THE WENDY HUT

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 75, Issue 178, 30 July 1932, Page 14 (Supplement)

THE WENDY HUT

OUR CHILDREN’S CORNER

Afj) Dear Children.— Heigh-Ho! Letter land Day is here again! Goodness, but how time does fly. I no'sooner close our Hut's door than knock! goes the knocker, and a host of merry clan-ites troop indoors to make frolic in that wonderful Land of Make-believe, in which we gather for an all too brief a sojourn. Some there are who are aged and tired; others there are, who, bubbling over with youthful spirits, would be as the aged, the one remembers youth, the other would experiment with age, and all is possible in the Land of Make-believe, because the Fairy Queen has waved her magic wand, and every wish is granted—the aged puts dside the mantle of age, the youthful gathers it up and pretends; those who have a mind, possess themselves of fabulous riches and surround themselves with all manner of comfort, or yet again cast aside such imaginary gain and become as a pauper, to know all misery and discomfort following m the wake of Madame Misfortune. Can anyone imagine the little tot's joy when all their childish thoughts and fancies become real? If they Want a big dolly, or if they would like a large rocking-horse, they have only to enter into M ake-believe Land, and wonders of wonders, there is the big dolly, and there is the huge rocking-horse ready waiting for them! "Let's Pretend" is the magic pass-word to this wonderful land, and whoever care to use it may. I wonder how many of us often return to childhood hours, when, in make-believe, H'c rocked our dollies to sleep, or roved, as a pirate bold, the Spanish Main? 1 wonder? Goodness me, but I forgot, my cherubs, that time does not stand still in Letterland, and I must soon draw my letter to a close. However, as is usual 1 have yet io thank oul ’ Doers of Good Deeds for their kindness in sending to me, for our Relief Ship, beautiful parcels of warm clothing for the little less fortunates. Yes, here is the Gnome of Gratitude s list; Huts, Biggest Sister,” “Golden Sunrise,” "Rosebud Queen and Honeybud. Thank you, my dears, for your noble endeavour. Just a word now about the "Aunty” squares. Il has been suggested that each of our Hut's strongholds squaies from which a quilt could be made, and in the centre of which could be worked a huge W> and then the Hut name for each stronghold beneath it in smaller lettering. Laughing Lilac, 99 of Wendytown, has suggested that our clan in Taihape knit a quilt similar to that now well under way in Wendytown, and I endorse her plans to this end. "Aunty” and "Madame X are both with us to-day, and each Icttei holds a special message to all lies who are Aunty squares from which the "Madex” quilt will be made. I have quite a few of these squares now on hand, and it is my intention to have a quilt made from them and others I receive from any */te who will help me with a quilt. I propose to name it "Old Gran” and underneath, in small letters, the words, Wendyvale.” This quilt will represent our city in the Hut's endeavour to provide comfort for those whom adversity treats unkindly. Really, I must be off dear me, but I believe that is the postman. I wonder what he can be bringing me? It 9 s a parcel, dears! Why, it is some squares from "Queen of the Angels” and "John Hop. These will do lovely to help our "Old Gran” quilt along. Thank you so much, my two up-river 'ltes. B-r-r-r-r! b-r-r-r! Oh, goodness, but I knew I would be late. Here comes Mr. Printerman and I must be off. All my love and k^ scs » from your ever affectionate — 'Y/Qnc/y

Dear Weudy,—As 1 have been so interested in your Ites’ pages for sucn a long time, I now wish to be enrolled as one of your merry band. 44 Curfew ’’ has been on to me for a long time to join up with your joyful Ites. I am in Standard IV. Please may 1 have 4 ‘Little Jazzcr” if it is not takeiU 1 know quite a number of your ites, such as “Curfew,” “Misty Morn." “Snowy Sprite,” 4 4 Miss Dimples’ and “Little Honeysuckle,” who are my closest friends. I must close now as it is getting late. Wishing to be one of your Ites.—l remain, 4 4 LITTLE JAZZEB,” Makirikiri. Welcome to the Wendy Hut. <ny dear. Oh, so I’ve to thank our “Curfew” for your seeking to join our band. I have given you “Little Jazzer” for your pen-name. I am glad you already know quite a number of our clan. —Wendy.

; Dear Wendy,—May 1 join your j happy band of followers? There is j quite a bit of reading in the Wendy i Hut pages to read beside the fire on ' Saturday nights. May I have 4 4 Pussy Wussy” for my pen-name if it’s not taken? I wonder who “Two-gun Thomas” is? Our fowls are not laying eggs yet, and our cows are not coming in. W’e have lots of bellbirds around our place. I must close now. Love to you and your Itca. —From “PCSSY WUSSY,” Ohingaiti. Welcome to the W’endy Hut, my dear. How jolly of you to join out merry ranks. I am pleased you find so much to interest you in our pager each week. Yes, you may have the pen-name you have asked for. There are lots and lots of Ites who wonder who our “Two-gun Thomas” can be, too. The bellbirds are wonderful, aren’t they?—Wendy.

