THE WENDY HUT

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 74, Issue 144, 20 June 1931, Page 4 (Supplement)

THE WENDY HUT

OUR CHILDREN'S CORNER

My dear Children,— The third and last Week of our Re-union is at hand, and with so large a number of the "Old Brigade" present, perhaps no more fitting a message could we receive than this note I have here for you from "Old Oran’s” secretary, “J. McN.” Here it is, cherubs, and a reassuring and favourable one, too. Dear Wendy,—We are so pleased to report favourably and reassuringly about “Gran,” even if she is doing as "advised," remaining in her retirement for some time to come. As to when "Old Gran” is likely to return to Letterland, we can only quote the familiar. "Please expect her when you see her, but not before." And now, Wendy, what a splendid Rally is this, you arc holding. It must be very gratifying to you, the esteemed Leader. We, all of us, join in wishing you "Many Happy Returns," of similar, such fortunate gatherings. Cheerily, "JOSEPHINE McN." There, that is a cheery little epistle indeed, and may We hope, too, that our friend, "Josephine McN.’s" Ifindly wish will redound to her own great happiness also. Thank you, "Josephine," for your thought for us in keeping us posted re the welfare of one, beloved of all Letterland's merry throng. Now, 1 have the result of "Madame X’s" Holiday Competition to announce, or perhaps better still, I will print the whole of our generous Ite s letter and her commentary re the entries. Here you are then:— RESULTS OF "MADAME X’s" HOLIDAY COMPETITION Prizewinners—Seniors.— lst. "CYCLAMEN," Hunterville. 2nd. "NUTLANDS,” Westmere. Juniors.—lst, "BROWN WALLFLOWER," Taihape. 2nd, RUSSELL HARPUR, Bulls. Ohingaiti. Dear Wendy,—l have done my best to be fair in judging the results of my competition, and have adjudged the winners as above. Some good essays were submitted, especially in the Senior class, and 1 must add that the essays of “Wai-nui-arua" and “Just Me Alone" are Highly Commended. The former Ite wrote feelingly of wishing to be a Second Apirana Ngata, M.P., and helping the Maori race toward better living conditions, but unfortunately his story Was 100 short; and the latter-mentioned Ite choose the original career of a wireless operator on a ship. lam forwarding you "Cyclamen's" and "Brown Wallflower’s" essays (both of whom have chosen the same career, but have written so well of it), so that if you and Mr Printerman are agreeable you may publish same. And may 1 impose still further by requesting the publishing of Russell Harpur's essay (no pen-name given) as I consider it ever so original for a boy of eight years. "Bonzo,” of Waverley, sent in a good essay which she unluckily spoilt by drifting away slightly from the subject and writing of Gainsborough (the Ite Wanted to be a famous painter like the celebrated genius). However, an episode in his life which she related, may be told here and interest your readers. I quote from her essay: “There were many great artists in the years that have passed by. There was one particular artist who made great fame in his life, but as a little country lad and born of parents who were far from well off, he did not have the chances richer boys and girls had. Tom’s father and mother never gave it a thought that one day their son would become an artist. The boy Would often love to take paper and pencil and scamper off to the woods to sketch, until it led him into trouble. One day, a few months later, Gainsborough thought he would like a holiday from school, so he took a pen and some paper and, imitating his father’s writing as closely as possible, penned an excuse to stay away from school, then gave the note to the teacher, and off he ran into the woods and fields to sketch. Gainsborough's father was very angry when he heard of the trick he had played. But later on i om's mother showed the father some of the sketches Tom had cone, and they were so good his father's anger soon passed; and he said, ‘Tom will some day be a genius,’ and truly it came about the words were prophetic." Well Wendy, I think this concludes my remarks on the essays, except that I may add 1 thank fl ll the lies who entered, my congratulations to the prizewinners, and for those who did not win I say “Try again, and better luck next time!” Unluckily, everyone cannot be "First,” can they Wendy.- 1 And of course, on the great subject of prize winnings, lies, I promise to forward these out at the earliest possible date. Thanking you, Wendy, for your valuable space, I beg to remain, your lovin' "MADAME X.” A cheer for “Madame X," children. How say you? Three? Eery good then. Now, all as loud as you can, so that they will carry upon the fairy zepher to Wendytown, where lives our esteemed lies. Hip, hip, hurrah! Hip, hip, hurrah! Hip, hip hurrah! Thank you, dears, that was splendid. I shall publish the prizewinning essays, also those Madame X has requested me to, in our next issue, so that everyone may read and sec the efforts made by the competitors to capture prizes so valued. Goodness, my dear Gnome, two more parcels for our Relief Ship? Yes, Wendy, one from 'Daddy's Daughter’ and her brother. You will remember she promised her help.” Oh, yes. 1 see she has sent some lovely warm garments to keep our little less forlunates comfy and happy. One can always be happy when they are nice and Warmly clad, can they not? “Eery true, Wendy. The other parcel is from 'Sybil the Witch"." Oh, but won I Jac/c frost wear a frown when he sees what is in this? Several pairs of good stout boots! That will keep him al bay. He will not be able to play his pranks upon the toes of the wearers, will he? Just think of this: thirty toes all laughing at his Frosty Majesty, and naught can he do. Many, many thanks, my helpers, for your very acceptable gifts to the cargo of our Relief Ship. I've just taken a peep at the Gnome of Gratitude s huge Ledger of Good Deeds, and your names are there in letters of Because of so many in our happy Land of Letters this day I must not take up too much room, but before I close 1 would like to send our love and a r a l T' nlS ’” Wh ° is laid aside iic kness. and is in the hospital. 1 do hope she Will soon be quite well again, and able to take her place within our midst, for I miss her merry wee notes. So "Autumn Tints," fturry now, and cheer up, for everyone waits for you. Here is an especial big less for you. X—X—X—X! Did you catch it? And now, dears Sir Richard waits for me io make the first cut in our Wendy Re-union Cake, after which he will carve a piece each for you with his trusty sword;,o that all our band. Tinies. Juniors, Seniors, Growns-ups, helpers and friends, and to all who have helped build so worthy a Hut as ours is, and of wh.ch 1 have the honour to be you, Leader, please accent t om me upon this day of our gathering, all my warmest appreciation love ond lasses from your ever affectionate

