I hear from you that it will be quite better. Colds make one feel so miserable, and I can guess how hard it is for you to write an interesting letter while lying in bed. I am pleased you know so many of the Taihape readers. I expect they will all wonder just who you are. I have no column in Monday’s paper like I used to. All letters are to be found in our ordinary “Hut” pages.—Wendy. Dear Wendy,—l have not written to you for a long time. I hope you will forgive me. We are having some fine days here lately. Are you having some in Wanganui? Some cf the people here are starting to go swimming now, but I have not gone in yet. I am going to see if I can get enough stamps lo send to you. Well, Wendy, I will not write very much this time, because I had some of teeth out on Tuesday night. I will write more next time. 1 will close now with tons of love to you. -From “LEMON WOOD,”

I am delighted to hear from you once again, my dear. I was beginning to wonder just what had happened to you, when along came your letter. The weather has been behaving a little better than formerly. It has been so changeable that I was wondering if we were to have any summer weather at all. 1 am pleased to hear that you are saving the stamps for me. I shall be very glad of them. I hope you did not feel very much pain when you had your teeth out. Write again soon, won't you?—Wendy. Dear Wendy, —I am sorry I did not write to you last week, because I could not think of any news to talk about. Last week my brother and I took two horses over to Bulls to be shod. We are having our Sunday school anniversary. The ladies have decorated the church with evergreens and flowers. I will accept “Minnehaha” as a pen-friend, and you may publish my address. I will close now, with love. From "MURRAY MOON,” SanI am delighted to hear from you this week, my dear. It would be quite an adventure taking the horses to be shod. I hope you enjoy the celebration of your Sunday school anniversary. I will tell “Minnehaha.” — Wendy.