Dear Wendy,—May I join your happy band? “Robinson Crusoe” is my brother, who is a very lazy Ite, and he has only written three or four times to you. 1 hope you do not think that lam going to be like him. I will try not to. 1 am in Standard IV. at school and 1 sit with “Primrose Per fume.” May I have 44 Red Rambler” for my pen-name if it is not already in use As this is my first letter 1 will close. Love to you and all the lies.—From 4 4 RED RAMBLERITE,' Wendydftle.

Welcome to the Wendy Hut, mV •’ear. Oh, so you are our long-lost Robinson Crusoe’s” sister, that’s splendid. Will you give him my love, please? How lovely to sit with “Primiose Perfume.” 1 have had to give you 44 Red Ramblerite” for your pen-name.—Wendy.

Dear Wendy, —Please enrol me as a Wendy Hut member. I am 19 years of age. May I have “Brown Eyes” •Sweetheart” for my pen-name? 1 know “Thistledown," • *urowu-eyes/ “Little Kcwa,” 44 Wood Violet” and many other Wendydale Ites. 1 am a keen football enthusiast. “BrownEyes,” don’t I see you cycling along the main road every Thursday? .1 must close now as 1 have to milk.— From yours truly, 44 BROWN-EYES' SWEETHEART,” Waverley.

Welcome to tho Wendy Hut. my dear. Yes, you may have the inname you have asked for. I am pleased you know some of our Ites already. Football is a wonderful game, isn’t it? Will you please send me your address? —Wendy.

Dear Wendy,—please may I join your happy band of Ites? I wrote one letter to you before but I forgot to post it. May I have 4 4 Lieutenant Dan’s Sweetheart” fj>r my pen-name? I have noticed you have quite a num* ber of 44 sweethearts” on your enrollment list. I have been staying for a week at. 44 Lily of the Valleykina’s” home, and I enjoyed myself immensely. I don’t like leaving my cosy blankets these cold mornings, but before many more weeks pass I hope the days will be drawing out and we will have long sunny days and short nights. Well, as this is my first letter I will close I remain yours, “LIEUTENANT DAN’S SWEETHEART,” Marton. Welcome to the Wendy Hut, my dear. I am so glad you have written again. You may have the pen-name you have asked for, but will you please send me your age and date of birth? How jolly to stay with our “Lily of the Valleykina.” You must have spent an enjoyable time together. We will soon have the sunny days vith us now.—Wendy,

Dear Wendy,—May I become one of your happy Ites? Please may I have 44 Green-eyed Greedy” for my pen-name? I know several Wendyvalley” Ites including “Nancy Bell,” 44 Little Giant,” 44 Lazy Daisy” and a good many others. 44 Lazy Daisy” and

“Little Giant” and about eight others are going to go for a saveloy picnic, and if it rains they are going to have it in the hall, because they say they are not going to be done out of it. My writing is not very good, because my little cousin is jigging about on the table which is not helpful. There are football and basketball matches out here now. Don’t you think this is funny? One of our little bantams have built a nest up in a tree and laid two eggs there, and you have no idea how -hard it is to get up to it. WeM. Wendy, I must close now. —Yours faithfully. ‘GREEN-EYED GREEDY/ Mangamahu. Welcome to the Wendy Hut, my dear. I am ever so pleased to have you with us in our merry clan. You may have the pen-name you have asked for. I am glad you already know quite a number of our Ites. Goodness, but T have never heard of a bantam building a nest In a tree before; what a strange bird.—Wendy.

Dear W’endy,—May I join your happy band of Wendyites, please? May I have for my pen-name “Bright Candlestick”? I know three Ites who write from Kai Iwi. We have bad some very heavy frosts lately and some big floods. My grandpa sends me up the Wendy page every two weeks. As news is scarce I must close.—From “BRIGHT CANDLESTICK,” Whangarei. Welcome to the Wendy Hut, my dear. lam pleased.to have you join our happy band. You may have “Bright Candlestick” for your penname. I am glad you already knowsome of our Ites. Yes, the mornings are cold indeed. How kind of granddaddy to send you the Hut pages. — Wendy.