Enter . . . •‘MERRY JINGLE BELLS” 7 years. “OUR BILL” 8 years. HON. MEMBER. “MINNIE MOUSE” .. ..30 years, o Dear Wendy,—Another interested grown-up seeks admittance to the cheery hut, but don’t be surprised, Wendy, as you ken this place is known as W’endytown I I know your illustrious Iten “Aunty” and "Madame X,” “Mother-in-law,” etc., but a few are a mystery to me, among them being “Mickey the Mouse.” whose letters have been gracing the pages lately. I wonder if "Mickey” would mind if I coupled his name with mine, and had for my pen-name “Minnie Mouae” ? May I have that, Wendy? By the way, talking mysteriously. "Madame X” will get a big surprise some d°v when she learns who I am. Vr ” don’t you, Wendy? I seem to be doing a lot of writing lately, a».». .n. •>; weeks I have been engaged writing of ideas for stage dancing. I’ve found it very interesting. but I get stuck often for new ideas. The dances are mainlj- thought out for children, whom I prefer to see dance than adults, and last week T wrote two new ones (dances) entitled, “Adoration to a Rose” and “Tripping it with the Piper.” I'll explain the latter dance briefly. Three small girls and one boy are needed. The little lad is dressed as a “Piper” wou'd ugimst, and must be learnt a merry little dancing tune beforehand on a small flute; the girls are dreased in ordinary little ballet frocks, white with full, stiff skirts and opera sandals. The stage is set in a fairyland scene and the piper sits on a mushroom playing. The lune is supposed to lure three little mortals | into the scene, and when the small musician 1 espys them he stands up and plays a “dancy” tune to which the lassies trip “a light fantastic” through the scenery. Unknown to the maiden the flautist watches their steps, and to the one whom he thinks dances the best he tries to catch her eye, and hold it, and when the other two discover he has found a favourite they tactfully "fade out,” and the small musician and his wee lady are left to finish a novel little dance together. I It's really a long, little drama to explain, but it ends by their being “wed” by the fairies and having the flute made magic. Well, I explained all this ju«t to give you an idea of what is a ruling hobby of mine. II might even give another imaginative reader an idea for a small play. I'd be pleased to help anyone in this. This i< longer than I intended for h first letter, but I hope I may write again.—Sincerely, “MINNIE MOUSE.” Ohingaiti. Welcome to the Wendy Hut, my dear. I am pleased our pages hold so much to interest you. Yes, you may have the pen-name | you have asked for. Dear me. but someone will indeed receive a surprise. I appreciate the joke at; you yourself must. I am glad you already know so well a number of our Wendytown’s esteemed Ites. Gracious, but what an absorbing and lovely hobby you ' have. I can. as you describe the little drama, sea the wee folks upon a stage in my mind's eye. Is it not wonderful the power of the pen.—Wendy. Dear Wendy, May 1 become a member of your Hut? I am very interested in your pages. [ must tell you that I am “Betty Blv’a" sister. I hope to write every week. May I have “Jingle Bells” for my pen-nam®’ This is all for now.—From “MERRY JINGLE BELLS,” Utiku. Welcome to the Wendy Hut, my dear. I am pleased you have found so much to interest you in our pages. That’s right, do write every week. The pen-name you have askeel for is in use. but I have chosen another for you. 1 hope you will like it.— Wendy. Dear Wendy,—Please may I join your band of happy Wendyites? I am eight .vears old and I am in Standard I. Please can I have “Our Bill” for my pen-name, if it is not already in use? I am very fond of reading the Wendy page, so thought it would be nice to be a Wendyite, too. Love.— From “Our Bill.” Mataroa. Welcome to the Wendy Hut, my dear. Yes, you may have the pen-name you have asked for. I am pleased you like reading our nages each week. Now you are one of us you will find a greater interest in our aitivities. —Wendy.