“Wendy Hut Swimming Club”

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 72, Issue 291, 7 December 1929, Page 22 (Supplement)

“Wendy Hut Swimming Club”

Dear Wendy,—This is my third effort to write to you. I started two letters last week, but neither of them were finished. I hope you’ll excuse my writing. ' I ran a needle into the finger that I hold on to the pen with, and it’s so sore (I mean my finger). What a terrible smudge I made. Fancy, this month being December. Goodness, it only seems a few months ago since last Christmas. This time next month we will have welcomed in the New Year, and all the Christmas festivities will be over. Are you going away for Christmas? I’m not ’cos we are having visitors, but "Rosebud Fairy” may go to Hunterville to stay with "A Spring Bulb” and "Dancing Daffodil.” My sister. Olive, is coming home from National Park also. Hasn’t our Weather Clerk been sending us some lovely weather? I know that some of your Wendyites will not agree with me when I say that, but really, Wendy, the rain was very much needed. Was it not? Poor "Lily of Laguna.” I was hoping it would keep fine until the shearing was over. The prolonged stay of the shearers would mean much to her. I wish I was there to help you, "Lily.” Just recently, when my brother was cutting the hedge, he found a blackbird’s nest. There were three dear, little fluffy birds in it. We used to feed them with warms and they had become quite tame. We had hopes of seeing them fly, but one morning I went out to sec them and they were gone. I don’t know what could have happened to them. I was so sorry they had disappeared. Oh, Wendy, I think "Senorita Almeria’s” idea just "spiffing.” In fact, I think it a brain-wave. What say you, fellow ’ites? I may very humbly say that I cannot swim myself ’cos the real reason is I have never had the chance, but I would very much like to learn. I think it could easily be Arranged to join a “Wendy Hut Swimmiijg Club.” All 'ites meeting on a day most convenient, which I think would be Saturday, and perhaps the ’ites who can swim may be able to teach the ones less fortunate. I think many ’ites will respond to “Senorita Almeria's” idea, which to .use a modern term is what I shall call “a hum-dinger one.” Now, I think I will switch off to something else. But firstly I send my best wishes to “Old Gran” for a very happy birthday. Oh, Wendy, writing about lear “Old Gran,” perhaps she would like to know that she is the centre of a topic of conversation going on on our verandah. Shall I tell you? Yes, I think I will. “Rosebud Fairy” and my other little Wendyite sisters and brothers have been planning what they'll send “Old Gran.” It’s supposed to be a secret, but “Inky Imp” gave them away. lola must have said she was going to send “Old Gran” a hanky, ’cos "Inky Imp” came in and said (these are the very words) : “ *Ol’ Dwan,’ a nankie,” meaning, of course, hanky. Elaine said she was going to send some gooseberries, and that little “Imp” said, she "toudn’t’ ’keep them. So Elaine said she could eat them. Oh, dear me, Wendy, it was funny to hear them. I’m afraid “Old Gran,” you’ll have some weird parcels coming to you. I was pleased to see that “Patti Corelli” had written this week. Also “Old Maid.” Where is “Grandpa” and “Just Daddy?” I think a large number of ’ites have entered for his competition. “Rosebud Fairy” wrote a story, but it took her just on the month to write it out. Do you know who I met on Saturday? No other person than “Hope.” She sjient the afternoon with me, and I hope to see more of her in the near future. I was pleased to meet her. Weren’t "Mimosa” and “ 'Xmas Holly” lucky to go foi 1 an aeroplane ride ? Last week I went to the Convent School concert and enjoyed it immensely. But the greatest event of all was "Big Brother's” 21st birthday party. We had a gorgeous time and the evening was passed in games and dancing. And, oh, the Wendyites there! There were "Big Brother’s Pal,” “Taffy,” “Ichabod,” “The Hut’s Mascot,” “Smiler Snowy” and many more. Our Hut was well represented. Was it not? I think I shall ever remember that party. Since I last wrote I have read a number of books, they were "The Pride of Palomar,” by Peter B. Kyne; “Pollyanna Grows Up,” “Town Lights,” “The Ragged Messenger,” and some school girts’ books. Now, Wendy, I’m sure you’ll be wishing I hadn't written when you finish reading this, and my writing is disgusting, 1 will admit. Oh, “Cows” told me to tell you that she will be writing some time before Christmas. That's a deed done, and a better one will be accomplished if I bring this letter to a close. With kindest regards to all.—From your sincere ’ite. “PHANTASY,” Wanganui . I am so sorry to hear that you injured your finger so, my dear. I hope it will soon be quite better. How painful it must have been. Goodness, the time has flown, hasn’t it? I think we will have to devise a brake to attach to Father Time’s chariot. I shall not be going away for Christmas this year. It will be lovely to have your sister home with you for the festive season, won’t it? Yes, the rain has wrought much good. Many of our country members’ tanks were empty. I wonder just how our “Lily of Laguna” is faring? How sorry I am to hear the little birds flew away. Never mind, one day perhaps they will return and sing their sweet songs to you. I will draw attention to your letter and we will see if “A Wendy Hut Swimming Club” cannot be formed. Goodness, if our dear “Old Gran” receives all those presents how happy she will be. “Just Daddy” is at present on business in Wellington. I have not heard from our dear "Grandad” for a long time now, and I am wondering what could have become of him. Let us hope he will write soon. How lovely to meet “Hope.” What a wonderful party! How tremendously you all must have enjoyed yourselves. Our Hut was well represented, indeed. Oh, before I forget. Will you please call at our Avenue Office? Your prize from "Blue Danube” awaits you there.— Wendy.