Dear Wendy,—This is just another Ite seeking admittance to your merry band of Ites and also that nice big Hut fire, as I am so cold standing outside. Wendy, haven’t w’e been having lovely fine days? It has been delightful sitting in the sunshine reading and doing fancy work. 1 see where “Big Brother’s Pal” has a “sweetheart,” so please may I have for my pen-name ‘‘Big Brother’s Pal’s One and Only Sweetheart” if it is not taken? 1 believe “8.8. P. went I to Shannon for a few days, but is back now. I know quite a number of Ites, they are “8.8.P./’ “M.T.,” “L. 5.5. “T.L.D.” and a lot more. Wendy, arc vou fond of dancing? 1 am. I w T en> to the Y.M.C.A. last Wednesday night and did not arrive home until halfpast twelve. I believe “8.8. P. had his photo taken with “S.S. ” at Christmas time. Well, Wendy, ns this is my first letter I will close with heaps of love. —From “BIG BROTHER’S PAL’S ONLY - SWEETHEART,” Wanganui. Welcome to the Wendy Hut, my dear. Yes, do conic in and sit by our lire. I have had to condense your penname because it is too long. It will do, I think, as “Big Brother’s Pal’s Only Sweetheart.” I am. pleased you know quite a number of our band. Yes, dancing is jolly indeed.—Wendy.

D'car Wendy, —l have been very interested in your Hut page. I have noticed the number of new Ites entering your large family every week, and 1 feel ns though I would like to join your band. 100. I attended the Hut picnic at Wendytown last time and I was very well treated, although I was not a member. I would like to g° under the pen-name of “Ken,” if it is not taken. With many thanks and kind wishes. —Yours, “KEN.” Ohin-

gaiti. Welcome to tho Wendy Hut, my dear. I am so pleased to be able to welcome you into our midst. That, picnic of 41 Aunty’s” was indeed wonderful, and I’ve no doubt but that you wore made very welcome. Yes. you may have the pen-name you have asked for. —Wendy.

Dear Wendy,—l would like to join the Wendy Hut. Please, Wendy, can 1 have “Peter Pumpkin-eater” for my pen-name? My mother came to sco me last Saturday and she had to take my brother back because he had to g> to school or she would have stayed for a week. There are two lambs on the big hill and there are a lot down >u Marton. I am living up at Kawhatau with my sister, and she teaches the Kawhatau School. 1 have no more news to tell, so good-byo just now. Love.—From ‘ ‘ PETER PUMPKINEATER, ’ ’ Kawhatau.

Welcome to the Wendy Hut, my dear. 1 am so happy to have you in our merry clan. Yes, you may have the pen-name you have asked for. Are not tho lambs dear, little mites? 1 do love to see them playing in the fields. Oh, so you are staying with your school teacher sister, that is jolly.—Wendy.

Dear Wendy,—Here is an old decrepit body seeking admittance to the Wendy Hut, and hope I am not too old as I am 81. Could I have “Twogun Thomas’ Sweetheart” for my penname? as I think wo would make R dear old couple, I am at present sitting by a roaring fire, with my favourite old bonnet on in my dear old armchair. I have had a very bad attack of rheumatism lately, but am feeling alright now. The Wendy page is read to me every week while I sit back in my old chair. How I do look forward to your pages every week. We all like some little amusement when old age comes creeping on us, as we are not long for this world. It would be very nice to live one’s life over again, but I have no cause to grumjde, as I have had a happy life, not many people at 81 can say that. Won’t “Twogun Thomas” be surprised to know he has a sweetheart? I believe he is a good cook, so who knows perhaps one day I may taste his good cooking. I hope he will invito me along one day. Well, Wendy, as time is getting late I will bring this letter to an end and write when I am feeling at my best.— From “TWO-GUN THQMAS’ SWEETHEART,” Mangaonoho. Welcome to the Wendy Hut, my dear. Why, of course, you are welcome. You may have the pen-name, too. Goodness, yes, but our “Twogun Thomas” will be ever so puzzled indeed. I am pleased you find much to interest you in our pages each week. Now I wonder who could have told you of our He’s culinary accomplishments?—Wendy.

Dear Wendy,—May I become one of your happy band of Ites? I have been a reader of your page for a long time. I would like “Raindrop’s Sweetheart” for my pen-name, if it has not already been claimed. I think it will take “Raindrop” a long time to discover my identity. I know quite a lot of Ites, including “Utiku’s Chief Detective,” “Scribbling Sue.” “Queen Fairy Fire,” and 44 Ave Marie.” Ha! Ha! Now discover me.—l remain, yours sincerely, 4 4 RAINDROP’b SWEETHEART,” Bulls. Welcome to the Wendy Hut, mv| dear. I am so pleased you have found our pages so interesting each week. You may have the pen-name you have asked for. 1 am glad you know quite a number of our clan already.—Wendy.

Deaf Wendy,—l would love to join your merry band of Ites. I would like to have for my pen-name, if I may, “Centavo.” I hope it is not taken. My grandmother always keeps your page from the paper for me, as she knows how interested I am in it; it is great fun trying to guess who some of the Ites are. I can say that “Utiku’s Chief Detective” has puzzled me more than I can tell. Well, Wendy dear, .1 must say good-bye for the timebeing. I hope, that you will accept me in your band.—l am, yours sincerely, “CENTAA’O,” Utiku. Welcome to the Wendy Hut, my dear. How jolly of you to join our ranks. You may have the pen-name you have asked for, too. How kind of your grandmother to save the Hut pages for you. I wonder how long it will be before you discover our 4 4 Utiku’s Chief Detective ’ ’? —Wendy. * * ♦ * •

I Dear Wend/, —I uni seven years old and I am in Primer I. Please may 1 have “Jackie Googan” for my penname? I have a pony named “Sonny Boy” and I ride four miles to school, eight miles a day. I cannot write very well yet, but I will soon get better. My sister is helping me with the spelling. I am tired now, so good-bye. With best love.—From “JACKIE GOOGAN,” Pctangi. Welcome to the. \Vendy Hut, my dear. I am ever so happy to have such a dear little tot like you in our clan. You may have the pen-name. How lucky you are to have a pony. Write again, soon, dear, won’t you? — Wendy.

“SO BE IT!” ACCEDES OUR MERRY “MADAME X” OF WENDYTOWN.

Dear Wendy,—Perhaps it would bo appropriate for me to pen a few lines Io you and yours for this Uttcrland Day. I really believe 1 have stood silent too long while so many lies have bandied my name about anil now want to tack it on to a quilt: it had been in my mind since our project saw light that “Aunty” quilts would sound snug and rather appropriate, but it appears this is not to be. So as you, Wendy, have accepted “Scribo’s” sug-

gestion of “Madex,” so be it, and I thank you both. Thanks are also due to “Another Mystery” for her heait-

uning remarks of our knitting bee, and to the “Sairey Gamps” who acted so splendidly. I agree with “ Happy Harry” who says une can get a lot of joy out of winter, but it is so be-

cause we are comfortable; alas! to tho poor, in need of an “M” quilt and much more, it must be a weary time. Well, dear Leader, I said a “few lines,” and this will have to suffice for to-day. 1 trust you are quite well and happy, my kind regards to you and yours.—Sincerely yours, “MADAME X.” Wendytown.

P.S.—“Minnie Mouse” sends his regards and says he will pen you a few lines shortly.—“M.X.”

How jolly of you to pay us a call this Wendy Day of Letters, dear. Everyone was anxious to sco your cheery smile in our midst again. Yes, 1 have accepted the name our “Scribo” coined, in order to perpetrate in wool, tho honour we, of the Hut, have desired to pay both “Aunty” and yourself for the great part you have played in Make Believe Land. My regards to “Minnie Mouse. ’ ’—Wendv.

“DESERT SONG” LOOKS FORWARD TO MEETING WITH “LADY MOON.”

Dear Wendy,—So you think me a flatterer, Wendy? I may be, but 1 am more convinced now about your good looks, “Private Detective,” and what’s this about you having too many pen-pals, “P.D. ”? Why, 1 bet you haven’t as many, as I? Do you know, Wendy, I go for weeks sometimes without seeing a fresh face, and so that’s why I have so many penpals because their letters and our W’endy Hut page fills the lonely hours 1 often spend. I hope to leave for a week’s holiday in Hawera and am looking forward to meeting our Wendyitc, “Lady Moon” from Patea, for she is going to Hawera for the day while lam there. I did get a surprise when I opened the Hut’s page to find a letter from “Princess Magnolia,” my pal in the small town of Greatford. There was a concert and dunce in the village the other night, so another girl, her brother and I went. Tho concert was very good and 1 liked watching the dancing. Wanganui must be very proud of the Bridges trio, for I. could sit and listen to them all night, I’d pay pounds to hear them again. Well, I must close now as time flies. Best love to you and all my co-Ites.—l remain, your loving Ite, “DESERT SONG/' C.W.K., Wendy ridges. Yes. dear, I've no doubt you find your many pen-pals an ever-flowing source of comfort to you during your hours of leisure. Okoia, I think, already has asked for tho name you suggest for Makirikiri. Perhaps “Wendyridges” would dot Y T ou must tell me about your meeting with our “Lady Moon.” Yes, your nephew may join. Will you ask admission by letter for him, please? The trio are splendid indeed. I’ll ask for the ad-dress.—Wend-sr.

‘ ‘I THINK IT IS A GREAT WAY TO HELP,” SAYS “MISS RANGIWAHIA.”

Dear Wendy and Co-Ites,—Rat! Tat! Lat! Oh, hullo, Wendy aud fellowItes, what a lovely huge fire you have there. May 1 come up close and warm my poor frozen limbs? Ah! I am feeling warmer now, so 1 will move back and let some of the other frozen Ites like me do likewise. Well, Wendy, dear, that will give you a fair idea what the weather is up here in the highlands. I’ve been trying to smile the cold and miserable weather away but alas that won’t work. I’ll keep saying ‘ 4 after the rain comes the sunshine, ” until that really happens. I, like many others, fall in with the suggestion our Ite, “Another Mystery,” puts before us. Wendy, dear, don’t you think it a good suggestion that as “Madame X” and “Aunty” have already suggested any Ito of Ohingaiti knit a square so that they can be made intv quilts. I think it a great way to help relieve the plight of those in need of warm blankets. Would it be even better if any Ite wherever he or she lived, knitted similar squares and forwarded them to you, Wendy, so that as many quilts as possible bo made up, then these quilts could be used in the way “Another Mystery” suggested recently. The other night the O.D.H.S. had its annual school ball, f.nd it certainly turned out a success. I wonder if there were any Ites there from Raetihi, as there were a great many people hailing from that town. I will say good-byo for the week, Wendy, and will pop along next Letterland Day. Your loving Ite—“MISS RANGIWAHIA.” Ohakunc Junction.

Why, of course you may conio in. Here you are, just sit right up here by me. There, I’m sure you will find that seat nice and comfortable. Ugh! but it is chilly. Yes, if every Ite who can sends me a square I'll have them made up into rpiilts to be named after “Madame X.” “Scribo” has suggested “Madex” as a name for the quilts, and I think that name splendid. —Wendy.

SOME “AUNTY” SQUARES FROM DEAR LITTLE “QUEEN OF THE ANGELS.”

Dear Weudy,—l have not written for a long time but you will see I can

write much better than I used to. Mother always reads the Hut pages to us and we do like the chums. We read about the knitted squares and mother has made us some for you and I am sending them in. I hope you will be able to use them. W’e have a pct pig, and we used to feed it out of a bottle, but now it has a dish to drink out of. We will soon have little lambs now, W’endy, as it is nearly spring time. With lots of love.— From “QUEEN OF THE ANGELS,” Wanganui River.

How well you cun write now, dear. You must, have worked very hard to improve so wonderfully. I am so glad you like our pages, that is splendid. I’hp chums do have such fun, don't they? Oh. but those ‘‘Aunty” squares are lovely. Will you please thank mother for her kindness for me. The piggins are funny little fellows, aren't they? Have vou given it a name vet J —Wendv.

“HUT’S PAGE SEEMS POPULAR ROUND WAVERLEY, ’’ SAYS ‘THISTLEDOWN’S SWEETHEART No. 2.” Dear Wendy,—What a popular JLtu the “Private Detective ’' is. How tunny it must be when anyone sees a jouug couple, they take it to be “P.D. and “W.F. ” Anyone would think that they were the only ouea that could walk in couples. No one knows but what it might* have been “T.D.” and I. Hal, Ha! Ha! No fear, not yet. I’ll have to mind what I’m saying, or else “T.D.” will be giving me a box on the ears. Well, Wendy, your page seems popular round about Waverley. Even old men are interested in them. The other Friday about a dozen of us were coining from the stock sale when one chap picked up some sheets of paper off the street. Imagine my surprise when 1 found it was a Wendy page. The fellows started to read a few letters. They all seemed to know “T.D.’’ and read her letter. Then they read “Brown Eyes* ” letter, and then lo and behold! one signed “T.D.B. No. 2.” They laughed and laughed over that letter (me, too), and said that they were going to hunt up “T.D.” in the town. However, 1 got out of it, so I don r t know whether they found her or not. I couldn’t get out of telling them that it was I w’ho was playing a joke, but they said they’d keep it to themselves so that’s alright. My word it was funny. I must away now, but will write again next week. Cheerio. “THISTLEDOWN’S SWEETHEART No. 2,”. Patca.

Yes, dear, our “P.D.” does seem very popular indeed. What fuu there is to be had in our Land of Makebelieve. isn’t there? Oh. poor “Thistledown,” and what a surprise you must have received, too, when our pages were the sudden object of your companions.—Wendy.

WHAT A HAPPY BAND OF ITES!’ EXCLAIMS “JUST JENNY.”

Dear Wendy,—-It’s quite time I wrote to you, don’t you think so? Well, bore I am at last. I’ve just finished writing some letters to a few friends and pen-pals. You’ll soon have 400'J Ites in your Hut, Wendy. What a happy band of Ites! I’ve been for a holiday to Feilding since 1 last wrote. I. was staying with “Simple •Sarah,” Wo had such a wonderful time, too. Mother, daddy and I are going to Wellington for a holiday. They went to Auckland about a month ago, and they had a wonderful time there. My brother, Norman, went with them. By jove, aren’t these cold, frosty mornings a terrible nuisance? I have chilblains on nearly all my fingers and most of my toes. There’s one beastly chilblain Tight on my heel, too. lam knitting a pair of slippers for myself. They’re handy those days, don’t you think so, Wendy? “Star o’ the Desert” is going to start knitting a polo jumper in orange. “White Wattle” docs write interesting letters. I’m fond of receiving letters, but not so fond of answering them, eh, Wendy? Well. I must close now. Love to all in the merry band.—From “JUST JENNY,” Hunterville. I am pleased to have your letter this week, dear. Our number keeps growing week by week, doesn’t it? I wonder who will be our 4000th tie. What a jolly time you must have had when staying with 44 Simple Sarah.” Chilblains are wretched, aren’t they? Knitting is a lovely pastime indeed.—• Wen dr.

“OUT JUMPED THE MOUSE!” EXCLAIMS “QUEEN OF SNOW.’

Dear Wendy,—We have a little kitten now. We call it “Tim.” “Tim” is good at catching mice. One night mother put John’s pyjamas in the hotwatcr cupboard, and in the morning she took the pyjamas out of the cupboard. Stye put them down on the floor and then went outside. When she came in she picked up tho pyjamas and what did she see but a mouse! Shu called out, “Ethel! Ethel! Go and find pussy.” I brought pussy in and mother shook the pyjamas. Out jumped the mouse and pussy chased after it. lu a few seconds pussy caught it. As soon as “Tim” had it he threw it in to the air, then let it run a little way away only to pounce on it until it was dead. Afterwards “Tim” ate it up. One morning pussv caught four mice.—From “QUEEN OF SNOW,” Westmere.

How lovely to have such a dear little kitten for a pet, and what a splendid mouser it must be, too. But, oh! poor little mouse! I hope you are keeping well, dear. Isn’t Jack Frost a scamp these mornings?

“I DO WISH I LIVED IN WANGANUI,” SAYS “SEA SPRITE,” Dear Wendy,—Just a few lines to let you know I am still in the land ol the living. I am chief cook and bot-tle-washer at present, as mother is ill in bed. I have two invalids on my hands at present, as “Our Miss Christchurch” is in bed with a severe cold.

“Just Jennifer” is shop assistant in my place lor the time being. 1 haven’t managed to poison anybody yet with my cooking. I wish I had known “Daphne Queen” was in Christchurch, Wendy, as 1 have a parcel for “Valentino La Nina” in which are breakables. Could you give mo “V.L.N.’s” new name and address, please, Wendy? The talkie “Ben Hur” was here recently and there was a competition for school children. They had to writo an essay on the pictures, so “Princess Winsome” entered for it and gained the second prize of 7s 6d. As she was competing against secondary school girls I think she did rather well. 1 do wish I lived in Wanganui, Wendy. I wrote to “Wood Violet” the other day. She must have kiven me up as hopeless. I’m afraid this is rather a mediocre letter, Wendy, but I’m not feeling very brilliant. I’m afraid I’ll be the next one for Sick Bay. Well, la ta for now. Best wishes.—From 4 4 SEA SPRITE,” Christchurch.

Oh, dear, but I do hope mother ik now quite well again. How wretched it is to be ill, isn’t it? Never mind, mother will not worry with you at the helm, will she? Now, already we have had a prize offered for just such a competition as you suggest. Wo are to have an election at the end of tho year, and a pair of silver candlesticks, known as “The Emperor’s Candlesticks” are to be awarded the most popular writer. If you would suggest another competition, 1 would be ever so pleased to publish same, I will ask

“V.L.N. ” to send you tho address. Bravo! for “Princess Winsome.” Yes. 1 ’ve heard the record. Perhaps som«' day you will have your wish granted you. - -Wendy.

“WE STAMPED AND BDEW TRYING TO WARM OUR FROZEN FINGERS AND TOES,” SAYS “MARAMAITE” Dear Wendy,—ller© we are again! How’s the world been treating you? My! Wendy, you should have seen the fogs we’ve been having these last, few days. It was extremely cold this morning, and everyone was remarking about it. The hills stood dimly out from a sea of mist. The trees were only dimly discernible, having weird, wonderful, and fantastically spooky shapes. All tho bare willow and poplar threes were covered with frost, with spiky fairy pieces hanging from the twigs. It was an exquisite scene of wintry beauty. The temperature in our school-room was 29 degrees F., but. as there arc only eleven children, we sat. around a huge, blazing fire doing our work. We had hot drinks at play-time, as well as during the lunch hour. The frost froze everything, including us humans. The fog didn’t rise till I p.m., so you can imagine what it was liko, We stamped and blew, trying to warm our frozen fingers and toes, but all in vain! Thanks “Another Mystery,’* for your complimentary remarks about my stories. I received quite a surprise on reading your letter. I see “Sweet Sixteen” had a letter in. Thanks. Wendy, for forwarding her letter to me. “ Aunty squares! ’’ What a spiffing idea. Are you going to call them that? When mv brother camo over, a whiles ago, my sister, two brothers and I. wont out shooting. Oh Wendy, wo did have some fun, climbing over hills, through manuka, through mud, and over hedges etc. Wo didn’t stay long, only two hours, but wo shot four rabbits. We went in a ear up the most awful road imaginable. Talk about “The Rwky Road to Dublin!” As I sat on my sister’s knee I received numerous whacks, and have bumps galore on my head! We had great fun, and, I think, scared all the bunnies away. It was a real freezing day, but after tramping over the hills for a couple of hours, we became “boiling hot.” Have you ever been out, on this sport! Well, Wendy. I must now say cheerio. Love to all.—yours, “MARAMAITE.” Kaitawa. Eketahuna. Row lucky you are to have such a lovely fire to sit by while nt your studies. We have had some very heavy frosts here, two. It looked very like as though it had been snowing, so white was everything. Yes, the squares are to be called “Aunty” squares and the quilts that, they are made into will be know! as “Madox” quilts. Oh, yes, I have often tramped over the countryside; it is good fun. Because “Marama” is already in use. I gave you “Maramaite*” for vour penname. dear.—Wendy.

“I WOULD LIKE TO BE AN ALL BLACK,” SATS ‘‘SnTABCHY.’’

Dear Wendy,—l have made up mv mind it is nearly time J wrote to you. Thank you for the birthday greetincs you sent me. I received a knife, a torch and a game of snakes and ladders. I didn’t go to school on Friday because I had a cold. To-day it was very fine and daddy wanted to take us for a drive in tho car, but wo didn’t go because my sister had a cold. It isn’t very nieo going to school those cold mornings. I have to ride seven and ahalf miles to school and I don’t like tt a bit. I am writing this letter beside a warm fire. I was pleased when I heard that tho All Blacks had won tho test. I would like to be an All Black. The winter will soon be past, and we will have spring with us. I like the spring time. I know a good many of the Rata Ites. I have not seen a letter from one of them for a long time. I saw “Daddy’s Little Man” last Saturday. I juet started to dig my garden yesterday. We will need to get another page soon. I like doing cross-word puzzles. My little sister will soon be joining. I am always asking my big brother to join, but ho won’t. I suppose he will join, but he won't tell ma and I will be asking him to join when ho is already an Ite. I am in Standard IV, this year. I always make a rush for tho Wendy Hut page when it comes. I will close now. Love to you, Wendv.— From “BINARCHY,” Kata.

Oh, but how lucky you were on your birthday. You must have spent a won derful time. Gracious, but what a long ride you have to attend school. Some day perhaps you may bo selected to wear tho All Black jersey and win fame for your country. It would be a won derful and prouj moment for me should that ever happen. Yes, perhaps even now your big brother may bo one of us. I would love him to join, though, if he isn’t an Ite.—Wondy.

••I THOUGHT I WAS FORGOTTEN LONQ AGO,’’ SAYS LONG, LONG LOST “RAMOLO.” Dear Wendy,—On Beelag my name on the birthday greeting list 1 decided at once to write and thunk you; i it was sweet of you to remember this long-lost Ite. 1 thought 1 was forgotten long ago, and indeed 1 certainly deserve to have been. Before I. go B.V further. Wendy, 1 want to ask ix * may change my pen-name to “Kaput Chela”; may I? Everyone knows myoid one, and—l’m bashful! Taihape i* very quiet just now as, I suppose, at* I most other towns, though there are no > lack of dances, private parties and the i various other forms of evening enter* taiument. Of late I hav o been dilig- • ently pursuing the maidenly arts of knitting and hewing and have dope I what might be considered quite a iw ; for me. Then, too, I have been dabbling in that far more difficult labour which requires pencil and brushwork. I can draw passably well and have a. fairly good eye for proportion, perspective and colour schemes, but putting them together is where I fall down. That’s Irish! I have left school and am not studying for anything this year, though I had intentions earlier tn the year of completing Training Col. Entrance Exam, and taking my first | two subject* for degree. I’m afraid I’m incurably lazy. Besides I don’t suppose there is any chanco of getting into Training Col. next year, though 1 intend to give it a M go’’; also appointments as probationers are likely to bo scarce in 1933, as they were in 1932. Well, Wendy, I will leave you aH now, but will write again next week. Much love from your remorse* f ul—‘ ‘ ROMOLA,' ’ Wendyhaven. Gracious, dear, but surely this is a miracle. I had long ago given you up as completely loot. I am so pleased tto have you with us this merry day of Make-believe. I am awfully sorry, dear, but I am unable to change your pen-name; I hope you do not mind. Knitting is a lovely pastime, isn’t itl . Perhaps you may be luckyf I would try for entrance if I were you, dear. — Wendv.

“WHAT A DOT OF ITES WE HAVB IN THE HUT NOW." SAYS LONG LOST “GLADYS MOHCRIEFF.”

Dear Wendy,—Here is your long-lost Ite returning to your happy band onee again. I hope you will forgive mo for not writing before this, but I haven’t much time to writo, as I have to do mv school work at home. What lovely weather we are having out here. It'g just like a summer’s day. I see in the birthday list, “Piki-a-rero,” Mangaweka. Well, “Piki-a-rero,” I know vour surname. “Green Linnet” and “Merry Mayflower,” you two have me pursled trying to fi d out who you are. What a lot of Ites we have in the Hut now. I love reading the Maori Ites’ letters, also 44 Madcap’s” and the “Private Detective’s.” I shall close this letter now, hoping you and all the Ites are in perfect health.— From 4 4 GLADYS MONCRIEFF.” Makirikiri.

Forgive you? Why. of course I will dear. I am ever so pleased to hare you back with us after such a long ab sence. Yes, we have a huge band now, haven’t we? Such interesting letters our Ites write, too.—Wendy.

"SCRIBO” AMUSED BY BLAND WOKS OF "THE YOUNG PRETENDER." Dear Wendy,— Just a short note thif Make-believe Day. I have enclosed the words of the song "Sally j n Out Alley,” which "Bon to” asks for, and wish I could hear our Ite sing it. I have been getting a good deal of amusement out of the bland looks with which "The Young Pretender'* has been greeting me lately, apparently secure in his hidden identity. He should warn his assistant who addressed to ma the envelope in which I received the demand for that •‘saxpence,” to more effectively disguise the handwriting next time anything of the kind is attempted. Also, doesn’t Be really know yet where he lives! ao more for now.—Yours in haste, "SCRIBO,” Wendytown. P S.—l hope "Bonxo” does not get. a sort throat.

Many thanks for the words of th* song “Bonzo” has asked for. I, too, echo your hope that she does not get a sort throat. Oh, so “The Young Pretenner’ has made a bid to annex thatj ••saxpence,” has het Glad his attempt failed.—Wendy.

“I GROW VERY SHAKY .AKD NERVOUS,’’ SAYS “OUR SISTER.”

Dear Wendy,—Here I am again after my long holiday from the Land of ! Make-believe. Why 1 am writing this week is because I am becoming afraid of the “ P.D. ■” as I see him near! v ovory week, and every time he asks m< if I have written to you, and. of course, 1 grow very shaky and nervous. T don ’» know whether ho’ notices it or not. hut I hope not all the same. I have not mot any other Ite in th-a tovn of Mangaweka besides him, and so rtr us I know no other Wendyitc knows mo, but, .till, I had better not talk, had I? They might get hot on my trail, mightn t they) I am leaving here soox but when I do not know, as my brother-in-law Is going for a holiday. Noir then, “Hopeful Hector,” I wonder 4 I shall ever meet you when I gw t< Mangaonoho t T hope Ido as you mighl i find me waiting with a lovely plate oi I bones for yon, »o show yonrself to ml some times, won’t you) What sort el bones do you like. “H.H..” beef, mat ton, pork, or .Tost let m« know, and I will keep a good supply i« for you, dear Ite. Well, Wendy, I must get off to bed now. Cheerio. Lore to all.—From “OUR SISTER.” Wendvville. |

How jolly of you, dear, lo poy os A if call this merry day of Make-believe. I began to think some of the “Kelly” gang had run off with you. Now, t really wouldn’t be so afraid of our “P.D.” if I were you. you know h. just looks much fiercer than he is. Whs a wonderful thought for onr pea “Hopeful Hector ” —Weadv